EMI China

MEI THE SHOW GO ON: EMI has resumed an historic portion of its legacy with this week’s launch of EMI China. The announcement was accompanied by news that the legendary music brand, acquired by UMG in 2012, had signed "Mandopop" superstar A-Mei and artists Show Lo and Rainie Yang. “EMI’s heritage in the region makes this a very exciting re-launch,” said UMG International Chairman/CEO Max Hole. “At Universal Music we’re huge believers in the potential for the music business in China and the importance of investing in local artists. And I do hope that when they write about this, the idiots at HITS can refrain from making jokes about General Tso’s Chicken.” A-Mei, cited by TIME as one of 20 “Asian heroes,” was named EMI’s Greater China Brand Director. Said UM Greater China Chairman/CEO Sunny Chang, “This is the start of a new era for the label.” EMI’s history of recording Chinese music stretches all the way back to 1903, when engineer Fred Gaisberg first captured local songs for EMI predecessor The Gramophone Company. (7/1a)