In a major industry development, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has secured an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with the acclaimed band The Marías, signaling new opportunities for their distinctive sound across global platforms, including potential future film and television projects.
The music industry is constantly evolving, with publishing deals serving as crucial milestones for artists to expand their reach and influence. The latest significant move sees Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) forging a global partnership with the critically acclaimed, Latin Grammy-nominated band, The Marías. This exclusive, worldwide music publishing agreement is not just news for music lovers but also has potential implications for the broader entertainment landscape, including the evocative soundtracks that define cinematic experiences.
Who Are The Marías?
The Marías have carved out a unique niche with their captivating sound, a rich fusion of alternative, psychedelic rock, jazz, and Latin influences. The band comprises María Zardoya, originally from Atlanta, Los Angeles native Josh Conway, Jesse Perlman on guitar, and Edward James on keys. Their distinct artistic vision has garnered them a devoted audience and critical recognition, including a Latin Grammy nomination.
Beyond their acclaimed original records, The Marías have demonstrated their versatility and broad appeal through high-profile collaborations with major artists such as Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, and Benny Blanco. Their presence on the global stage was further solidified when they toured with pop superstar Billie Eilish on her sold-out arena run. Most recently, María Zardoya ventured into a solo project under the moniker Not for Radio, releasing her debut album entitled “Melt.”
Speaking on the new partnership, María Zardoya expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to sign with Jen and Ana Rosa at Universal Music Publishing. Having spent some time with them alongside Jody Gerson, we trust they’re the perfect partners to guide us through the next phase of our collective and individual writing career(s).” This sentiment was echoed by UMPG’s Jennifer Knoepfle, Executive Vice President and Head of U.S., and Ana Rosa Santiago, Senior VP of Latin Music, who praised the band’s “clear and singular vision” and their potential for the global stage, as reported by Variety.
UMPG: A Publishing Powerhouse with Cinematic Connections
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) stands as a titan in the global music publishing industry. As part of the larger Universal Music Group, UMPG boasts a storied history dating back to its foundation in 1972 as MCA Music Publishing. Over the decades, through strategic acquisitions like PolyGram, Rondor Music, and BMG Music Publishing, UMPG has amassed an unparalleled catalog of over four million songs and established a presence in 40 countries worldwide.
UMPG is home to an impressive roster of iconic songwriters and artists, including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Rosalía, Elton John, Adele, and Harry Styles, among many others. The company has also made historic catalogue acquisitions, securing the rights to works by legends such as Bob Dylan, Sting, and Neil Diamond. This vast catalog and influential artist base have consistently placed UMPG at the forefront of the industry, ranking as the #1 music publisher in market share by Billboard for multiple consecutive quarters, as confirmed in March 2023.
Under the leadership of Jody Gerson, who made history in 2015 as the first woman CEO of a major global music publishing company, UMPG has continued to innovate and expand its influence. Its headquarters in Santa Monica, California, serve as a hub for its global operations.
Crucially for fans of classic films and the broader cinematic arts, UMPG is also a prominent music publishing partner for numerous film and TV studios globally. These partnerships include major names such as Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount, and Disney Europe, among others. UMPG administers the music for a wide array of content creators, including DreamWorks Animation and HBO, underscoring its deep integration into the world of visual storytelling.
The Implications: A Global Sound for Future Classics?
The deal between UMPG and The Marías represents a strategic move that amplifies the band’s global potential, offering robust support for their songwriting and individual artistic endeavors. For The Marías, this partnership provides access to UMPG’s extensive network, resources, and expertise, facilitating wider dissemination of their unique sound across various media formats and territories.
From the perspective of cinema enthusiasts, this partnership holds intriguing possibilities. With UMPG’s strong ties to film and television studios, the distinctive fusion of alternative, psychedelic rock, jazz, and Latin that defines The Marías could very well find its way into upcoming soundtracks, scoring pivotal scenes, or becoming theme songs for future film and television projects. Imagine the atmospheric depth and emotional resonance their music could bring to a new generation of cinematic works, potentially creating the “classic sounds” of tomorrow.
This move highlights how crucial music publishing remains in shaping not only the music industry but also the broader entertainment landscape. As The Marías embark on this new chapter with a global powerhouse like UMPG, their journey will be one to watch, especially for those who appreciate the profound connection between music and the moving image.
