Warner Music Asia has inked a strategic alliance with the Thailand-based independent label What the Duck, through the signing of singer-songwriter Valentina Ploy.
The deal will see Warner Music Asia add the Bangkok-based act to its roster of artists, and will support the What the Duck label in its work to elevate the artist’s career.
Warner Music will “harness the support” of Warner Music Thailand to “strengthen [Ploy’s] domestic fan base”, and introduce her work to listeners across Asia and beyond, says the company
Ploy began releasing music with What the Duck in 2019.
Since then, she has amassed nearly 40 million streams on Spotify and has charted in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, says Warner Music.
The single Bla Bli Blu will be Ploy’s first official release with Warner Music, released on 28 April 2022.
The partnership marks Warner Music’s latest move in Asia.
The company expanded its presence in Vietnam in 2020, launched the dance imprint Whet Records (2021) and hip-hop label Asiatic (2021), introduced ADA, its independent artist and label services arm, in 2020, and expanded its domestic rosters in key markets.
The company also named Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin as Co-Presidents of Warner Music Asia in November last year.
“[Valentina Ploy] represents the new generation of singer-songwriters in Asia.”
Jonathan Serbin, Warner Music Asia
Jonathan Serbin, Co-President of Warner Music Asia, said: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Valentina to Warner Music Asia.
“An extremely talented musician, she represents the new generation of singer-songwriters in Asia.
“The styles and themes of her music, and the range of languages that she can sing in, allow her to reach an incredibly wide audience with her songs.
“We look forward to bringing her sound to music lovers across the globe. And it’s a great way to launch our partnership with What the Duck, a real pioneer in the Thai music scene.”
“It’s always been a dream of mine to bring my music to the world.”
Valentina Ploy
Valentina Ploy, added: “I am so happy to be working with Warner Music.
“Very excited and grateful to become part of the family as I feel that they support my vision of developing my artist career beyond limits.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to bring my music to the world and Warner Music is perfectly suited to help me reach the widest audience possible.
“With Warner Music and What the Duck, I’ll have an amazing set of partners that will help me achieve my vision and goal. Can’t wait to release my songs on Warner Music in the weeks and months ahead.”
“Valentina has already proven herself to be a popular and impactful star in Thailand.”
Karl Kongkham, Warner Music Thailand
Karl Kongkham, Managing Director of Warner Music Thailand, said: “Valentina has already proven herself to be a popular and impactful star in Thailand.
“Together with Warner Music Asia, we will work with What the Duck to continue to grow her fan base here at home, while plugging into Warner Music’s wide network in Asia and beyond, to enable this Thailand-based artist to become a truly international star.”
“The partnership with Warner Music will allow [Valentina Ploy] to spread her music even further.”
Samkwan ‘Moy’ Tonsompong, What the Duck
Samkwan ‘Moy’ Tonsompong, Managing Director of What the Duck, added: “We are excited to collaborate with Warner Music Asia on this project.
“We have worked with Valentina for a number of years, and have seen how she connects with fans. Already, her base in Southeast Asia and Taiwan is quite strong.
“The partnership with Warner Music will allow her to spread her music even further.”Music Business Worldwide
