UMG Philippines

{{Short description|Philippine record label branch of Universal Music Group}} {{About|the Philippine branch of the Universal Music Group|the unrelated Philippine label|Universal Records (Philippines)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = UMG Philippines Inc. | type = Subsidiary | logo = frameless|class=skin-invert | trade_name = Universal Music Philippines (outside Philippine territory) | foundation = {{start date and age|1993}} | former_names = {{plainlist| * PolyCosmic Records (1993–1997) * PolyGram Records (1997–1999) * MCA Universal (1999–2004) * MCA Music Inc. (2004–2021) }} | key_people = Enzo Valdez (Managing Director)<ref name="enzo-valdez"/> | industry = Music | location = 12/F The Podium West Tower, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center | location_city = Mandaluyong, Metro Manila | location_country = Philippines<ref name="privacy" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us {{!}} Universal Music Publishing Group |url=https://www.umusicpub.com/ph/ContactUs.aspx |access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> | area_served = Philippines | parent = Universal Music Group | subsid = | divisions = {{plainlist| * Def Jam Recordings Philippines * Island Records Philippines * Republic Records Philippines * EMI Records Philippines }} | homepage = {{URL|https://shop.umusic.ph/}} }}

'''UMG Philippines Inc.'''<ref name="privacy">{{cite web |title=PRIVACY POLICY |url=https://privacy.umusic.com/ph_en/ |publisher=UMG Philippines |access-date=May 7, 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> is a record label based in the Philippines and served as its regional branch of the multinational music corporation, Universal Music Group.<ref name=billboard/> Formerly known as '''MCA Music''', the record label previously retained the now-discontinued MCA name on legal purposes because of a trademark dispute with an unrelated label known as Universal Records, which preempted the rights to the word "Universal" for recorded music in the Philippines. However, the company adopted the moniker "MCA/Universal", much like Universal Pictures' home video unit from 1990 to 1997, to simplify identification, even though no formal "Universal" branding is exercised. Despite the naming, the label is known outside the Philippines as '''Universal Music Philippines'''.<ref name=jazz/><ref name=elton/>

The record label then changed to its current name on November 3, 2021.<ref name="umusicph" />

==History== PolyCosmic Records was formed in 1993 as a joint venture between PolyGram Music Group (Universal Music Group's predecessor, which has 30% of the company's stocks) and a consortium of Philippine businessmen including Dr. James G. Dy (founding chairman of Dyna Products, Inc., which was the local distributor of PolyGram) and Cosmic Records, a company founded in 1992 by Ramon Chuaying.

Universal Records — which would later be involved in a domestic trademark dispute with UMG — had the distribution rights to Polygram; and Chuaying was its first CEO.<ref name=billboard2/>

In 1998, PolyGram N.V. was purchased by Seagram's<ref name=independent/> and was merged into MCA Inc.,<ref name=billboard3/> and PolyGram Music Group was merged with MCA Music Entertainment to become Universal Music Group.<ref name=times/><ref name=billboard4/> After the merger, PolyCosmic Records was reincorporated as MCA Music Inc. (Philippines). In 2006, Ricky Ilacad was named the managing director and CEO.<ref name=univ/><ref name=ceo/>

MCA Music has a partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. to make music downloads available to phone users via music service Spinnr.<ref name=philstar1/>

In 2020, UMG formally appointed Sindikato Management founder and former Sony Music Philippines A&R consultant Enzo Valdez as managing director, replacing Ilacad.<ref name="enzo-valdez">{{cite web |title=Enzo Valdez appointed Managing Director of Universal Music Philippines |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/enzo-valdez-appointed-md-of-universal-music-philippines/ |website=Music Business Worldwide |date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> The same year, UMG launched Def Jam Philippines and Island Records Philippines.<ref name=defjam/><ref name=island/> In 2021, UMG signed a distribution agreement with Off the Record, a local independent label owned by Ilacad.

