Universal Music Publishing Group has entered into a strategic alliance with audio content production studio, Audio Up.

The agreement will focus on signing songwriters to create unique music for Audio Up’s original podcast programs.

Additionally, UMPG signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with songwriter, producer and Audio Up CEO, “Jingle Jared” Gutstadt.

Audio Up builds what UMPG calls unique scripted podcast content featuring original music and A-list talent voicing the roles.

The new relationship will see UMPG identify and potentially sign creators who it says “can both write songs for the podcasts, as well as excel in contemporary songwriting”.

Supported by distribution partners including SiriusXM and Audible, Audio Up says that it focuses on creating hit tracks, using the podcasting space as its launch pad.

UMPG notes that its “programs are akin to Broadway musicals that incorporate original stories with characters and scripts”.

Key podcast collaborators have included Machine Gun Kelly, T-Bone Burnett, Miranda Lambert, 24KGoldn, iann dior, and many others.

Audio Up CEO Gutstadt, also known as “Jingle Jared,” is a musician, writer, inventor, and live events director.

He is known for his patented technology (the “Jingle Player”). UMPG says that the tech “transformed the TV marketplace” through his company Jingle Punks.

His podcast, Bear and a Banjo, was the first podcast to feature an original commercial soundtrack.

“We see podcasting as a gateway to music discovery and hit songs of the future.”

Jared Gutstadt

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Universal Music Publishing on this first-of-its-kind endeavor,” said Gutstadt.

“We see podcasting as a gateway to music discovery and hit songs of the future. Our unique blend of music-based content unlocks incredible stories and music by some of the top recording artists in the space.

“Our secret sauce is a Tin Pan Alley model with completely integrated and original music capabilities from within our walls.

“We’re excited to bring this to life and start signing next-generation songwriters to plug and play within Universal Music Publishing and their greater capabilities alongside the power of Audio Up.”

“Jared is a uniquely talented songwriter, producer and entrepreneur, from his track record in creating production and contemporary music hits, to building new venture Audio Up as a premier podcasting studio.”

Marc Cimino, UMPG

Marc Cimino, Chief Operating Officer at UMPG, said: “Jared is a uniquely talented songwriter, producer and entrepreneur, from his track record in creating production and contemporary music hits, to building new venture Audio Up as a premier podcasting studio.

“UMPG is excited to be partnering with Jared and the Audio Up team, working together to discover and develop versatile songwriters who can create music both for these fan-favorite podcasts as well as contemporary hits.”

 Music Business Worldwide