Peermusic, one of the world's largest independent music-publishing companies based in the United States, has signed a long-term exclusive global deal with Yang Jionghan, the first Chinese singer-songwriter that the company has signed in its 86-year history.

At a recent news conference in Beijing, which opened with a half-hour performance by the 26-year-old Yang, Mary Megan Peer, the president of Peermusic's Asia Pacific and Strategic Markets, inked the contract with the pop-rock artist onstage.

"It's been over 20 years since we set up our office in Asia, and finally we are happy to sign our first Chinese artist," Peer says, adding that the move marks the company's official expansion into the Chinese market.

Founded in 1928 by Ralph S. Peer, the company operates a global network from 35 offices in 28 countries. It was the first international music company to actively distribute recordings online, starting in 1998.

According to Mary Megan Peer, the founder's granddaughter, Peermusic launched Shake Music, a Beijing-based music label, in 2012. Since then, it has been looking for local talent and seeking cooperation in China.

A year ago, veteran Hong Kong music producer and songwriter Leslie Mok sent a 20-minute collection of Yang's songs to Mary Megan Peer, which kindled the agreement.

"Yang's music impressed us. I couldn't understand the lyrics, but I loved the style and arrangement. I can feel his devotion to music and I am touched by how he portrays feelings and human spirit," Mary Megan Peer says. "We are always keen to discover individual songwriters of various styles. We are interested in the Chinese market, especially when the country has built a large music fan base. It's a good time to invest here."

The landscape for the music industry in China is improving, she says. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's annual Digital Music Report, released in March, calls China "the new hope for a licensed music market".

"Over the past two years, major record companies and some independents have licensed eight of China's major online music services. Most of them were previously infringing copyright," the report said.

"China is facing copyright problems like any other countries in the world. But we have figured out ways to cope with the violations, such as working with China Mobile," she adds.

Yang, who was born in Shandong province, studied piano since childhood and graduated from the China Conservatory of Music, majoring in opera performance and bel canto. He has been writing music for TV series and movies, including Dwelling Narrowness and The Stolen Years.

"I am really honored to join such an established company. To be honest, I had never heard the company's name before I got this opportunity. When I Googled it, I was surprised to see names, such as Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and David Foster, which are on the company's artist list. I grew up with those timeless songs," Yang says.

Mok, the former managing director of Sony Music Company in China, has worked closely with Peermusic for many years. When he got Yang's demo in 2006, he was amazed by his songwriting, "which is skillful and full of his own attitude".

"He also has a good control of his voice, from low to high pitches," Mok says.

Having discovered stars like Karen Mok (no relation), the veteran is confident about his choice.

When he met Karen Mok 20 years ago, she had neither an outstanding beautiful look nor a high-pitched voice.

"But I knew that she would shine someday because she is unique and has her own attitude," Leslie Mok says. "I have the same faith in Yang."

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 04/24/2014 page10)