STEMS AND A&R SEEDS: COWELL, UMG PARTNER WITH TIKTOK

TikTok has partnered with Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment, Universal Music Group and a songwriting team led by Max Martin to launch a new feature, StemDrop, which provides users with music stems to produce their own versions of songs.

The new function was created by Cowell, Syco and Tim Van Rongen, who worked on The Voice before joining Syco. The execs have partnered with Universal Music and Republic Records to launch StemDrop exclusively with TikTok and Samsung.

Cowell said StemDrop could make a “big difference” to the careers of aspiring artists, allowing, "Hit songs are like diamonds, and they can change an artist’s career overnight. With tens of thousands of songs uploaded every day, this idea will give aspiring artists the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most successful songwriters in the world.”

Sir Lucian Grainge added, “UMG exists at the intersection of innovation and talent discovery, so we’re excited to partner with Simon and the incredible team he’s assembled to launch this new platform, harnessing the scale of TikTok to leverage the artistry of creators worldwide.”

The feature will officially launch on 10/26 with the release of 60 seconds of a new song written by Martin, Savan Kotecha and Ali Payami. The TikTok community will be able to use the stems to create, record and share their own unique versions. Additionally, TikTok music curator Ari Elkins, singer-songwriter Astrid S and Your Boy Moyo will act as global ambassadors for StemDrop and host daily content on TikTok's @StemDrop channel.

“StemDrop provides an unprecedented opportunity to capture the spirit of experimentation that remains the cornerstone of the music community’s creative process,” said Republic Records founder and CEO Monte Lipman. “We embrace and celebrate the innovation of these extraordinary individuals as they sail into uncharted waters.”

TikTok Global Head of Music Ole Obermann offered his two cents as well: "Every day, brilliant, undiscovered artists and songwriters turn to TikTok to share their music and find a global audience. StemDrop will put a spotlight on this talent and act as a springboard to help them build their careers."