October 21, 2020

UMUSIC Hotels Will Be About Live Music!

Universal Music Group is making a big entrance into the hotel industry with UMUSIC, a chain focused on live music and luxury hospitality.

It seems like a long time since anyone has been allowed to see live music. Covid-19 has effectively shut down the concert industry. With the exception of some cool drive-in concerts, there just isn’t much live music available.

And that makes this news feel especially welcome.

Announcing UMUSIC Hotels

Universal Music Group (UMG), a company that owns several record labels, is making a splash in the hotel industry. UMG is partnering with Dakia U-Ventures for a global chain of luxury music-themed hotels called UMUSIC. The first three locations will be in Atlanta, Orlando, and Biloxi (MS), with more on the way — both in the U.S. and around the world.

Hard Rock Hotel on “Steroids”

When I think hotels and live music, I’m usually thinking about Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts. I’ve been to their Biloxi location several times and have even seen a show at Hard Rock Live. But Hard Rock offers fairly small concert venues, seating in the neighborhood of 2,000 concert goers. At that size, you’ll typically see artists who are past their prime but still have a loyal following (think: Cheap Trick).

UMUSIC is taking things to another level. The Biloxi property, for example, will include a 12,000-seat concert venue. Fast Company calls UMUSIC “a 21st century version of Hard Rock Hotels — on steroids…”

And certainly, a venue that size could host major acts over one or multiple nights.

The UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel in Biloxi will include a golf course, plenty of retail, a casino, and a marina. Suites will front the concert venue, giving guests a great view of the show from their rooms. You won’t be getting to bed early, that’s for sure, but you probably won’t care.

An artist's rendering of the UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel, which will incorporate a large live music venue
Artist’s rendering of the UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel, Biloxi (Source: Universal Music Group)

An “Immersive Experience”

According to the press release, UMUSIC Hotels will be an “immersive experience” for fans and artists alike. But we don’t have much in the way of details at the moment. Nor can we say if each location will have a music venue as large as Biloxi’s. My gut tells me that the hotels will offer venues that best fill a need in the community. That will mean a large concert venue in Biloxi. But they could be smaller in Atlanta and Orlando.

The UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel in Biloxi will seamlessly integrate a stunning performance venue and a luxury hotel with an immersive architecture style. In Atlanta, the UMUSIC Hotel will include a holistic entertainment venue. UMUSIC Orlando’s design will similarly reflect a music-first experience for guests.

— Universal Music Group, 10/9/2020

Final Thoughts

Whatever shape each property takes, UMUSIC Hotels will be about live music. Universal Music Group already has a huge stable of artists they could tap to perform at their hotels. And in a year without much good news, this is awesome news for live music fans.

WLBT reports that construction will begin on Biloxi’s UMUSIC property 2021. The $1.2 billion hotel and concert venue is expected to open in 2023.

Photo Credits: Universal Music Group | UMUSIC

Mason

Mason is a lifelong traveler and broadcaster, having done both for more than three decades. By the time he was a teenager, Mason was booking his own trips and traveling solo. He’s an expert on the ins and outs of finding a great fare, how to maximize miles and points for free travel, and how to get the most enjoyment from the journey itself. Mason is a traveler at heart, and no destination is unworthy of a visit.

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