Tag Archives: Universal Music Group

Bravado and Warner Bros. Consumer Products line up expansive UK licensing partnership

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Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Bravado – the merchandise and brand management division of Universal Music Group – have detailed a new partnership across some of the biggest titles of the Studio’s 2021 and 2022 slate, as well as over 100 iconic movies and heritage brands.

A first of its kind partnership between the two industry giants, the agreement recognises Bravado as a key UK licensee, covering adult apparel for iconic film and entertainment brands including Space Jam, Mortal Kombat, and The Matrix, as well as franchises within the DC universe, including Aquaman, Batman, Black Adam, and Justice League.

The first lines of merchandise will hit UK retail, online and in-store, beginning Summer 2021.

‘Having developed an impressive and extensive roster of entertainment-based licenses, the Warner Bros. Consumer Products partnership reaffirms Bravado’s position as the go to licensing management company for global brands that cross into music, film, TV and sport,’ read a statement from the firm.

‘With its extensive range of partners and licenses, Bravado’s scope compliments Warner Bros.’s vast portfolio of multigenerational titles, delivering a breadth of opportunity in the retail space.’

Keith Taperell, vice president, retail and sales, Bravado UK, said: “We’re extremely excited about the creative possibilities this partnership carries. The huge offering and diversity of titles, iconic brands and the multi-generational fanbases that accompany them, delivers real scope from design stage to retail placement. We’re very much looking forward to working with the team at Warner Bros. on making this collaboration as far reaching as possible.”

The multi-collection partnership will service a broad range of partners across all areas of retail including a series of fashion led capsule collections. Product will be live across UK retail stores and eCommerce from Summer 2021.

Universal Music and Gameloft launch first Queen mobile game Queen: Rock Tour

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The iconic rock group, Queen, is making its mobile gaming debut with the launch of Queen: Rock Tour, an official game for Android and iOS devices delivered to coincide with the band’s celebration of 50 years since its recruitment of John Deacon this year. Well, any reason for a party…

2021 was planned to be the year of the Queen Golden Jubilee, with a massive 29-date European stadium and arena tour for the band to share its milestone year with the fans. However, with live music still in lockdown and the tour shelved until 2022, the rock group was forced into rethinking its celebratory strategy.

Queen: Rock Tour gives players a chance to experience the might of the Queen experience on their phones supported by extensive attention to detail contributed by the official Queen archives and experts. User can hit the stage and perform with the entire band as they unleash their music talents to play thrilling guitar riffs, heart-pounding drum solos and more.

“Be a Lockdown Rock Star! No turning back!” said Queen’s Brian May on the game launch.

The game allows users to immerse themselves into the world of Queen – progress and score points by playing along to 20 of their most popular hits including: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free and We Are The Champions, whilst performing at 10 historic concert venues from around the world.

Players can then style their performances with over 40 official costumes from the band’s history and help unlock fun trivia facts and exclusive images from the official Queen archives, by scoring highly in the game.

Queen: Rock Tour was created in association with Universal Music Group, Hollywood Records and developed by Gameloft for brands, leader in the creation of gaming experiences for brands.

Cedric Ratajczak, creative director at Gameloft for brands, said: “Our ambition was to push the boundaries of music and gaming with a fun and rewarding experience that would put players in Queen shoes at pivotal points in their career and make them perform in real-time Queen’s live music unlike ever before.

“The creative challenge was to modernize the traditional rhythm-game genre with innovative and mobile-friendly twists inheriting from hyper-casual gaming, and with a unique and happy visual style that offers a timeless look to the band, appealing to the new generation of players.

“We devoted enormous attention to the details of Queen’s history, authenticity and artistry to craft a fitting tribute to one of the most significant bands in rock history and aim at setting new standards for how band-focused music games could be executed on mobile today.”

Andrew Kronfeld, executive vice president, marketing at Universal Music Group, added: “Today, Queen are globally recognized as one of the most iconic and important bands in history. Decades after their first live shows together and following on from the huge worldwide box office success of the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic, their popularity continues to grow every year.

“We hope the launch of Rock Tour will introduce their inimitable rock legacy and catalogue to a new generation of fans, through this unique new gaming experience.”