On November 3, 2021, after 23 years as MCA Music Inc., the record label was renamed as UMG Philippines Inc.<ref name="privacy" /> On the same day, UMG Philippines formally launched its digital consumer-facing brand known as UMUSIC Philippines (umusic.ph).<ref name="umusicph">{{Cite tweet |user=UMUSICPH |number=1455746642510893056 |title=Ultra-exciting Experiences, Unli Fun, This is all about U #UMUSICPH 🌏🚀🤳🎢}}</ref>

On July 8, 2022, UMG launched its third label, Republic Records Philippines.<ref name=republic/>

On February 5, 2024, UMG relaunched EMI Records Philippines as its fourth label after 22 years.<ref name="EMIPH1">{{cite web|url=https://www.universalmusic.com/universal-music-group-philippines-announces-re-launch-of-emi-records-philippines/|title=Universal Music Group Philippines announces re-launch of EMI Records Philippines|date=February 5, 2024|publisher=Universal Music Group|accessdate=February 22, 2024}}</ref><ref name="EMIPH2">{{cite web|url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/emi-records-philippines-relaunch-2024-umg-universal-music-group-philippines-hale-dionela-chndtr-gracenote-the-voice-kids|title=Universal Music Group Philippines announces relaunch of EMI Records Philippines with Hale, Dionela, CHNDTR, Gracenote, and more|author=Bodegon-Hikino, Kara|date=February 6, 2024|website=Bandwagon Asia|accessdate=February 22, 2024}}</ref>

==Artists (past and present)== ===UMG Philippines (formerly MCA Music)=== {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| * 1:43<ref name=philstar2/> * Akafellas * Johnny Alegre * Gabby Alipe * AM/FM<ref name=am-fm/> * Nicole Laurel Asensio<ref name=billboard-ph3/><ref name=manila/> * Autotelic * Bassilyo * Chicosci * Billy Crawford (2007–2008) * The Dawn * Jason Dy * Jerry Dexter * JC Regino * Kyle Echarri * Miguel Escueta (2007–2011) * Fazura<ref name=billboard-ph1/> * Pops Fernandez * Shane Filan * Barbie Forteza * Franco * Jensen and The Flips * Lyca Gairanod * Tricia Garcia * Solenn Heussaff (2011–2014) * DJ JOSH * Kjwan * Krissy and Ericka * Juan Karlos Labajo * The Lamars * Joar Sabate (2019–2022) * Elliot James Reay * Kris Lawrence * Tanya Markova * MilesExperience * Jim Paredes * Pedicab * Richard Poon * Pupil * Veronica and I<ref name=billboard-ph2/> * Sabrina * Jessica Sanchez * Side A * Sitti (2013–2017) * Jona Soquite<ref name=jona/> * SouthFM * Square One * Edray Teodoro * Vanjoss Bayaban * Urbandub * Nyoy Volante * Mitoy Yonting * Jim Cummings}}

===Def Jam Philippines=== {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| * VVS Collective * Fateeha * DonWilson * Tommie King * Tiffany Lhei * JMara * Gabrang * King Promdi * 8 Ballin' * Jano * Karencitta * Kien47 }}

===Island Records Philippines=== {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| * 10 a.m. Departure * Alex Diaz * Ang Bagong Luto ni Enriquez * Blaster Silonga * Cheats * Chen Pangan * Ciudad * Denova * Dia Mate * Elijah Canlas * Elise Huang * Fern. * Firegod * Hannah + Gabi * Hey June! * Janine Berdin * Jeiven * Juan Karlos * Kindred * One Click Straight * Over October * Sepia Times * Smow * The Sundown * THEA * Us-2 Evil-0 * Zild Benitez }}

===Republic Records Philippines=== {{columns-list|colwidth=15em| * AJAA * Catriona Gray * Cydel<ref name="rrp2022" /> * Darren Espanto<ref name=billboard-ph4/><ref name="rrp2022" /> * Dom Guyot<ref name="rrp2022" /> * G22 * Huhsmile<ref name="rrp2022" /> * Iñigo Pascual * Isang<ref name="rrp2022" /> * J-Nine * Jayda Avanzado * Justin Vasquez<ref name="rrp2022" /> * Manila Luzon * Moira Dela Torre * R Rules<ref name="rrp2022" /> * Richard Poon * Unit 406<ref name="rrp2022" /> * Vxon * Xonara * Yeng Constantino * Yes My Love * Ysabelle Cuevas * Zack Tabudlo<ref name="rrp2022">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/republic-records-launches-in-the-philippines-with-zack-tabudlo-darren-espanto-and-more-artists-on-roster-3265331|title=Republic Records launches in the Philippines with Zack Tabudlo, Darren Espanto and more artists on roster|work=NME|access-date=July 9, 2022}}</ref> * Zephanie }}

