Martin UMG’s Head Of Audio & Sound

• Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed Grammy-winning producer, composer and arranger Giles Martin as Head of Audio & Sound. In this newly created position, Martin will lead UMG’s exploration and adoption of emerging audio formats and consumer technology, inspiring artist creativity and providing the best possible listening experience for fans. Martin will be based in a facility is intimately acquainted with — UMG’s world famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

In this new position, Martin will bring audio fidelity to the heart of the music production process, encouraging artists signed to UMG’s record labels to experiment in the company’s world-class spaces for composition and recording. These include UMG’s flagship studios, Abbey Road, which was recently named UK Studio of the Year by the Music Producers Guild, and the legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

Martin’s global role for UMG comes after a long association with Abbey Road Studios, where the multi-instrumentalist has worked extensively during his career as a successful music producer, composer, arranger and creative leader. His ground-breaking production work propelled LOVE, the record-breaking Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show that opened at the Mirage in Las Vegas in June 2006, and in 2007 he won two Grammys for the LOVE soundtrack, an album of remixed Beatles music co-produced with his late father, the legendary Sir George Martin. His film work has included Ron Howard‘s Beatles documentary feature, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week — The Touring Years, Martin Scorsese‘s George Harrison: Living in the Material World and the British action franchise, Kingsman. This year he has been producing music for the forthcoming Sir Elton John biopic, Rocketman.

 Commenting on his new role with UMG, Martin said, “The landscape of the way people listen to music has changed dramatically. This is an exciting time. New technology should ensure the artist can now connect directly with the listener, and it’s our job as the music industry to make sure that connection is as clear and direct as possible. UMG artists have the best recording facilities in the world. We need to encourage artists to innovate and create great sounding music and to make sure this can be heard by everyone in the best way possible. It’s inspiring to be given the opportunity to work with an amazing team at UMG to push the boundaries of audio and sound for both the artist and the music lover.”