“One incredible live performance after another, by the greatest line-up of talent our industry has to offer.”
Sir Lucian Grainge was very clear during his opening remarks at his annual Artist Showcase during Grammy Week on Saturday (January 25) that the event wasn’t about him – it was about the Universal-signed artists performing.
Those artists included the likes of Billie Eilish who closed the show by performing two songs in a stripped-down acoustic style with brother and co-songwriter, Finneas.
The event, at the Milk Studios, Hollywood, was notably international in its line-up, with further performances from the likes of Brit singer/songwriter Lewis Capaldi, Nigerian star Tiwa Savage, breakout Columbian act Karol G and South African rapper, Nasty C.
Others showcasing their music to the crowd included US hitmakers including DaBaby, Maggie Rogers, Anthony Ramos and Gregory Porter.
Perhaps the most notable element of the day, industry-wise, was the focus dedicated to Universal movie and TV projects, which included two documentaries – Let It Be (Peter Jackson) and Beastie Boys Story (Spike Jonze) – as well as the scripted NBC network television series, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist ,which is being created by Universal’s Polygram Entertainment in tandem with Lionsgate Television and will premiere on February 7 on NBC.
“we continue to transform Universal Music Group – the world’s largest, most diverse, most innovative music company – into the largest, most diverse, most innovative audio-visual company in the entertainment world.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG
Said Grainge: “Sprinkled in-between [the artist performances today] you’ll see the first previews of a handful of our upcoming film and TV projects as we continue to transform Universal Music Group – the world’s largest, most diverse, most innovative music company – into the largest, most diverse, most innovative audio-visual company in the entertainment world.”
He added: “Day in, day out, stunningly creative collections of individuals make our company what it is and I’m immensely proud of them.”
Those in the crowd at the intimate event included Lana Del Rey, Lulu, Mandy Moore, Spike Jonze, Howie Mandel, Jessie Reyez, Adam Horovitz, Lele Pons, Lang Lang and Chris Blackwell.
In addition to US-based label heads like John Janick (Interscope), Steve Barnett (Capitol Music Group), Monte Lipman (Republic), Darcus Beese (Island) and Paul Rosenberg (Def Jam), MBW spotted a handful of international Universal heads at the event, including David Joseph (UK), Devraj Sanyal (India), Jesus Lopez (Latin America & Iberia) and Frank Briegmann (Central Europe), plus Universal EVP Michele Anthony and the firm’s EVP of Digital Strategy, Michael Nash.
[Pictured L-R: Billie Eilish, Sir Lucian Grainge, Finneas O’Connell. Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision for UMG/AP]Music Business Worldwide
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