AirAsia releases hit single
A-pop sensation Jannine Weigel (middle) released her new single "Passcode" to the world today with RedRecords CEO Hassan Choudhury (right) and CEO of AirAsia Group Tan Sri Tony Fernandes (left).
MALAYSIA, 18 September 2020 - While airlines continue to feel the effects of COVID-19, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes’s latest move is surprising and exciting many as his company pivots and ventures back to his roots of music.
AirAsia Group announced the addition of RedRecords to its extensive offering back in late 2019 and the label is now set to release its first official single, Passcode by Jannine Weigel, today.
The upcoming hit has been a passion project for Weigel, Fernandes and the RedRecords team throughout the challenging period of COVID-19, with the entire song recorded in collaboration with some of the biggest names in music during lockdown.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “AirAsia Group never stops innovating and while our airline operation has been severely impacted by COVID-19, we’ve taken the opportunity to fast track and enhance other areas of our business. This includes our content business which will play a major role in our transition into a super app and digital company and of course, RedRecords.
“I’m thrilled that the first official release from the label, in partnership with our friends at Universal Music Group, is the supremely talented Jannine Weigel with her single, Passcode.
“The single marks the arrival of a new wave of Asian pop music, and I’m convinced “A-Pop” is ready for its moment in the spotlight and RedRecords is going to be the driving force behind it.”
Produced by the Grammy-nominated record producer Tommy Brown, renowned for his work with Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Fifth Harmony and more, Passcode is a euphoric dance-pop anthem. It was co-written by Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez and it’s a song equipped with the sort of irresistible chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head.
The link between the song and AirAsia runs deep - it was also co-produced and co-written by John O, former frontman of Malaysian pop band Paperplane Pursuit who also happens to be RedRecords’ A&R Manager. A number of multi talented Allstars also feature alongside Jannine in the music video for Passcode.
RedRecords CEO Hassan Choudhury said, “When Tony and I became aware of Jannine, our backgrounds in music and entertainment told us that this was an artist primed for worldwide success.
“With the ambition we have for RedRecords, along with the extensive global marketing resources at our disposal, Jannine was the obvious choice as our first signing.”
Passcode drops across all major streaming platforms today, view here for Jannine Weigel - Passcode (Official Music Video).
So, who is Jannine Weigel?
Born in Steinfurt, Germany, Jannine moved to Thailand when she was 10. Janine’s infectious personality has already helped her reach eye-popping numbers on social media. She has 3.6 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.2 million followers on Facebook, 1.7 million on Instagram and more than 500,000 on TikTok. Although she has only just turned 20, Jannine has already had a successful career as an actor, model and influencer.
Follow Jannine on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @jannineweigel
Can you tell me more about RedRecords?
It’s the exciting new joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music Group. The label is committed to shining a light on the talent that lies within ASEAN, devoted to developing Asian artists and putting Asian pop music on a global platform. It’s a region full of pop superstars waiting to be heard.
In the US, RedRecords have partnered with iconic label Def Jam Recordings, where artists such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Alessia Cara are continuing its illustrious history, to release Jannine’s music. Passcode is just the beginning for Jannine Weigel and RedRecords.
How does this all fit with AirAsia?
AirAsia the airline and RedRecords both belong to the same parent company, AirAsia Group. It’s also home to a range of interests including e-commerce and logistics business Teleport, airasia.com, 'the superapp airasia.com', restaurant Santan and fintech BigPay.