SYDNEY – 14 September 2021 – Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced that Mojo Ruiz de Luzuriaga, known as Mo’Ju, has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
One of Australia’s most exciting singer/songwriters, Mo’Ju’s music has amassed critical, commercial and cultural influence. Her third album Native Tongue was one of 2018’s most important and award-winning releases, impacting her life, songwriting and the Australian music landscape. With the album being a career definer for the singer/songwriter, Mo’Ju had documented a deep and intimate exploration of her Wiradjuri and Filipino roots. The album represented a turning point in both her career and in the ways in which Australian songwriters are telling their personal stories.
2019 saw the release of mini-album Ghost Town, reaching into an electronica inspired sound, and 2021 sees new EP O.K., a vulnerable and introspective reflection on mental health and loneliness which, through Mo’Ju’s provocative songwriting, offers up music as an antidote for sadness. Mo’Ju is currently working on her fourth studio album, as well as on several side projects including for film and TV.
Mo’Ju said: “I feel very grateful and excited to join the roster at UMPG. It feels really nice to find a home for my songs and to be working with such an incredible team whom I have so much respect for. I feel like this is the kind of place I can really thrive as a songwriter and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Sarah McMillan, Mo’Ju’s manager from Unified Music Group, said: “I am really excited for Mo’Ju to be joining the UMPG roster. It was an easy decision after meeting with the team, and it was clear that not only were they fans of Mo'Ju but they were passionate, proactive and loved their jobs. We are feeling really confident and supported in knowing we are going to be working alongside the team at Universal Music to achieve some amazing goals.”
Marianna Annas, Vice President, Commercial & Creative, Universal Music Publishing Australia, said: “Mo’Ju’s artistry is profound, unique and fascinating. She has the rare aptitude to traverse musical genres, to draw from her own cultural roots, to blend and mix these up and to create songs which are modern yet timeless. All of us at UMPG couldn’t be more excited to be onboard with Mo’Ju and Sarah and taking the next steps forward together.”