Universal Music Group has unveiled a collaboration with Daniel Nigro, the acclaimed producer whose work with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan has cemented his reputation. Through this partnership, the record giant joins forces with Nigro via his own label, Amusement Records.
Nigro has ascended to the pinnacle of pop music production, lauded for his fruitful collaborations with Roan and Rodrigo. He has lent his talents to both of Rodrigo's albums, Sour and Guts, as well as Roan's The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and the singles "Good Luck, Babe!" and "The Giver." Additionally, he has collaborated with artists such as Caroline Polachek, Sky Ferreira, and Conan Gray. In February, Nigro was honored with the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year, having been nominated the previous year as well.
"Daniel embodies the creative genius and entrepreneurial zest that defines UMG," declared Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG, in an official statement. "I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in our successful partnership and eagerly anticipate the culturally impactful music and artists that Daniel will introduce to our global family."
Initially founded by Nigro for Roan, Amusement Records partnered with UMG's Island Records to release Midwest Princess in September 2023. Initially, sales of the album were sluggish, failing to debut on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart until April 2024. However, as Roan's popularity soared to global superstardom, the album experienced a meteoric rise.
Currently, Roan is the sole artist listed on Amusement's roster, with Rise and Fall being its only album. Nonetheless, this new agreement paves the way for more artists to join. It is important to note that this deal is not an acquisition; rather, it grants UMG exclusivity for future signees under Amusement, while allowing the label's roster to collaborate with all of UMG's subsidiary labels.
"After six years of working predominantly with various labels and artists under Universal, formalizing our relationship seemed like the natural next step," Nigro stated on Wednesday. "I envision Amusement Records as a nurturing ground where artists can grow and develop at their own pace, equipped with all the resources necessary for success. Furthermore, it's a space where I can freely select the perfect team for each artist. Deep down, I know that the team at Universal shares this vision, and I am incredibly excited about what the future holds."
