The two entities team for new artist channels and music app
Warner Music Group (WMG) and Twitch have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that will see the companies launch various recording artist channels and create a standalone music space featuring premium music-centric programming. The innovative deal marks Twitch’s first partnership with a major record company, bringing users new ways to interact with music-related content on the service, and granting artists a more direct connection with fans.
“It’s clear that Twitch is an indispensable space for all types of creators to connect with their fan communities,” shares WMG Chief Digital Officer and EVP of Business Development Oana Ruxandra. “Our partnership creates an on-ramp for artists to come onto the service with strong support from Twitch, opening up an entirely new source of incremental revenue. Between the artist-specific channels and the premium shows we’re planning to launch, music lovers will get a refreshing new view into the world of music and the lives of their favorite artists.”
“Twitch has always been – and will continue to be – creator first. For fans, artists and all creators, this is a great step forward,” adds Tracy Chan, Twitch VP Head of Music. “The myriad opportunities for fans and artists to forge meaningful, direct and valued relationships on Twitch continue to expand every day. Working together, we can create new paradigms and opportunities for artists and the Twitch community, all grounded in the passion of fans. We appreciate the progressive approach of our colleagues at Warner Music and look forward to a productive partnership.”
The partnership with Warner Music Group’s recorded music business will see the launch of WMG artist channels, including Warner Records superstars Bella Poarch and Saweetie and Atlantic Records’ viral breakout singer/producer Sueco, featuring a steady stream of exclusive content and behind-the-scenes material. The move empowers Warner Music’s talent to tap into Twitch’s unique creator-driven model, opening up additional income opportunities, as well as access to Twitch’s fan engagement tools to get to know their audiences better.
The standalone WMG space promises to be an up-to-the-minute exclusive experience, as one of the premium music-centric channels on Twitch. It will feature professionally produced original programming curated by leading social-first digital media company IMGN, which WMG acquired last year. The channel will cultivate social interactivity and music discovery amongst next-gen music heads and see regular appearances from top artists across the musical spectrum.
Upcoming programming includes The Drop, a hang where hosts and audience talk about the latest news from the world of music with special guests and performances. Freestyle Throwdown in which Twitch rappers have to impress the panel with their skills, while playing the hottest games. They’ll have to concentrate hard since the audience chooses their topics and have a say in who wins.
The One is where every artist has “the one” – the combo of another artist and song that inspired them to be part of the music world. Guest artists will perform these songs and take audience questions, as well as meet up-and-coming Twitch musicians that they have inspired in turn.
Additionally, Twitch has created a new process that participating music rights holders, including WMG, can opt into to report certain uses of their music, to address when creators inadvertently or incidentally use music in their streams.