===EMI Records Philippines=== {{About|the Philippine branch of EMI Records|the company formerly known as EMI Philippines from 2002 to 2009|PolyEast Records}}

* Shane Bernabe * CHNDTR * Dionela * Cydel Gabutero * Gracenote * Jenzen Guino * Hale * Miss Ramonne * Elha Nympha * Daniel Paringit * Patrick Quiroz * Gabriel Tagadtad * Dave Trinidad * Waltz

==References== <references> <ref name=billboard>{{cite news | first = Francis | last = Reyes | title = MCA Music Announces Super Sale on Select Vinyl Records and Imported CDs | date = June 7, 2017 | location = Philippines | website = Billboard Philippines | url = https://billboard.ph/mca-music-announces-super-sale-select-vinyl-records-imported-cds/ | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard2>{{cite magazine | first = Marc | last = Gorospy | title = PolyGram in Philippines Venture | date = July 10, 1993 | magazine = Billboard | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=CxAEAAAAMBAJ&q=PolyCosmic+Records+Philippines&pg=PA33 | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard3>{{cite magazine | first = Don | last = Jeffrey | title = P'Gram Accepts Seagram Bid | date = May 30, 1998 | magazine = Billboard | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=fQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=polygram+mca&pg=PA5 | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard4>{{cite magazine | first = Adam | last = White | title = Key Role Seen For Larsen In 'UniGram' | date = June 6, 1998 | magazine = Billboard | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bw4EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22PolyGram+Music+Group%22+%22Universal+Music+Group%22&pg=PA99 | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard-ph1>{{cite web | first = Francis | last = Reyes | title = Malaysian Star Fazura Records Song With AWIT Awards Nominee Jason Dy | date = November 25, 2016 | location = Philippines | website = Billboard Philippines | url = https://billboard.ph/malaysian-star-fazura-records-song-awit-awards-nominee-jason-dy/ | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard-ph2>{{cite news | title = Veronica and I - "Hello Tears" | date = August 24, 2017 | website = Billboard Philippines | url = https://www.facebook.com/billboardphil/videos/1964424707179066/ | quote = The week's almost over, so you deserve to relax! Unwind with MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines)'s newly signed pop duo Veronica and I and their take on CATTSKI's "Hello Tears". | access-date = August 28, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard-ph3>{{cite web | first = Francis | last = Reyes | title = Nicole Asensio to Perform in Barcelona This Week | date = February 21, 2017 | location = Philippines | website = Billboard Philippines | url = https://billboard.ph/nicole-asensio-perform-barcelona-week/ | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=billboard-ph4>{{cite web | first = Emmie | last = Villegas | title = ARE YOU A CERTIFIED DARRENATIC? | date = February 9, 2017 | location = Philippines | website = Billboard Philippines | url = https://billboard.ph/are-you-a-certified-darrenatic/ | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=independent>{{cite news | title = Seagram buys PolyGram from Philips for $10.6bn | date = May 21, 1998 | location = UK | website = The Independent | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/seagram-buys-polygram-from-philips-for-106bn-1158030.html | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=times>{{cite news | title = Universal Music shake-up | date = January 15, 1999 | location = UK | website = The Times}}</ref> <ref name=philstar1>{{cite news | first = Louella D. | last = Desiderio | title = Smart renews partnership with MCA Music | date = December 18, 2015 | location = Philippines | website = The Philippine Star | url = https://www.philstar.com/business/2015/12/17/1533686/smart-renews-partnership-mca-music | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=philstar2>{{cite news | title = OPM boy band 1:43 releases second album | date = October 7, 2012 | website = The Philippine Star | url = https://www.philstar.com/sunday-life/2012/10/07/856753/opm-boy-band-143-releases-second-album | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=jazz>{{cite