The Weeknd continues his years-long relationship with Universal Music Group.
Fresh off his headlining gig at Coachella 2022, the Grammy-winning singer has announced a massive, multifaceted deal with the music-based entertainment giant. According to UMG, the partnership will allow Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) to administer all the Weeknd’s future works after his current deal expires.
The deal will also continue the artist’s relationship with UMG’s brand management company Bravado, which will work with the Weeknd on everything from exclusive retail opportunities, e-commerce initiatives, and merchandise designs. Furthermore, the partnership will also cover upcoming audiovisual projects made in collaboration with UMG and its subsidiary Republic Records, which signed the Weeknd all the way back in 2012.
“[The Weeknd] is the consummate 21st century artist and global superstar who continues to break down creative barriers with his genre-bending repertoire,” Republic Records CEO Monte Lipman said in a press release. “His success and career-defining accomplishments have made a historic impact around the world. It’s an honor to extend our alliance with Abel, Sal, Lamar, Cash and the XO Family in the evolution of The Weeknd.”
News of the extended deal comes nearly four months after the Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM. The project debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and went on to break a Billboard Global 200 record with two dozen songs charting in its first week.
