Universal Music Group (UMG), is expanding its business in the Czech Republic.
UMG’s expansion sees the relaunch of six label brands including Capitol Records, Island, Sky Box, Def Jam, SinglTon, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.
The move is part of a newly established Universal Music Central Eastern Europe structure, which UMG says strengthens cooperation between the national companies, shortens decision-making paths and allows more agile management processes.
The expansion aims to bolster the long term Czech music market, says UMG, and open up more international opportunities for the company’s regional artists.
Capitol Records will continue to manage pop stars such as Krystof, Marpo, Xindl X, Michal Hruza, Mig 21 and Rybicky 48, under the direction of Marcel Vysin, and Island Records, which is headed by Jiri Kouba, will provide support for artists including management, booking and merchandise.
Skybox is a label for local rap under the joint management of Jiri Kouba and Dobrin Mitchev, while Def Jam is run in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as a joint venture with Michal ‘Yaksha’ Novotny, founder of the hip-hop label FCK Them.
The SinglTon label, managed by Martin Cervinka, has Jelen, Debbi and Katerina Marie Ticha on its roster, and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services Czechia will be headed by Martin Zajicek.
Todays news comes shortly after Universal Music Czech Republic & Slovakia’s live division partnered with United Stage, a live and music management agencies in the Nordics.
“The Czech Republic is traditionally one of the most important entertainment markets in Central Eastern Europe.”
Tomas Filip, Universal Music Group
Speaking to MBW, Tomas Filip, Managing Director Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary, said: “The Czech Republic is traditionally one of the most important entertainment markets in Central Eastern Europe with many amazing artists that have shown time and time again that they can be internationally successful.
“In addition, there has been an overall market growth of around 20 per cent recently, which is largely driven by the success of streaming.
“The Czech Republic is therefore very attractive both as a source and target market and is already very well connected with other European territories within our Universal Music structures.
“We are consistently pursuing this path by expanding our activities in order to offer our artists even better service and to keep opening up new opportunities and perspectives.”
“This is a dynamic time for music in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.”
Marcel Vysin and Jiri Kouba
Marcel Vysin and Jiri Kouba, added: “This is a dynamic time for music in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“We are so excited to expand and strengthen our activities and build our own family of local artists and talents that can extend the huge legacy of Island and Capitol within the region. It´s a real privilege“.Music Business Worldwide
