Full Breakdown
Warner Music APAC Unveils “Listen Up” Global Artist Accelerator
6/17/2026, 1:28:08 AM
Launch of the “Listen Up” Accelerator
Warner Music APAC announced on 16 June 2026 the rollout of “Listen Up,” a premier global artist accelerator designed to move talent from Asia-Pacific markets onto worldwide charts. The initiative consolidates development, profiling and long-term strategy across Warner Music’s territories, turning regional momentum into sustained international presence.
Market Context and Strategic Rationale
The Greater China market, together with the United States, Canada, Australia and Southeast Asia, now accounts for a sizable share of global streaming. Warner Music APAC aims to harness this combined footprint, using a unified label front to amplify artists who can generate cross-border fanbases rather than isolated viral spikes.
Executives Steering the Program and Flagship Artist
Key figures include Lofai Lo, President of Warner Music APAC; Brayden Crossley, SVP of Marketing, APAC; and Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia & SE Asia. C-pop star Gareth T (Warner Music Hong Kong) serves as the program’s inaugural success story, having vaulted into Warner Music’s global top-five streamed acts after his May 20 release “Glass” logged more than 250 million streams in its first month.
Timeline and Showcase Events
- 16 June 2026 – “Listen Up” officially unveiled.
- 6 August 2026 – Live showcase in Sydney, Australia.
- 12 August 2026 – Live showcase in Singapore.
These events will feature both international and regional “Listen Up” artists, providing a platform for brands, media and promoters.
Performance Data and Early Indicators
Gareth T’s single “Glass” amassed >250 million streams in 30 days, positioning him among Warner Music’s five most-streamed global acts—a first for a Chinese artist in the company’s history. The program’s unified approach is projected to replicate such metrics across multiple territories.
2026 Artist Roster
International artists prioritising APAC: Barry Can’t Swim (UK), Cil (US), Daniel Seavey (US), EMEI (US), Erin LeCount (UK), Florence Road (UK), Griff (UK), Jade LeMac (Canada/US), Rachel Chinouriri (UK).
APAC-signed artists: Balu Brigada (Australia/US), Boy Soda (Australia), Gareth T (Hong Kong), Guru Randhawa (India), Karencici (Taiwan), Kita Alexander (Australia), Lee Young Ji (Korea), Luv (Japan), PSYCHIC FEVER by EXILE TRIBE (Japan).
Why the Initiative Matters
By concentrating resources on high-potential talent, Warner Music APAC seeks to convert regional streaming spikes into lifelong careers, leveraging its global network to nurture fan loyalty across borders. The model demonstrates how coordinated label investment can elevate APAC artists to the worldwide streaming elite.
Official Statements & Responses
Lofai Lo emphasized that “Listen Up” mobilises the entire regional footprint to build lasting careers, citing Gareth T’s rapid ascent as proof of concept. Brayden Crossley highlighted the need for deep-tier strategy beyond viral moments, noting the program’s bespoke investment in emerging market opportunities. Dan Rosen stressed the combined ANZ and SEA region’s excitement for superstar development, describing the Sydney and Singapore showcases as evidence of real regional scale paired with local cultural connection.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lofai Lo, President, Warner Music APAC, WMG, said: “Listen Up is about mobilizing our entire regional footprint and global partners to ensure we aren’t just generating streams, but building lifelong careers.” — Lofai Lo, President, Warner Music APAC
- “We are focusing our resources on the talent that can truly move the needle, providing them with the bespoke support needed to turn emerging market opportunities into global superstardom.” — Lofai Lo, President, Warner Music APAC
- “Breaking an artist in today’s landscape requires more than just a viral moment; it requires deep-tier strategy and a unified front. Our program aims to strategically invest in our artists in ways that make an impact in today’s global fandom marketplace.” — Brayden Crossley, SVP Marketing, Warner Music APAC
- “We’re in the business of breaking superstars, and the combined ANZ and SEA region is one of the most exciting places in the world to do that right now. Listen Up is how we put that ambition into action, synchronising the skills and passion of our teams across our 9 offices in the region to develop artists with genuine global potential. The showcases in Sydney and Singapore show our partners that we’re operating with real regional scale while staying deeply connected to local culture. We can’t wait to build the careers and fanbases of our Listen UP artists across the world.” — Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australasia & SE Asia
What’s Next
Following the August showcases, Warner Music APAC will roll out additional development cycles, expand the “Listen Up” roster and continue leveraging its nine-office network to scout and nurture talent poised for global streaming success.
