The music industry giant, Universal Music Group (UMG), has officially integrated the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) system. This move aims to enhance the identification and recognition of creators and artists within the music sector. By becoming an 'ISNI registration agency,' UMG sets a new precedent for major labels. The ISNI system acts as a digital passport for contributors involved in music creation, ensuring accurate representation and visibility online. Over 100,000 contributors in UMG’s database have been assigned ISNIs, streamlining data management and reducing confusion among similarly named artists. Additionally, UMG will link performer and songwriter data with collection society identifiers, providing a consolidated view of recordings, works, and revenue. This initiative not only benefits artists but also rights holders and service providers.

Pioneering Partnership: UMG Leads the Way in Creator Identification

UMG's adoption of the ISNI system marks a significant milestone in the music industry. As the first major label to become an ISNI registration agency, UMG is setting a new standard for creator recognition. The ISNI system functions as a unique identifier for each contributor, enhancing their visibility and ensuring they are accurately credited for their work. This partnership exemplifies UMG's commitment to empowering creators and improving industry efficiency. By integrating ISNI into its systems, UMG aims to reduce manual work for digital service providers (DSPs) and eliminate confusion between artists with similar names. Over 100,000 contributors in UMG’s database have already been assigned ISNIs, including most artists who have released content through UMG in the past five years.

The ISNI system provides a digital passport for every individual involved in the creation of music, from producers to writers. This ensures that each creator receives proper credit and recognition for their contributions. Kim Beauchamp, Senior Vice President of Process Innovation & Advanced Operations at UMG, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it enhances the visibility and rewards for creators. The system also links performer and songwriter data with collection society identifiers, offering a comprehensive view of recordings, works, and revenue. This consolidation of data improves transparency and accuracy in the distribution of royalties and credits.

Industry-Wide Impact: Benefits Beyond UMG

The integration of the ISNI system by UMG is expected to have far-reaching effects on the music industry. By accurately identifying creators and artists, UMG is driving improvements across the board. Tim Devenport, Executive Director of the ISNI International Agency, described the partnership as a major milestone for the music sector. The vast catalog and commitment to accurate creator identification will benefit artists, rights holders, and service providers alike. This initiative not only streamlines data management but also promotes fair compensation for creators.

Furthermore, UMG's efforts extend beyond the ISNI system. The company recently partnered with the non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund. This fund will provide high-quality outpatient mental health resources for professionals in the US music industry. Additionally, UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge joined other industry leaders in opposing the UK Labour government's controversial AI copyright exception proposal. These actions underscore UMG's dedication to protecting creators' rights and supporting the well-being of industry professionals.