David Tao (left) and Universal Music Greater China chairman and CEO Timothy Xu. Photo Credit: Universal Music
Months after partnering with Liu Huan, Universal Music Group has continued its China expansion by finalizing a “strategic global alliance” with David Tao.
The major label unveiled the newer agreement, executed specifically via Universal Music Greater China, today. Billed as the “Godfather of Mandarin R&B,” Hong Kong-born Tao has now (officially) dropped his eighth studio album, Stupid Pop Songs, with UMG.
That 15-track effort marks the 55-year-old’s “first full-length project” in over a decade, Universal Music emphasized. Having been available to stream since April, the work, featuring five songs with English-language titles, is expected to receive a Universal Music Greater China physical release “soon.”
Also part of the UMG-Tao tie-up is the latter’s Great Entertainment company, which is set to leverage the major’s “global infrastructure and creative network” to help Tao’s music find new fans on the international stage.
As many know, this idea – fueling worldwide commercial results for regionally prominent acts – is front and center in announcements concerning partnerships with Chinese labels and talent. But to state the obvious, it certainly doesn’t hurt to carve out a larger presence in China’s quick-expanding music market, where Warner Music lost a bit of ground in Q1.
Keeping as much in mind, the past year has also seen Universal Music debut “Universal Music China Greater Bay Area,” secure a distribution pact covering releases from The Rap of China contestants, and partner with Modern Sky, to name a few moves. And to close out May 2025, UMG inked a global distro deal with Qian Lei-founded Brave Music.
Back to today’s partnership, Universal Music Greater China chairman and CEO Timothy Xu reiterated the career achievements of Tao, who has 1.5 million Spotify monthly listeners.
“David Tao is one of the most visionary and influential figures in Mandopop history,” weighed in Xu. “His music has shaped the genre and inspired generations with its emotional depth and artistic courage. We are proud to welcome David to the Universal Music family. This alliance underscores our long-term investment in iconic artistry and reinforces our commitment to expanding the global reach of Mandarin pop.”
And in remarks of his own, Tao touted the agreement’s perceived ability to “elevate Mandarin pop” internationally.
“Music has always been a borderless and personal journey for me,” added Tao, who previously released multiple albums via Gold Typhoon, which Warner Music scooped up in 2014. “This new chapter with Universal Music allows us to bring our creative work to a broader global stage.
“I’m grateful for the trust and alignment in vision, and excited to explore new possibilities with UMGC to elevate Mandarin pop and share our stories with the world,” he concluded.
