Auckland band Hangar 18 signs Asian deal with Universal Music Group MCA

Hangar 18 will be familiar faces across 15 Asian territories after being signed by music maverick Ricky Ilacad. Photo / Supplied

Auckland four-piece Hangar 18 have signed to music label giant Universal Music Group MCA in the Philippines on an Asian-wide deal.

The deal means the band will be released and promoted in 15 countries; The Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Brunei.

The arrangement exposes the band, who originally formed in 1995, to a potential audience of more than 2.5 billion people.

Earlier this year, the band toured in Asia, including 11 performances in the Philippines where the band were signed by music maverick and CEO of UMG Ricky Ilacad.

Singer Tim Allen said the band was excited to be working with the team at Universal.

"They are all so cool and the market leader in their field. Our plan of going to Asia first before heading to the usual territories is starting to pay off for us."

Before heading back to Asia to tour and release their new single Rainy Day, the band was touring New Zealand, including the South Island on August 2-4, as well as some additional North Island dates.

The band were due to perform in Singapore, timed with the annual global music industry conference Music Matters, five days of showcases and conferences attended by music industry professionals from around the world.

The new single would be being released in Asia through Universal Music Group in early September with the Australasia release later this year when the band return to home.

The music video for Rainy Day was shot in the Philippines during the band's Asia tour in March.

Hangar 18's yet to be titled new album is produced by UK music producer Steve James, whose credits included Sex Pistols, Monty Python, Ginger Baker, Phil Lynott, Toyah, The Rutles, The Jam, The Screaming Jets, The Rumjacks, Mental as Anything, Cold Chisel and Weta.

Hangar 18 have toured and shared the stage with Silverchair, No Doubt - Gwen Stefani, Collective Soul, Ocean Colour Scene, Grace Jones, Everclear and more.