By Chinedu Nwosu, Special Correspondent

The global leading express service provider DHL Express and the world’s leading music-based entertainment company Universal Music Group (UMG) have introduced DHL FAST-TRACK, a new music initiative connecting artists and fans by leveraging both companies’ local and global expertise.  DHL FAST-TRACK is a progressive initiative with purpose, delivering tomorrow’s music today. Supporting the hottest, emerging artists on their music journey, helping to deliver their distinctive sound to new audiences across the globe. Getting fans closer to the artists they love with unforgettable music moments, spanning innovative digital activations, unique content, eco-initiatives and much more.

DHL FAST-TRACK is an always-on program that connects global audiences by creating and sharing cultural moments in music that inspire, entertain and engage. Bringing artists and fans closer than ever, revealing the untold stories behind an artist’s creative process, whilst helping to amplify their journey.

To bring the DHL FAST-TRACK programme to life, two of UMG’s legendary recording studios: Abbey Road Studios (UK) and Capitol Studios (US) will partner with Fast-Track. Infusing their expertise, these global icons in music will support a multitude of creative activations and celebrate the phenomenal talent of the featured artists.

“Like music, DHL connects people from across the world every day” says CEO DHL Express Americas & Global Head of Sponsorships, Mike Parra. “We are really excited about our new global partnership with Universal Music Group and the DHL FAST-TRACK programme, where our shared pioneering values and international expertise will bring fans closer by connecting them to the artists they love through innovative experiences and unforgettable moments.”

General Manager of Abbey Road Studios, Jeremy Huffelmann said: “Abbey Road has long been a platform for enabling and developing new talent, with many incredible artists starting their journey in our studios. By appointing DHL as Abbey Road Studios’ Official Logistics Partner on the exciting Fast-Track programme, we will actively bring new talent closer to their fans.”

Kicking off the DHL FAST-TRACK extensive global program is the Hamburg-hailed singer-songwriter, Zoe Wees. Zoe’s stellar 2020 debut track, ‘Control’ showcased her deep, emotional vocals, the megahit has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Her FAST-TRACK performance will be her first-ever headline show with a full band, announcing Zoe’s status as ‘the artist to watch’ with a bang.

Fans have played a central role in Zoe’s meteoric emergence, with her tracks viewed and streamed over 600M times. Now, through DHL FAST-TRACK, they can support her local to global journey even more passionately. Zoe’s bespoke narrative content will build anticipation for her megawatt performance broadcast from the stage of Hamburg’s biggest independent venue, Kampnagel. A showpiece moment for the multi-instrumentalist, her first broadcast concert delivered free to everyone around the world.

Sharing her enthusiasm and support for the FAST-TRACK emerging artist music programme, Zoe Wees said: “Thanks to DHL Fast-Track for helping put on my first-ever headline concert, it feels special to be able to do a global show from my hometown of Hamburg.”

Amplifying DHL’s passion for innovation, Zoe’s performance will be cut- to-vinyl at Abbey Road Studios in London, to immortalize this unique performance. True to the music programme’s name, a limited number of vinyls will be fast-tracked hot off the press to fans thanks to DHL’s global express logistical capabilities; a special delivery that will become a once-in-a-lifetime moment for some lucky fans.

EVP, Universal Music Group for Brands Olivier Robert-Murphy comments: “Supporting the creative journey of new and emerging talents is at the core of what we do at Universal Music Group. In DHL Express we have a partner with shared expertise in local to global innovation, offering unique support as we connect these phenomenal artists with millions of fans around the world.”

The beat goes on, DHL FAST-TRACK will continue apace across 2021 and beyond with more enticing cultural music moments. Shining the spotlight next on the US, with the support of the iconic Capitol Studios, the programme then turns towards Asia in 2022, as we continue to feature the world’s freshest emerging talent and support them on their local to global journey.