Universal Music and Gameloft launch first Queen mobile game Queen: Rock Tour

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The iconic rock group, Queen, is making its mobile gaming debut with the launch of Queen: Rock Tour, an official game for Android and iOS devices delivered to coincide with the band’s celebration of 50 years since its recruitment of John Deacon this year. Well, any reason for a party…

2021 was planned to be the year of the Queen Golden Jubilee, with a massive 29-date European stadium and arena tour for the band to share its milestone year with the fans. However, with live music still in lockdown and the tour shelved until 2022, the rock group was forced into rethinking its celebratory strategy.

Queen: Rock Tour gives players a chance to experience the might of the Queen experience on their phones supported by extensive attention to detail contributed by the official Queen archives and experts. User can hit the stage and perform with the entire band as they unleash their music talents to play thrilling guitar riffs, heart-pounding drum solos and more.

“Be a Lockdown Rock Star! No turning back!” said Queen’s Brian May on the game launch.

The game allows users to immerse themselves into the world of Queen – progress and score points by playing along to 20 of their most popular hits including: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free and We Are The Champions, whilst performing at 10 historic concert venues from around the world.

Players can then style their performances with over 40 official costumes from the band’s history and help unlock fun trivia facts and exclusive images from the official Queen archives, by scoring highly in the game.

Queen: Rock Tour was created in association with Universal Music Group, Hollywood Records and developed by Gameloft for brands, leader in the creation of gaming experiences for brands.

Cedric Ratajczak, creative director at Gameloft for brands, said: “Our ambition was to push the boundaries of music and gaming with a fun and rewarding experience that would put players in Queen shoes at pivotal points in their career and make them perform in real-time Queen’s live music unlike ever before.

“The creative challenge was to modernize the traditional rhythm-game genre with innovative and mobile-friendly twists inheriting from hyper-casual gaming, and with a unique and happy visual style that offers a timeless look to the band, appealing to the new generation of players.

“We devoted enormous attention to the details of Queen’s history, authenticity and artistry to craft a fitting tribute to one of the most significant bands in rock history and aim at setting new standards for how band-focused music games could be executed on mobile today.”

Andrew Kronfeld, executive vice president, marketing at Universal Music Group, added: “Today, Queen are globally recognized as one of the most iconic and important bands in history. Decades after their first live shows together and following on from the huge worldwide box office success of the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic, their popularity continues to grow every year.

“We hope the launch of Rock Tour will introduce their inimitable rock legacy and catalogue to a new generation of fans, through this unique new gaming experience.”

Universal Music Group signs LEGO Minifigure L.L.A.M.A to its Astralwerks label

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Universal Music Group and the LEGO Group have achieved a world’s first with the signing of L.L.A.M.A  – a LEGO Minifigure DJ and producer –  to the studio’s record label, Astralwerks.

L.L.A.M.A is not only the first LEGO Minifigure to have signed a deal with a record label, but is also the first artist to release a song via LEGO’s newest physical-digital play hybrid platform, LEGO Vidiyo, a new system that allows kids to direct, produce, and star in their own music videos.

L.L.A.M.A has made his debut with the new single, Shake, a release featuring the three-time Grammy winner Ne-Yo, and newcomer Carmen DeLeon – who recently released the hit single Juegas. The single Shake is now available on the LEGO Vidiyo app and at all DSPs.

The official video for Shake premiered this week and features L.L.A.M.A, Ne-Yo, and Carmen DeLeon in a clip directed by Will Kindrick, known for his work with Ice Cube, Brian Wilson, and She & Him. The new video can be seen HERE.

LEGO Vidiyo is the product of a groundbreaking new collaboration between LEGO and Universal Music Group, who, through the partnership, has offered up a library of tracks created by artists on its label for use in the app. In addition to creating and sharing their own augmented reality experiences with L.L.A.M.A, kids and fans the world over will also find L.L.A.M.A as a minifigure in the DJ Llama BEatBox.

Shake was produced by BTS hitmaker David Stewart, who co-wrote the track with Grammy Award winning artist/songwriter Ryan Tedder.

“I met Ryan at a party. He was the only one who could keep up with me on the dance floor,” recalls L.L.A.M.A. “A few days later, he turned up at my place and we just clicked. By sunset, Shake was born, and it was beautiful. It’s fun. It’s energetic. It makes you want to move.”

