Sony Music inks new exclusive China deal with Tencent for digital catalogue

Sony Music Entertainment has renewed its partnership with Tencent Music for the exclusive digital distribution of the major’s master recordings across mainland China.
According to the IFPI, China generated $169.7m for recorded music rights-holders last year – up 63.8% on 2014 – making it the 14th biggest region for labels and artists.
However, with a population of more than 1.35bn people, China’s annual per capita (person) spend on recorded music last year was just $0.10.
Sony Music says it will collaborate with Tencent Music on the promotion, management and online distribution of its repertoire in the region, adding that the new deal ‘continues on from the original terms of the cooperation’.
The initial partnership between Sony and Tencent, inked in 2014, gave the latter company exclusive digital distribution rights for Sony’s repertoire in China (including Beyonce, pictured).
Tencent signed a similar deal with Warner Music Group back in 2014, while it also holds partnerships with Believe Digital and other music rights managers.
Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, said: “We are excited to continue [the] relationship and cooperation between Sony Music and one of our most valued business partners, Tencent Music.

“We are excited to continue the relationship between sony music and one of our most valued business partners, Tencent.” Denis Handlin, Sony Music

“Tencent Music’s promotion of the legal use of digital music has made a very positive and lasting change to the market for music labels and music fans. The difference we have made together in the development of artists and in fan engagement through our strategic partnership is most significant. We look forward to taking the Chinese music market to the next level, becoming one of the top markets in the world.”

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