UMG Adopts ISNI System
Universal Music Group (UMG) has officially embraced the international standard identifier system (ISNI) to enhance the identification of creators and artists within the music industry.
UMG’s partnership with ISNI International Agency (ISNI-II) positions it as the registration agency for ISNI, which has been noted as “the first of its kind for a major label,” according to ISNI-AIA on Monday (February 24).
Functionality of ISNI
ISNI serves as a globally certified ISO standard for identifying millions of contributors in creative work and those involved in their distribution. Notably, YouTube became an ISNI registration agency in 2018.
ISNI acts like a “digital passport” for every participant in the music creation process, including producers, songwriters, and other creatives. This system provides each creator with a unique identifier, enhancing their visibility online.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to ensure every creator is accurately acknowledged and compensated for their contributions. By integrating ISNI into our systems, we’re expanding the capabilities of creators and setting a new standard for the industry,” stated Kim Beauchamp, Senior Vice President for Innovation and Advanced Operations at Universal Music Group and Chair of DDEX.
DDEX collaborates with industry organizations to create a more efficient supply chain for data exchange and information throughout the music sector.
By February 2025, 100,000 ISNIs, including most artists with releases through UMG over the past five years, are slated for inclusion in the UMG database.
ISNI-II emphasizes that this implementation helps clarify confusion surrounding similar artists and decreases manual workload for digital service providers (DSPs).
Tim Devenport, Executive Director of the ISNI International Agency, referred to the partnership as “a significant milestone for ISNI in the music sector.”
“Their extensive catalog and commitment to precise creator identification will drive broad-scale improvements and awareness, benefiting artists, rights holders, and service providers alike.”
Additionally, UMG will utilize the ISNI system to connect data from the Contractor and Song Author within its systems with identifiers from collecting societies, such as IPN and IPI. This provides a consolidated overview of records, works, and revenue.
Additional Initiatives at UMG
Elsewhere at UMG, the chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge recently supported a media campaign opposing a controversial artificial law proposal in the UK. Grainge joined Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer and Warner Music Group General Manager Robert Kyncl in urging the UK government to safeguard creator rights.
In February, UMG also partnered with the non-profit organization Musical Union of Health (MHA) to establish a Mental Health Fund for the Music Industry. According to UMG, the fund will provide “comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources.”
Universal Music adopts ISNI system, assigning ID numbers to songwriters and artists
