


Coca-Cola Partners With Universal, Launches Label real thing records.
The label aims to empower rising artists around the world
The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch real thing records. (rtr.).
The vision:
In its press release, UMG calls this a “new evolution of Coca-Cola’s rich legacy in music,” stating that rtr. is dedicated to “uplifting burgeoning artistry from around the world, and forging deeper connections between artists and fans.”
The partnership will draw on Coca-Cola’s “unrivaled reach and cultural influence,” and UMG’s expertise in artist development and its global network of labels and partners.
rtr. will be “genre agnostic” in its efforts to be a “launchpad for the next generation of music talent.”
The first signings:
rtr. has announced two signings, both of which are already signed to UMG-affiliated labels.
French-New Zealand acoustic pop artist Max Allais (Better Now Records/Universal Music Germany).
Indian singer-songwriter and producer Aksomaniac (Def Jam Recordings India/Universal Music India), who blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop and Carnatic music.
Both will release music on rtr. soon.
What they said:
Joshua Burke, The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Head of Music & Culture: “real thing records. is designed to unlock greater potential for artists, fans, and our brands – where creativity fuels growth, and the combined power of our network and key global music partners create value greater than the sum of its parts. It’s our intention to let artists shine and give them the flexibility to develop their identities with the support of global reach and expertise. It’s a long-term commitment to music.”
The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch real thing records. (rtr.).
The vision:
In its press release, UMG calls this a “new evolution of Coca-Cola’s rich legacy in music,” stating that rtr. is dedicated to “uplifting burgeoning artistry from around the world, and forging deeper connections between artists and fans.”
The partnership will draw on Coca-Cola’s “unrivaled reach and cultural influence,” and UMG’s expertise in artist development and its global network of labels and partners.
rtr. will be “genre agnostic” in its efforts to be a “launchpad for the next generation of music talent.”
The first signings:
rtr. has announced two signings, both of which are already signed to UMG-affiliated labels.
French-New Zealand acoustic pop artist Max Allais (Better Now Records/Universal Music Germany).
Indian singer-songwriter and producer Aksomaniac (Def Jam Recordings India/Universal Music India), who blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop and Carnatic music.
Both will release music on rtr. soon.
What they said:
Joshua Burke, The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Head of Music & Culture: “real thing records. is designed to unlock greater potential for artists, fans, and our brands – where creativity fuels growth, and the combined power of our network and key global music partners create value greater than the sum of its parts. It’s our intention to let artists shine and give them the flexibility to develop their identities with the support of global reach and expertise. It’s a long-term commitment to music.”
The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with Universal Music Group (UMG) to launch real thing records. (rtr.).
The vision:
In its press release, UMG calls this a “new evolution of Coca-Cola’s rich legacy in music,” stating that rtr. is dedicated to “uplifting burgeoning artistry from around the world, and forging deeper connections between artists and fans.”
The partnership will draw on Coca-Cola’s “unrivaled reach and cultural influence,” and UMG’s expertise in artist development and its global network of labels and partners.
rtr. will be “genre agnostic” in its efforts to be a “launchpad for the next generation of music talent.”
The first signings:
rtr. has announced two signings, both of which are already signed to UMG-affiliated labels.
French-New Zealand acoustic pop artist Max Allais (Better Now Records/Universal Music Germany).
Indian singer-songwriter and producer Aksomaniac (Def Jam Recordings India/Universal Music India), who blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop and Carnatic music.
Both will release music on rtr. soon.
What they said:
Joshua Burke, The Coca-Cola Company’s Global Head of Music & Culture: “real thing records. is designed to unlock greater potential for artists, fans, and our brands – where creativity fuels growth, and the combined power of our network and key global music partners create value greater than the sum of its parts. It’s our intention to let artists shine and give them the flexibility to develop their identities with the support of global reach and expertise. It’s a long-term commitment to music.”
The Coca-Cola Company
Real Thing Records
Max Allais
Aksomaniac
Better Now Records
Universal Music Germany
Def Jam Recordings India
Universal Music India
Joshua Burke
Music Business Deals
Brand Music Partnerships
Artist Management Signings
Major Brands Entering Music
Brand Partnerships
Artist Signings
Record Labels
Company Launches
Major Labels
France
New Zealand
India
Germany
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
- This story was written with information sourced from UMG’s press release.
- We covered it because of the profile of UMG and The Coca-Cola Company.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Deals & Signings
Sep 11, 2025
1 min read
Roy Orbison’s Estate Inks Management Deal With Sandbox Succession
Orbison’s three sons oversaw the estate prior to this deal

Deals & Signings
Sep 11, 2025
1 min read
Shaboozey Launches Record Label, American Dogwood
Signs first artist, Kevin Powers

Deals & Signings
Sep 10, 2025
1 min read
Hayley Williams’ Post Atlantic Label Partners with Secretly Distribution
The Paramore singer has just released her third solo LP

Roy Orbison’s Estate Inks Management Deal With Sandbox Succession
Orbison’s three sons oversaw the estate prior to this deal

Harry Levin
Deals
Sep 11, 2025

Shaboozey Launches Record Label, American Dogwood
Signs first artist, Kevin Powers

Rod Yates
Deals
Sep 11, 2025

Hayley Williams’ Post Atlantic Label Partners with Secretly Distribution
The Paramore singer has just released her third solo LP

Rod Yates
Deals
Sep 10, 2025

The Orchard Launches OPEN, a New Physical Distribution Network
Its debut follows a merger between Germany’s SPV Distribution and Membran

Rod Yates
Deals
Sep 10, 2025

Reservoir Media Has Acquired Miles Davis’s Publishing Catalog
Davis’s estate signed over 90% of the late jazz legend’s publishing rights

Harry Levin
Deals
Sep 9, 2025

Hilary Duff Inks With Atlantic Ahead of Return to Music
The new deal coincides with a docuseries about her restarting her music career

Harry Levin
Deals
Sep 9, 2025