The Weeknd signs publishing pact with Universal – and he’s thrown new recordings and merch into the package too

Universal Music Group (UMG) has achieved what it calls a long and extensive partnership with superstar artist, The Weeknd.

UMG said that as part of the agreement, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) will manage The Weeknd’s songwriting portfolio and all of his future works, “in a new long-term agreement, when expires his current commitment”.

For many years, The Weeknd’s publishing rights were administered by Kobaltbut that transaction now looks set to expire at an unspecified date in the future.

The wide-ranging deal announced today (April 28) also builds on the relationship between The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) and UMG’s Republic Profilehas been his corporate partner since 2012 and UMG said, will remain his corporate partner for future record music releases.

The Weeknd owns its own recording rights through The Weeknd XO Inc. (aka XO) – the company he runs with his longtime friend and manager, Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby.

According to the credits on the streaming services, these XO recordings were then distributed and “marketed by” Republic Records, which had been an XO partner for about 10 years.

Discussing that relationship with Republic in an MBW interview last year, Slaiby said: “Monte and Avery [Lipman] very special to us. We’ve been together for 10 years, and it’s a relationship built on success, respect, and a shared vision. ”

In addition to the publishing and recording music elements of the new partnership, UMG says the company trades in their merchandise. Bravado will partner with The Weeknd & XO “to expand and grow global business, branding, e-commerce and retail opportunities around future projects and releases.”

The new deal, which UMG says ‘marks the beginning of a new era of expanded global collaboration between The Weeknd, XO and UMG’, also includes future audiovisual projects with collaborations. by Republic Records and UMG.

According to UMG/Vivendi’s profile, for recorded music, The Weeknd is UMG’s biggest artist of 2020 in terms of global revenue generation. He is also UMG’s fourth-largest global artist on this basis in 2021.

His hit, Save your tears, to be recently named is the world’s best-selling digital single of 2021 by IFPIconsistent with the feat achieved by Dimming lights in 2020, and marks the first time any artist has won the award twice.

The Weeknd’s most recent album Dawn FMreleased in January 2022 through XO/Republic Records, broke Billboards Global 200 chart record, with 24 charting songs in its debut week, the most ever by any solo male artist.

He also holds the record as the longest charting song in Billboard history, with Dimming lights gain 90 week on the Hot 100 chart.

The Weeknd has sold more than 75 million albums.

“Over the past decade, we have been honored to work closely with Abel, who has quickly become one of the most important and innovative artists in music — a once-talented talent.”

Sir Lucian GraingeUniversal Music Group

Sir Lucian Grainge, President and CEO, Universal Music Group, said: “Over the past decade, we have been honored to work closely with Abel, who has quickly become one of the brightest artists. creating and most important of the music industry — a generation of talents.

“With Sal and the XO team as our incredible partners, we have developed the deep trust and respect that have enabled us to successfully execute Abel’s brilliant vision.

“I am delighted that we are now able to extend this special relationship, welcome this world-class musician to UMPG, and take this creative partnership to new and exciting levels. .”

“I am proud and delighted to be with Sir Lucian, Monte, Avery, Jody and the rest of the Universal family building together our next decade.”

Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby, SALXCO

Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby – Founder, CEO SALXCO | XO Records, said: “Over a decade together says it all.

“Our relationship is built on trust, success and family values. I am proud and delighted to be with Sir Lucian, Monte, Avery, Jody and the rest of the Universal family building our next decade together.”

“Abel is a brilliant 21st-century artist and global superstar who continues to break creative barriers with her genre-bending repertoire.”

Monte LipmanRepublic Profile

Monte Lipman, President & CEO, Republic Records, said: “Abel is a brilliant 21st-century artist and global superstar who continues to break down creative barriers with her curvaceous repertoire. its own type.

“His career-defining success and achievements have made a historic impact around the world. It’s been an honor to expand our alliance with Abel, Sal, Lamar, Cash and the XO Family in the development of The Weeknd. ”

“The Weeknd is a world-class artist who pushes boundaries and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him and Sal to UMPG.”

Jody Gerson, Universal Music Publishing Group

Jody Gerson, President & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group said: “The Weeknd is a world-class artist who pushes boundaries and I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome him and Sal to the world. UMPG.

“Through this expansive and multifaceted agreement, the global teams of UMPG, Republic and Bravado will be empowered to work closely together under one roof, maximizing opportunity and value for their art.” The Weeknd in unprecedented ways.”Worldwide music business