Universal Music Greater China has signed a strategic partnership with Mandarin-language music superstar Jay Chou and his record label JVR Music.
The agreement secures global marketing and distribution rights for Chou’s extensive music catalogue and for future projects. It also supports rising talent from his label, including artists Patrick Brasca and Young (aka Cao Yang) through JVR.
Nicknamed the ‘King of Mandopop’ Chou has a two decade career that spans 15 studio albums, eight world tours and 378 concerts in Asia, America, Europe, and Australia. His 2022 release, “Greatest Works of Art,” made him the first Mandarin artist to break into the top 10 of the IFPI Global Artist Chart and also the first to top the IFPI Global Album Sales Chart. Chou is also a significant songwriter, who has composed and produced all his songs, many in collaboration with esteemed lyricist Vincent Fang.
Since 2013, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has been the global publisher for Chou and JVR, managing their entire song catalog. The expanded global strategic agreement with UMGC is described as making the company a “holistic global partner.”
“This partnership is more than a milestone for us. It’s a celebration of Jay’s extraordinary artistry and global appeal. We are deeply honored to be entrusted with his musical legacy and are eager to help showcase his remarkable talent to a broader global audience,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China.
“This marks a new chapter for Jay and JVR towards our vision of elevating Mandarin pop music globally,” said JVR co-founder JR Yang. “Leveraging UMG’s extensive global network enables us to amplify Jay’s artistic impact and the diversity of our artist roster on a global scale.
Chou also has a significant film career. He directed 2007 film “Secret,” and subsequently appeared as an actor in Hollywood title “The Green Hornet” and “Now You See Me 2.”
In recent years, Chou has developed his interest in contemporary fine art into another strand of his business empire. He has collaborated with auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s as a curator.