Ne-Yo said: “L.L.A.M.A is an artist we need right now. Bringing some uplifting, positive music to people during what has been a hard year for so many is something I am happy to be a part of.”

Carmen DeLeon added: “I was so excited when I was asked to be part of Shake alongside Ne-Yo and L.L.A.M.A. My life revolves around creativity and dreaming big and this collaboration with the LEGO Group is a fulfillment of that.

“I hope this song and the fun music video that we shot inspires kids to always follow their dreams and think outside of the box.”

L.L.A.M.A, whose name is an acronym for Love, Laughter And Music Always, is a global citizen. Originally from the Andean region of South America, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of making music that makes people happy.

On signing with Astralwerks L.L.A.M.A said: “It feels incredible to be on such a legendary label. I’m constantly inspired by all of the artists on its roster. If I can make at least one person happy then my mission here is complete. The world needs a lift, and I’m up for being a part of that.”

LEGO and Universal Music Group unveil first product line-up for LEGO VIDIYO

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The LEGO Group has today unveiled the first range of products to arrive from its new LEGO Vidiyo platform, a collaboration with Universal Music Group that will enable kids to create their own music videos using LEGO Minifgures, new LEGO kits, and augmented reality technology.

Teased last month, LEGO Vidiyo brings digital and physical play together through the use of a series of BeatBoxes, Bandmatesm and BeatBits that, through the use of AR tech, come to life in a new app, available to download now www.LEGO.com/VIDIYO-DeviceCheck.

Inspired by an array of musical genres and musicians, the LEGO Vidiyo world offers a new product experience for families and LEGO fans, allowing them to play, create and produce their own music videos.

The first LEGO Vidiyo product drop consists of BeatBoxes, Bandmates, and BeatBits. Fans will discover six unique portable BeatBoxes that each hold a minifigure representing a specific music genre, a scanning stage, two special BeatBits, and 14 random BeatBits.

These BeatBoxes can transport up to 16 BeatBits and have a building plate that can be customised with a selection of LEGO tiles to suit the style of its owner.

The first wave of products also features 12 Bandmates, each of which comes with one special BEatBit and two random BeatBits. BEatBits are a creative system of audio-visual effects that can be combined in the app and in real life, printed like album covers on 2×2 tiles. Each represents a music effect, character dance move, or scene prob that come to life in the Vidiyo app.

BeatBits, like instruments, are played live during the performance. There will be 130 BeatBits launching in the first year.

The six BeatBoxes and 12 Bandmate characters introduced today are:

  • 43102 ‘Candy Pop’ in the Candy Mermaid BeatBox (Pop)
  • 43103 ‘Pirate Punk’ in the Punk Pirate Beatbox (Punk)
  • 43104 ‘Alien DJ’ in the Extra Terrestrial Dance Music BeatBox (ETDM)
  • 43105 ‘Party Llama’ in the Party Llama BeatBox (Tropicon)
  • 43106 ‘Unicorn DJ’ in the Unicorn DJ BeatBox (K-pawp)
  • 43107 ‘Robot Break-dancer’ in the HipHop Robot BeatBox (HipHop)
  • 43101 Bandmates: Red Panda Dancer; Cotton Candy Cheerleader; Shark Singer; Bunny Dancer; Discowboy Singer; Genie Dancer; Samurapper; DJ Cheetah; Ice Cream Saxophonist; Alien Keytarist; Banshee Singer; Werewolf Drummer

LEGO VIDIYO products will be available from March 1st and are the first of many to come, states LEGO. BeatBoxes are priced at £17.99 with the Collectible Bandmates priced at £3.99.

There will be around 30 songs from UMG’s unrivalled global artists, including chart toppers and ultimate classics, all available on the app from launch, with new tracks added frequently. Each song has been programmed to work intuitively with all the BeatBits to ensure they link in harmony, including special music effects that match the beat of the track giving children an incredible level of creative audio customisation.

As part of the Vidiyo app experience children can create their own bands for performances – select clothing, band names, and album covers. By taking part in regularly updated in-app challenges and scanning in products, points are earned which can be used to unlock additional customisation options such as costumes, accessories, choreography and stage layouts.

In addition to the initial launch, Universal Music Group label, Astralwerks has also signed a new artist – a live action human version of the DJ LLama minifigure from the Tropicon BeatBox who goes by the titles L.L.A.M.A.

