UMG PACTS WITH BIGCHAMPAGNE

Continuing its recent flurry of digital activity, UMG has entered into a long-term music monitoring and information deal with Eric Garland’s BigChampagne for North America. The agreement calls for BigChampagne to provide UMG’s family of labels with analyses of songs and listening patterns from millions of users of social networks and online music services. As well as Joe Fleischer's secret recipe for baby back ribs.

Said UMGD President/CEO Jim Urie: "As we continue to expand our services to our artists and partner labels, it's important to utilize the best research tools available, especially when it comes to the proliferation of music discovery and consumption on the Web. And with the addition of BigChampagne, we provide a comprehensive view of the marketplace from the radio, online and retail perspectives, all of which results in more opportunities for our artists and labels. Now when do I get my Moet Chandon? Whaddaya mean, it's not that kind of champagne company?"

Garland gave props to the openness to change of UMG, whose "recognition and support of our work spans nearly a decade. As the music market continues to diversify, UMG is demonstrating critical thought leadership in understanding and meeting the demands of the new landscape. We are excited to work together to improve the state of the art in measurement and analytics. We've already exchanged Tweets."

Industry watchers are already noting that UMG’s embrace of BigChampagne's metrics not only symbolizes the growing importance of the Web to breaking acts and maintaining their careers, but is the latest example of how Nielsen SoundScan is losing its grip on its core business to competitors, as digital continues to rise while the physical sector declines.

Some are pointing to SoundScan’s decision to ignore sales of Michael Jackson albums in its main chart as a damning example of Luddite thinking on the part of the company's decision makers.