Blue Note Records, Deutsche Grammophon Expand into Chinese Market

From left: Blue Note’s Don Was and Justin Selltzer, UMG’s Adam Granite, UMGC’s Timothy Xu and UMG’s Stacy Yang at the launch event for Blue Note Records China and DG China.

(Photo: UMGC)

Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has launched Blue Note Records China and Deutsche Grammophon China (DG China), marking a major expansion into China’s burgeoning jazz and classical music sectors. Blue Note and Deutsche Grammophon will now operate dedicated China imprints through collaboration with UMGC. Both new labels will focus on identifying and supporting rising Chinese talent, fostering original creativity and building pathways for Chinese musicians to connect with global audiences.

“For decades, Deutsche Grammophon and Blue Note have held a special place in the hearts of Chinese classical and jazz musicians,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “These labels have deeply influenced the way local artists understand, study and create within these genres. Today marks a new beginning: For the first time, these two iconic brands are establishing dedicated labels in China to engage directly with local artists and communities.”

Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development for UMG, added: “We are committed to supporting the development of diverse music cultures around the world. The launch of Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China reflects this vision in action and marks a meaningful step forward in the evolution of our multi-label operations in the market.”

With the launch of Blue Note Records China, the iconic jazz label, known for representing the most innovative and authentic voices in jazz since 1939, begins a new chapter in China. The new imprint will carry forward the spirit of its parent label while embracing a more locally engaged approach, building genuine, collaborative relationships with local jazz musicians and helping bring Chinese jazz expression to broader international audiences.

The label’s first signing is INNOUT, an avant-garde jazz duo composed of guitarist Xiao Jun and drummer An Yu. Known for their pure improvisational performances, INNOUT treats each live show as a spontaneous exploration of the present moment — a fresh act of musical reflection that unfolds in real time. Their work boldly integrates modern jazz, experimental electronics and free-form composition, making them one of the most distinctive voices in China’s contemporary jazz scene. Their signing signals the label’s commitment to originality, adventurous artistry and the evolving language of jazz in China.

“Xiao Jun and An Yu are two of the most talented and visionary musicians I’ve ever met,” said Don Was, president of Blue Note Records. “Their music is going to ‘blow people’s minds’ all over the world. It’s a thrill and an honor to be able to launch Blue Note Records China with their music.”

INNOUT commented: “Blue Note represents the musical spirit we have always admired. Partnering with Blue Note Records China is a continuation of our dream and marks a brand-new beginning.”

In addition, Blue Note Records China will form a partnership with JZ Music, an influential force in China’s jazz scene. The collaboration will focus on live performance opportunities — including artist touring, music festivals, and live house events — aimed at expanding the presence and visibility of Chinese jazz on both local and international stages.

“We’re excited to join forces with Blue Note Records China to bring more original Chinese jazz to the stage,” said Ren Yuqing, founder of JZ Music. “Together, we hope to create more platforms for artists to perform, grow and connect with wider audiences, both at home and abroad.”

Justin Seltzer, executive vice president and general manager of Blue Note Records, added: “Partnering with JZ Music allows us to work alongside one of the most trusted and influential names in China’s jazz community. With their deep local roots and long-standing commitment to live music, we’re proud to create new opportunities for Chinese jazz to flourish and engage in the global conversation.”

The launch of Blue Note Records China was also met with congratulations from across the country’s jazz community, including celebratory video messages from a number of prominent artists and industry figures, including singer Li Quan, jazz pianist Huang Jianyi, guitarist Gu Zhongshan, drummer Xu Zhitong, trumpeter Toby Mak, saxophonist Huang Ye, guitarist Xu Zhihan, pianist Yang Guang and drummer Xue Xiaolun.

DG China was officially launched with a mission to discover and support the next wave of Chinese classical talent, and to contribute to the broader appreciation of classical music in the country. The label will sign and develop emerging musicians from across China, backed by UMG’s global infrastructure — from recording and repertoire development to international promotion and touring.

At the launch event, it was also announced that globally renowned pianists Lang Lang and Yuja Wang, and Long Yu, acclaimed conductor and music director of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra — all long-time international DG artists — will serve as artistic advisors to DG China.

Dr. Clemens Trautmann, president of Deutsche Grammophon and New Business Strategy Global Classics, said: “In the past decade Deutsche Grammophon has hugely increased its visibility in the vibrant Chinese classical music market, with the 120th anniversary gala concert in the Forbidden City, the re-signing of Lang Lang and the comprehensive collaboration with Long Yu and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. We are proud to co-invest in the future generation of outstanding classical performers from Greater China, together with our esteemed colleagues at UMGC to foster the success of amazing new talent across recording, touring and brand partnerships. Embarking on this journey alongside the equally iconic Blue Note imprint and with our international artists Lang Lang, Yuja Wang and Long Yu as artistic advisors, underlines the global footprint and boundless creativity of UMG in the field of arts.”

DG China released its first album on May 23, Bach: The Cello Suites, performed by cellist Jian Wang.

DG China has also announced a special project with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to record and globally release the complete Shostakovich Symphonies in 2029, commemorating the orchestra’s 150th anniversary.

The DG China launch event was also attended by leading figures from China’s classical community, including composers Zhao Lin and Yu-Peng Chen, and Fedina Zhou, president of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. DB

from https://downbeat.com