Refusing to be attached to any one genre, L.L.A.M.A. aims to harness free-spiritedness to inspire curiosity.

VP marketing, Luke Armitage, Astralwerks, said: “It’s an honour to sign the first ever llama and LEGO minifigure to a global record deal. When L.L.A.M.A first played us the early demo of ‘Shake’, we all knew we wanted to work with him. The LEGO Group’s partnership with UMG completely aligns with our mission to surround the electronic music space with innovation.”

Fans can stay tuned to L.L.A.M.A and his plans via his social media channels @musicbyllama.

William Thorogood, VP and executive producer of LEGO Vidiyo, the LEGO Group, said: “Play and music are both universally appealing and have a fundamental impact on the development of children.

“With LEGO VIDIYO we can now provide a kid-safe space for children to express their playful creativity through music video making to develop these new skills.”

“The partnership with UMG brings with it innovation on so many levels, from an exciting new music centred product and app experience to ground-breaking ways of engaging fans with the signing of L.L.A.M.A. LEGO VIDIYO has been tested with over 1,500 families across North America, Europe and Asia and the response we have seen has been incredible, with children and parents all excited to be able to bring LEGO minifigures to life in their very own unique, creative Music Videos. Now that LEGO VIDIYO is out in the wild, I’m so excited to see what the young creators of today have in store.”

Joshua Burke, VP, strategic marketing and global partnerships, Universal Music Group, added: “It’s an exciting day for LEGO VIDIYO, finally revealing the full experience and topping it with the first ever record deal for a LEGO minifigure.

“Music goes hand in hand with creativity and plays a role in a child’s development, all these new products, BeatBits and characters will inspire young people as they discover music, artists and new sounds from around the globe. While expanding their creative and technical skills and having fun – children will be learning, experimenting and expressing themselves in their very own music videos.”

LEGO Vidiyo is aimed at children aged seven to ten and provides a safe universe where they can traverse the worlds of physical and digital play. As LEGO Vidiyo requires verified parental consent – along with anonymity – and with external moderation of all content uploaded to the App feed, parents can be reassured their child is unleashing their creativity while staying safe online.

LEGO and Universal Music Group unveil first product line-up for LEGO VIDIYO

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The LEGO Group has today unveiled the first range of products to arrive from its new LEGO Vidiyo platform, a collaboration with Universal Music Group that will enable kids to create their own music videos using LEGO Minifgures, new LEGO kits, and augmented reality technology.

Teased last month, LEGO Vidiyo brings digital and physical play together through the use of a series of BeatBoxes, Bandmatesm and BeatBits that, through the use of AR tech, come to life in a new app, available to download now www.LEGO.com/VIDIYO-DeviceCheck.

Inspired by an array of musical genres and musicians, the LEGO Vidiyo world offers a new product experience for families and LEGO fans, allowing them to play, create and produce their own music videos.

The first LEGO Vidiyo product drop consists of BeatBoxes, Bandmates, and BeatBits. Fans will discover six unique portable BeatBoxes that each hold a minifigure representing a specific music genre, a scanning stage, two special BeatBits, and 14 random BeatBits.

These BeatBoxes can transport up to 16 BeatBits and have a building plate that can be customised with a selection of LEGO tiles to suit the style of its owner.

The first wave of products also features 12 Bandmates, each of which comes with one special BEatBit and two random BeatBits. BEatBits are a creative system of audio-visual effects that can be combined in the app and in real life, printed like album covers on 2×2 tiles. Each represents a music effect, character dance move, or scene prob that come to life in the Vidiyo app.

BeatBits, like instruments, are played live during the performance. There will be 130 BeatBits launching in the first year.

