Ne-Yo, MC Jin, Indian singer and actor Sonu Nigam and former Warner Music Asia co-president Jonathan Serbin have unveiled a new record label, Pacific Music Group, that will focus on talent from across the Asian continent, the group announced today (Nov. 24). Pacific, which will be based in Hong Kong, will aim to both promote local talent globally and serve as a hub for international artists who want to create a footprint in the region.
The three artists will have A&R input and serve as mentors to the label’s talent. The label says it will include imprints focusing on pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic music and local genres.
“Launching Pacific Music Group isn’t just a business move, it’s a personal mission,” Ne-Yo said in a statement announcing the label. “As an individual of Chinese descent, I’m proud to use my resources to help discover and elevate the next generation of talented Pan-Asian superstars. I’ve toured across Asia several times and witnessed the evolution of the music scene, so I’m really excited to make history and bring the region’s rich culture to the forefront of the global stage.”
“Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic forces in the global music industry,” added Serbin, who spent five years overseeing Warner’s Asia operations, following five years as Billboard’s head of Asia. “With half the world’s population and three of the top 10 music markets, the region is primed to lead on the world stage. At the same time, rapidly growing markets like India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines offer immense potential. We believe the time is right for a music company born in Asia, but built with a global perspective from day one.”
Pacific’s stated goal is to reflect the global music axis around the Pacific Ocean, in a similar way that Atlantic Records set out to do when it was founded decades ago. The label says it will announce its artists in the coming months and begin releasing music soon after.
“Asia is full of talent with unique stories, fresh styles and authentic messages waiting to be shared with the world,” said MC Jin, who will oversee Pacific’s hip-hop imprint, in a statement, adding that the genre helped him find his own voice as an artist and Chinese American. “With Pacific Music Group, these individuals will now have a chance to share their art rooted in creativity and culture in an impactful way.”
“India alone has 1.6 billion people, but Indian artists want to connect well beyond our borders,” added Nigam. “The same is true across Asia. There is a hunger to grow globally and the potential to bring the richness of our cultures to the world. With Pacific Music Group, we’re not just exporting talent, we’re helping artists thrive both at home and abroad.”
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