November 18, 2008

By By Jen Wilson, London

London-based Universal Classics and Jazz (UCJ) has created a dedicated resource within the label to oversee activity, opportunity and expansion in the areas of synchronization and branding. UCJ marketing manager Buffie Du Pon is heading the new resource.

"There are so many opportunities available to our artists and with our extensive back catalog (the largest classical and jazz music catalogue in the world), we are in a position to offer mainstream services to branding teams, advertising agencies, directors and producers across the country," said Du Pon in a statement.

The label -- home to artists such as Nina Simone, Russell Watson and Luciano Pavarotti -- says it is following a trend where indie-rock and pop acts have been matching brands with their target demographics.

Further to the internal label resource is the launch of regular themed evenings, where UCJ artists will perform showcases for an industry audience.

The first such event was held last night (Nov. 17) in London?s Soho and featured three new UCJ artists: Melody Gardot, Imelda May and Mama's Gun.

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