The six BeatBoxes and 12 Bandmate characters introduced today are:

  • 43102 ‘Candy Pop’ in the Candy Mermaid BeatBox (Pop)
  • 43103 ‘Pirate Punk’ in the Punk Pirate Beatbox (Punk)
  • 43104 ‘Alien DJ’ in the Extra Terrestrial Dance Music BeatBox (ETDM)
  • 43105 ‘Party Llama’ in the Party Llama BeatBox (Tropicon)
  • 43106 ‘Unicorn DJ’ in the Unicorn DJ BeatBox (K-pawp)
  • 43107 ‘Robot Break-dancer’ in the HipHop Robot BeatBox (HipHop)
  • 43101 Bandmates: Red Panda Dancer; Cotton Candy Cheerleader; Shark Singer; Bunny Dancer; Discowboy Singer; Genie Dancer; Samurapper; DJ Cheetah; Ice Cream Saxophonist; Alien Keytarist; Banshee Singer; Werewolf Drummer

LEGO VIDIYO products will be available from March 1st and are the first of many to come, states LEGO. BeatBoxes are priced at £17.99 with the Collectible Bandmates priced at £3.99.

There will be around 30 songs from UMG’s unrivalled global artists, including chart toppers and ultimate classics, all available on the app from launch, with new tracks added frequently. Each song has been programmed to work intuitively with all the BeatBits to ensure they link in harmony, including special music effects that match the beat of the track giving children an incredible level of creative audio customisation.

As part of the Vidiyo app experience children can create their own bands for performances – select clothing, band names, and album covers. By taking part in regularly updated in-app challenges and scanning in products, points are earned which can be used to unlock additional customisation options such as costumes, accessories, choreography and stage layouts.

In addition to the initial launch, Universal Music Group label, Astralwerks has also signed a new artist – a live action human version of the DJ LLama minifigure from the Tropicon BeatBox who goes by the titles L.L.A.M.A.

Refusing to be attached to any one genre, L.L.A.M.A. aims to harness free-spiritedness to inspire curiosity.

VP marketing, Luke Armitage, Astralwerks, said: “It’s an honour to sign the first ever llama and LEGO minifigure to a global record deal. When L.L.A.M.A first played us the early demo of ‘Shake’, we all knew we wanted to work with him. The LEGO Group’s partnership with UMG completely aligns with our mission to surround the electronic music space with innovation.”

Fans can stay tuned to L.L.A.M.A and his plans via his social media channels @musicbyllama.

William Thorogood, VP and executive producer of LEGO Vidiyo, the LEGO Group, said: “Play and music are both universally appealing and have a fundamental impact on the development of children.

“With LEGO VIDIYO we can now provide a kid-safe space for children to express their playful creativity through music video making to develop these new skills.”

“The partnership with UMG brings with it innovation on so many levels, from an exciting new music centred product and app experience to ground-breaking ways of engaging fans with the signing of L.L.A.M.A. LEGO VIDIYO has been tested with over 1,500 families across North America, Europe and Asia and the response we have seen has been incredible, with children and parents all excited to be able to bring LEGO minifigures to life in their very own unique, creative Music Videos. Now that LEGO VIDIYO is out in the wild, I’m so excited to see what the young creators of today have in store.”

Joshua Burke, VP, strategic marketing and global partnerships, Universal Music Group, added: “It’s an exciting day for LEGO VIDIYO, finally revealing the full experience and topping it with the first ever record deal for a LEGO minifigure.

“Music goes hand in hand with creativity and plays a role in a child’s development, all these new products, BeatBits and characters will inspire young people as they discover music, artists and new sounds from around the globe. While expanding their creative and technical skills and having fun – children will be learning, experimenting and expressing themselves in their very own music videos.”

LEGO Vidiyo is aimed at children aged seven to ten and provides a safe universe where they can traverse the worlds of physical and digital play. As LEGO Vidiyo requires verified parental consent – along with anonymity – and with external moderation of all content uploaded to the App feed, parents can be reassured their child is unleashing their creativity while staying safe online.

Pokémon and Post Malone to host virtual music concert as part of the brand’s 25th anniversary celebrations

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Pokémon has unveiled plans for a virtual music concert celebrating its 25th anniversary with the help of the headline act and Pokémon fan, Post Malone.

Taking place on February 27th – or Pokémon Day to the real fans – the event will take the form of an online party for all fans of music and Pokémon around the world. The virtual music concert will serve as the launch activation for the franchise’s year-long P25 Music programme – an initiative that has seen Pokémon team up with Universal Music Group to bring a host of music surprises to 2021.

As part of the P25 Music programme, Pokémon revealed last month that Katy Perry had been secured as its premier artist.

“I’ve been a Pokémon fan for a long time, so the opportunity to headline the Pokémon Day concert celebrating 25 years is awesome,” said Post Malone.

