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The 70-year-old singer has provided the following statement concerning the lucrative deal, “I am delighted to have Jody and the team at UMPG curate and manage my song catalog. It is absolutely essential to me that my career’s body of work have a home where it is valued and respected – not only to connect with longtime fans in new ways but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians and generations. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with UMG as my label partner, under the watchful guidance of Lucian, so it felt natural to unite everything in one trusted home, as I return to the studio, ready for the next chapter.”

The iconic artist spans over four decades and holds a back catalogue full of hits, both solo and with The Police.  Sting first gained notarization through The Police, the group formed in the late seventies with Sting on vocals and bass, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland. The group became a global favourite and went on to rule the charts with such hits as “Roxanne” and “Message in a Bottle”. The group’s catalogue includes five studio albums and multiple singles including the smash it “Every Breath You Take” and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”.

After some initial solo projects, Sting released his first solo album in 1985 entitled The Dream of the Blue Turtles. The album reached number three within the UK album charts and sired two Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Male Best Pop Vocal Performance. The album’s first single “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” was released on 31st May 1985 and cemented Sting as a solo artist. Born as Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, Sting released fourteen further solo albums, his most recent full release My Bridge was released on 19th November and reached the top 40 within the UK album charts.

Speaking on the impressive range of material acquired, Chairman and Chief executive of Universal Sir Lucian Grainge has provided the following statement, “We are honoured that by choosing Universal for his music publishing, Sting’s entire body of work as a songwriter and recording artist – from the Police to his solo work – will all be within the Universal family, It is a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”

The multi award-winning artist is set to resume his My Songs tour which began last year, the singer will perform on 5th March 2022 at Latvia’s Arena Riga and will finish the 23 date European leg on 13th April 2022 with a performance in Germany. The singer will then return to the UK for a six-date residency at The London Palladium starting on 15th April 2022.

Sting UK tour dates

15/04 – The London Palladium – London
16/04 – The London Palladium – London
17/04 – The London Palladium – London
19/04 – The London Palladium – London
20/04 – The London Palladium – London
21/04 – The London Palladium – London

Click here to purchase tickets.

Brothers Alec and Alex Boateng will head their new UK project as industry executives. Alex Boateng has been a part of Universal Music for ten years, and up until recently fulfilled the role of President of Island Records’ Urban Division. Giggs, Drake, Tiwa Savage and Ray BLK are just some of the artists who have collaborated on campaigns with Island Records.

Up until Universals’ latest announcement, Alec Boateng served the great responsibility as Co-chair of A&R at Atlantic Records. The growing superstardom of both Burna Boy and Jess Glynne was all overseen by Alec Boateng.

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Amy Tetty, a former colleague at Island Records with an eleven-year alumni, will join Alec and Alex Boateng on 0207 Def Jam. In a statement, Alex Boateng relayed his excitement towards the new project: “Especially in these times, this is a real privilege. I’m proud our collective journey now includes partnering a legendary label with a style that only London and the UK can provide. Looking forward to watching and guiding where the music and art takes the journey next.”

Alec Boateng declared his anticipation and gratitude towards his new role, showing his high appreciation for today’s artists: “Music, art and artists really, really matter. I’m super excited to play a leadership role in this brilliant new space we’re creating for amazing music and talent to live and evolve. A space which will support both our teams and our artists to be the best version of themselves.”

The interim Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings Jeff Harleston was immensely pleased at the news of Alec and Alex Boateng heading 0207 Def Jam. Harleston said in a statement: “It is a perfect fit having Alex and Alec at the helm of 0207 Def Jam.”

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Harleston continued, conveying his upmost respect for the Boateng brothers. Harleston said of the Boatengs: “Their creativity, artist relationships, and connection with culture are all key elements that have made Def Jam such an important label for over 35 years. I have no doubt that Alex, Alec and their team will only make the label and the brand even stronger.”

Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 by legendary producer Rick Rubin. Originally starting from his University dorm room in New York City, Rubin started Def Jam Recordings to release a song by his then punk group, Hose. Russell Simmonds joined Def Jam as a partner soon after, following an introduction to Rubin by DJ Jazzy Jay.

Since then, Def Jam Recordings have signed, supervised and overseen some of the world’s biggest artists and their respective rises to superstardom. From LL Cool J and Jay Z, to Rihanna and Stormzy, Def Jam have continuously reigned as the music industry’s most dynamic record label.