Universal Music Group Partners with Acclaimed Producer Daniel Nigro
Universal Music Group (UMG) has officially entered a partnership with Daniel Nigro, a prominent music producer recognized for his exceptional work with rising pop stars Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan. This strategic collaboration will unfold through Nigro’s own label, Amusement Records.
The Rise of Daniel Nigro in the Music Industry
Daniel Nigro has made a significant mark in the pop music scene, thanks in large part to his dedicated collaborations with artists like Rodrigo and Roan. He produced Rodrigo’s critically acclaimed albums, Sour and Guts, in addition to Roan’s celebrated project, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, along with standout singles such as “Good Luck, Babe!”and “The Giver.”Additionally, his impressive portfolio includes collaborations with artists like Caroline Polachek, Sky Ferreira, and Conan Gray. Nigro’s talents were recognized earlier this year when he won the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, having also been nominated the previous year.
UMG’s Vision for Future Collaborations
Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, “Daniel embodies the type of creative brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of UMG. I’m so pleased to embark on this next chapter in our successful relationship, and I can’t wait to hear the culture-shaping music and artists Daniel will bring next to our global family.”
Amusement Records: A Platform for Growth
Nigro originally established Amusement Records to support Chappell Roan, with the label collaborating with UMG’s Island Records for the release of Roan’s album back in September 2023. While the album had a slow start—failing to make an entry on Billboard’s 200 Albums chart until April 2024—it gained remarkable traction as Roan achieved global superstardom.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Amusement Roster
Currently, Chappell Roan is the sole artist signed under Amusement Records, with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess being the label’s only album release. However, the new partnership promises an expansion of the Amusement roster. Importantly, this arrangement is not an acquisition; it ensures UMG holds exclusivity over Nigro’s future signings while allowing Amusement artistes to collaborate with all UMG subsidiary labels.
Nigro’s Vision for Amusement Records
Reflecting on the partnership, Nigro stated, “After six years of working almost exclusively with the various labels/artists under Universal, it made perfect sense to make the relationship more formal. I want Amusement Records to be a place where artists can feel comfortable growing and developing at their own pace but with all the real resources needed to thrive and succeed. Also, I’m looking forward to having the freedom to assemble the right team for each artist. I know in my heart that the people at Universal understand this, and I am beyond excited about what’s to come.”
For more details, visit the full article at Hollywood Reporter.