The concert will be free to view on the official Pokémon YouTube channel, Pokémon’s official Twitch channel, and on Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST / 4:00 p.m. PST on February 27 (0:00 a.m. GMT on February 28) .

Pokémon will unveil more P25 Music details at the end of the concert, so fans will want to tune in for more upcoming collaboration surprises.

The pop-culture brand broke the news with help from headliner and Pokémon fan Post Malone in the video below.

https://youtu.be/Cdn_Fvug-hI

 

In anticipation of the concert, The Pokémon Company International will host several celebratory activations across the brand in the week leading up to the virtual music event. In addition to the previously announced Pokémon GO Tour: Kanto event on Saturday, February 20, The Pokémon Company International will distribute a special password on February 25 for players of the Pokémon video game franchise to add a special Pikachu to their Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games.

In keeping with the music theme for the year, this Pikachu knows the move Sing, which it can’t ordinarily learn. On February 27, fans can tune in to Pokémon TV, either on the web or by downloading the app, for a curated selection of music-themed episodes of the popular Pokémon animated series as they prepare for the big Pokémon Day concert with Post Malone in the evening. Fans can expect more announcements that week from across the franchise.

LEGO teams with Universal Music Group to launch creative music franchise LEGO Vidiyo

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The LEGO Group has teamed up with Universal Music Group to unveil LEGO Vidiyo, an innovative music video maker experience that celebrates children’s creativity and passion for music.

Through LEGO Vidiyo, kids can direct, produce, star in, and share their own music videos, using chart-topping tracks from Universal Music’s wealth of global artists.

Aimed at kids aged seven to ten, LEGO Vidiyo aims to provide a safe universe where they can explore physical and digital play by letting them experiment with play and music. LEGO states that the platform combines new technology with the LEGO System in Play, to help kids discover music, express themselves, and do so with anonymity that keeps them safe online as they upload their content to the accompanying App feed.

Accessed through a mash-up of LEGO elements, minifigures, music, augmented reality, and a new app, LEGO Vidiyo features endless combinations of editing options that are unlocked through new special effect ‘BeatBits.’

Kids can choose one of the man songs in the App from a variety of established artists. They can then create their own band form a collection of physical minifigures which can be customised and brought to life in different scales through AR tech n the Vidiyo app. Using ‘BeatBits’ – decorated 2×2 square LEGO elements that unlock special features when scanned – users can then line-up an array of special effects. This element allows them to control everything from video and music styles, to scene effects.

LEGO Vidiyo music videos can be set anywhere, and kids can set their stage by scanning their surroundings. Then, by hitting the selected BeatBits in the app, children can take creative control of their music video production, creating dance moves and audio effects in a 60 second performance. These performances can even be trimmed down to five, ten, 15, or 20 seconds clips for sharing with friends.

Finally, once the content has passed moderation, these clips can then be uploaded to the App feed.

LEGO underlines that any content featuring personally-identifiable information, such as children starring in the video, will not be approved for the App feed upload, but can be stored locally in-app, so friends and family can enjoy the content.

New music, challenges, and inspirational content will be added regularly to the App to keep gameplay fresh and encourage children to continue developing their creative skills. The challenges are designed to help young creators transform their videos from simple performances to exciting and dynamic productions, while ensuring they take full advantage of the wide range of features LEGO VIDIYO has to offer through new unique BeatBits.

“We want to feed the imagination of the next generation of creatives, providing a new canvas for kids to creatively express themselves,” said Julia Goldin, chief marketing officer, the LEGO Group.

“Research shows over three quarters (79 per cent) of parents globally wish their children had more creative confidence, so we’re launching LEGO Vidiyo to help make that happen. We know children are always chasing new ways to experiment creatively, and LEGO Vidiyo is here to help all kids with a passion for music unleash their creativity through LEGO building and music video production. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.”

LEGO Vidiyo is the first collaboration between the LEGO Group and Universal Music Group, after the two companies announced their partnership in April 2020.

Olivier Robert-Murphy, executive vice president, Universal Music Group and Brands added: “Through this innovative global partnership – with the power of music and play harnessed to support early development of creativity – children around the globe will be able to express themselves as they stage, direct, perform, and share their music videos.

