Warner Music Japan has announced the launch of a new urban label called +809 (pronounced ‘plus eight-oh-nine’).
The label is focused on discovering and nurturing talent from Japan’s fast-growing urban music scene and promoting its artists through Warner Music’s global network.
The label has launched with the release of the track Ding Dong (feat A.G.O.) by up-and-coming Japanese R&B singer FLEUR (pictured main).
FLEUR is a 23-year-old artist from the city of Kyoto whose debut EP Fleur was released digitally in June and immediately went to No.3 on the local iTunes R&B chart and was chosen as New Artist of the Week.
Songs from the EP were included on popular playlists, such as Spotify’s Tokyo Rising.
His collaborators include young producers such as MONBEE of hip-hop collective BCDMG and he created his first single on +809 with A.G.O., a producer from the Tokyo and LA-based hip-hop crew CIRRRCLE.
“Urban music is exploding across Asia and the Japanese market has some very exciting talent coming through. Warner Music Japan has geared itself to become a digital-first business and that’ll work well for urban acts that primarily play in the streaming space.”
Simon Robson, President, Warner Music Asia, said: “Urban music is exploding across Asia and the Japanese market has some very exciting talent coming through.
“Warner Music Japan has geared itself to become a digital-first business and that’ll work well for urban acts that primarily play in the streaming space. I look forward to helping some brilliant Japanese urban artists build an international fan base.”
“We’re proud to launch +809 and believe it’ll help break down barriers and enable Japanese artists to succeed in the global streaming market.”
Kaz Kobayashi, Warner Music Japan
Kaz Kobayashi, President and CEO, Warner Music Japan, added: “We’re proud to launch +809 and believe it’ll help break down barriers and enable Japanese artists to succeed in the global streaming market.
“We want it to become our country’s leading urban label and showcase the future of Japanese music to the world. It’s amazing that we’ve been able to launch the label with a track from such brilliant talents as FLEUR and A.G.O.”Music Business Worldwide
