“We all believed in Noah, but to get to #1 before any other territory was a great achievement for us”: UMA reacts to Q2 radio performance

The second quarter of 2018 has come and gone, and each record label has their own story to tell.

Overall, it was a quarter headlined by the majors. The big three squeezed out 95% of the total Q2 TMN Hot 100 chart, leaving independents struggling to get a piece of the pie. 

Just when it seemed Universal could fly no higher, the label eclipsed 35% on both TMN Hot 100 and Hot 40 markets with a notable gain of nearly 7% on the Hot 40. Noah Kahan led the charge for Universal, gaining the commercial recognition the label always knew he deserved.

“We all believed in Noah, but to get to #1 before any other territory was a great achievement for us,” Universal’s Michael Taylor tells TMN.

“It’s his first #1 in any market in the world and first platinum single ever. The song is great and deserves it and we hope to see our lead followed now around the globe.”

Following a relatively slow start to 2018, Universal posted seven TMN Most Added To Radio crowns throughout the second quarter, bookended by urban artists The Weeknd (Call Out My Name) and Nicki Minaj (Bed) ft. Ariana Grande.    

Looking ahead, Q3 holds favourable and exciting prospects for the major, particularly in UMA’s newly established Island Records Australia division, championing local talent under the watchful eye of label head Nicole Richards.  

“Island Records Australia has a great slate for this next quarter with singles from established and developing acts Thundamentals, Matt Corby, Hilltop Hoods, Lakyn, Eliott and Broods, to name a few.”

Richards also highlighted the big year ahead for Dean Lewis. The Aussie’s new single Be Alright won commercial radio over instantly, catapulting to #4 on the latest Hot 100 chart after debuting at #26 the previous week.

“It is going to be a big year for Dean. We are seeing support from all DSPs and Networks, and not just in Australia, but in UK, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and more.”

See the full results of the Q2 2018 Australian Singles Report here