“LEGO Vidiyo is a great way for millions of kids to discover new music and get closer to their favourite artists while learning and connecting through play.”

LEGO Vidiyo will witness the roll-out of a new App experience, LEGO sets, and lifestyle products, which are being brought to life in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s industry-leading merchandise and brand management company.

The first LEGO Vidiyo products will be available in the UK from March 1st 2021.

FIFA launches FIFA Sound to bridge football fans, music, players and artists through new platform

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FIFA is launching a new entertainment platform designed to bridge the space between football fans, music enthusiasts, players, artists, and the game, with the introduction of FIFA Sound.

“FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive. The crossover between football and music underscores this wider cultural relevance. Both are universal languages and have the power to create unrivalled emotions. It’s a natural fit to bring them together,” said Jean-François Pathy, FIFA’s director of marketing.

“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm around the launch of this strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to connect people through inspiring human stories.”

FIFA Sound is kicking off with the launch of an eight-episode podcast series. Hosted by Liam Payne and co-hosted by sports broadcaster Jaydee Dyer, the FIFA PlayOn Podcast pairs star football players with award-winning musicians for unforgettable conversations.

In each episode, celebrated footballers from around the world will discuss transformative moments from their careers – on and off the pitch – through the songs that have provided a soundtrack to their lives. The players will be joined by an award-winning musician who inspired them, as they explore the interplay between music and football in their lives.

Payne said: “I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on with FIFA. The PlayOn Podcast has been such a journey – it’s been awesome having these incredible players and special guests come together and exchange life experiences from both on and off the pitch, all through the lens of music.”

PlayOn is the first of many new initiatives that FIFA will be launching in 2021 and beyond as part of its strategic collaboration with Universal Music Group for Brands – a division of Universal Music Group.

Olivier Robert-Murphy, the executive vice president of Universal Music Group for Brands, added: “We’re delighted to be able to launch this collaboration between FIFA and Universal Music Group, which brings together two of the world’s biggest and most influential passion points – football and music – to create a series of unique fan experiences.

“Starting with the launch of the PlayOn Podcast series, these initiatives will showcase the symbiosis and shared bonds between the world’s best footballers and musicians alongside the fans that idolise them globally.”

PlayOn made its debut on January 13th this year and is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and other podcast players.

New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays. Playlists featuring the songs chosen by each player will be posted on Spotify for listeners to enjoy.

Universal Music Publishing Group acquires Bob Dylan’s entire song catalogue in landmark deal

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 Universal Music Publishing Group has acquired the entire catalogue of songs written by the iconic Bob Dylan in an agreement that encompasses more than 600 copyrights spanning 60 years. From 1962’s cultural milestone Blowin In the Wind to this year’s Murder Most Foul, the copyright deal has been recognised as a landmark acquisition for UMPG.

UMPG chairman and CEO, Jody Gerson, said: “To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time – whose cultural importance can’t be overstated – is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“The UMPG global team is honored to be Bob Dylan’s publishing partner and I especially want to acknowledge Marc Cimino whose passion and perseverance were instrumental in bringing this opportunity to us. We look forward to working with Bob and the team in ensuring his artistry continues to reach and inspire generations of fans, recording artists and songwriters around the world.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, added: “As someone who began his career in music publishing, it is with enormous pride that today we welcome Bob Dylan to the UMG family.

“It’s no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art.  Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless – whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday.

“It is no exaggeration to say that his vast body of work has captured the love and admiration of billions of people all around the world. I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played – and cherished – everywhere.”

Bob Dylan’s songs have been recorded more than 6,000 times, by an array of artists representing dozens of countries, cultures and music genres. Some of his best known works include the aforementioned Blowin’ In The Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin’, Like A Rolling Stone, Lay Lady Lay, Forever Young, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, Tangled Up In Blue, Gotta Serve Somebody, Make You Feel My Love, and the Academy Award-winning Things Have Changed.

In the decades since he first burst into the public’s consciousness via New York City’s Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s, Bob Dylan has sold more than 125 million records around the world and amassed a singular body of work that includes some of the greatest and most popular songs the world has ever known.

He continues to traverse the globe each year, performing nearly 100 concerts annually in front of audiences who embrace his new music with the same fervor as they do his classics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 – the first songwriter to receive such a distinction – cited by the Swedish Academy “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.”