web | title = MCA Music | location = Philippines | website = Jazz Near You | url = https://philippines.jazznearyou.com/mca-music.php | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=elton>{{cite book | first = Jean-Pierre | last = Hombach | title = Elton John | year = 2012 | location = UK | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=A1ScAwAAQBAJ&q=%22trademark+dispute+with+an+unrelated+label+known+as%22&pg=PA181 | isbn = 9781471611865 | access-date = July 31, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=univ>{{cite web | title = Music Maverick Ricky Ilacad Named Managing Director, MCA Music Philippines | date = April 28, 2006 | location = Hong Kong | website = Universal Music Group | url = https://www.universalmusic.com/music-maverick-ricky-ilacad-named-managing-director-mca-music-philippines/ | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=ceo>{{cite web |first = Vanessa |last = Ho |title = Universal Music Philippines CEO shares upcoming plans for 2017 |date = February 14, 2017 |location = China |website = Music Asia |url = https://www.music-asia.com/2017/02/universal-music-philippines-ceo-shares-upcoming-plans-for-2017/ |access-date = July 30, 2017 |archive-date = July 31, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170731105059/https://www.music-asia.com/2017/02/universal-music-philippines-ceo-shares-upcoming-plans-for-2017/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> <ref name=manila>{{cite news |title = Nicole debuts as recording artist |date = December 12, 2015 |location = Philippines |website = Manila Standard |url = http://thestandard.com.ph/showbitz/194245/nicole-debuts-as-recording-artist.html |access-date = July 30, 2017 |archive-date = July 31, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170731104523/http://thestandard.com.ph/showbitz/194245/nicole-debuts-as-recording-artist.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> <ref name=jona>{{cite news | first = Gary Ann | last = Lastrilla | title = Jona Soquite wins The Voice Teens | date = July 30, 2017 | location = Philippines | website = Push.com.ph | url = https://cms-push.abs-cbn.com/2017/7/30/fresh-scoops/jona-soquite-wins-the-voice-teens-166198 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170731074737/http://cms-push.abs-cbn.com/2017/7/30/fresh-scoops/jona-soquite-wins-the-voice-teens-166198 | url-status = dead | archive-date = July 31, 2017 | access-date = July 30, 2017}}</ref> <ref name=am-fm>{{cite web | author = Team Orange | title = MCA Music's Newly Signed Boyband AM/FM Releases First Single "Playtime" | date = June 12, 2018 | location = Philippines | website = Orange Magazine | url = https://orangemagazine.ph/2018/am-fm-boyband-releases-first-single-playtime/ | access-date = June 4, 2019}}</ref> <ref name=defjam>{{cite magazine | author = Billboard Staff | title = UMG Taps Enzo Valdez to Lead Philippines Operations | date = May 12, 2020 | magazine = Billboard | url = https://www.billboard.com/pro/umg-enzo-valdez-universal-philippines-managing-director/ | access-date = December 13, 2020}}</ref> <ref name=island>{{cite web | first = Andre | last = Paine | title = UMG launches Island Records Philippines | date = July 24, 2020 | website = Music Week | url = https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/umg-launches-island-records-philippines/080535 | access-date = December 13, 2020}}</ref> <ref name=republic>{{cite news | last1 = Abanes | first1 = Mariel | title = Republic Records launches in the Philippines with Zack Tabudlo, Darren Espanto and more artists on roster | url = https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/republic-records-launches-in-the-philippines-with-zack-tabudlo-darren-espanto-and-more-artists-on-roster-3265331 | access-date = July 13, 2022 | work = NME | date = July 9, 2022}}</ref> </references>

==External links== *{{URL|https://shop.umusic.ph/|Official website}} *{{Facebook|UMUSICPH|UMUSIC Philippines}} *{{Twitter|UMUSICPH|UMUSIC Philippines}} *{{Instagram|umusic.ph|UMUSIC Philippines}}

Category:Philippine record labels Category:Universal Music Group Category:Companies based in Mandaluyong Category:Record labels established in 1993 Category:1993 establishments in the Philippines Category:Philippine companies established in 1993