On Thursday night, Universal Music Australia brought together local industry, international artists, and label executives for IGNITE, Universal Music Group’s (UMG) first international artist showcase in three years.
The IGNITE showcase series is set to roll out across the globe in the coming months and years.
The event, hosted by Bridget Hustwaite, spotlighted three of Universal Music Group’s global developing artist priorities – Stephen Sanchez, d4vd, and Dylan, all gracing the stage in Sydney for the first time. These artists were selected in partnership with UMG’s Senior Vice President, Global Artist Development, JJ Corsini.
The event was hosted at Beta Events, a two-level venue in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Once the performances concluded, guests had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists in the specially built after party space comprising of interactive video walls, a merch & vinyl store, and an Arcade Alley.
Stephen Sanchez
In attendance from the global business were, JJ Corsini, Senior VP Global Artist Development, Universal Music Global Marketing; Brian Sutnick, Senior VP Global Marketing for Republic Records, Justin Lubliner, CEO- Darkroom Records, and Noelle Ritchey, Marketing Manager, Universal Music Global Marketing,
Speaking on the event, Corsini said, “The idea behind this showcase is really simple, to introduce our developing priorities to this market as soon as possible. The work these three artists are doing on the ground this week will set them up for years to come. This event is a product of our commitment to breaking exciting new artists around the world and is a reflection of how important we feel early support from the Australian marketing is for development. These three artists are here because we are hyper focused on breaking them around the world. They’re invested in Australia and Australia is invested in them. This is the beginning of an exciting program of global IGNITE events, as we look to markets around the world to look to reintroduce UMG’s groundbreaking global talent to new audiences around the world.”
d4vd
Sean Warner, President + CEO, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand said: “Our number one goal at UMG is to discover, develop and amplify artistry, creativity, and innovation, and what we all experienced last night epitomises exactly that. Three incredible artists, magnificent songwriting, innovation, and individuality at its purest. D4vd, Stephen Sanchez and Dylan are all on a meteoric, upwards trajectory and to embrace and enjoy them in a room with 200 people is not something you will see again. These are bone fide superstars in the making and our mission, shoulder to shoulder with all our partners, is to break them in ANZ and around the world and help make them household names”.
Dylan
20yo Stephen Sanchez writes the kind of songs that can play just as well from your parent’s vintage record player as they could from the main stages of festivals a la Bonnaroo. His breakout Until I Found You introduced his signature style and has hit over one billion global streams and the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
From Houston, Texas, d4vd has emerged as a visionary artist only one year after he began writing and recording. The 18-year-old has released a smattering of singles touching everything from indie-alternative to pop to R&B, scoring a breakout hit in 2022 with the indie rock song Romantic Homicide.
22yo London based singer, songwriter and musician Dylan might only be at the beginning of her journey, but she’s already creating big statements. Dylan recently finished her sold out headline tour across UK & Europe, supported Ed Sheeran at Wembley, and has a confirmed US run with him in May.
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Top Image: Back Row – Jake McElroy (UMA), d4vd, Dylan, Stephen Sanchez, Michelle Tier (UMA)
Front – Sean Warner (President + CEO Universal Music ANZ), Garret Haakma (UMA), JJ Corsini (Snr VP Global Artist Development UMG).
Photo – Jess Gleeson