Music and sound agency made by ikigai expands into APAC

Full-service music agency made by ikigai has expanded into APAC. Launched in January this year, the agency's expertise includes crafting and curating music and sound for advertising, gaming, TV and film. 

It is led by Ryan Dickinson (pictured), a creative director and sonic branding expert who has over a decade of experience across markets such as London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Singapore and Auckland. He has helped shaped the sound for global brands such as Adidas, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Nike and BMW, and was previously a music composer and sound designer at agencies. 

Currently, made by ikigai has a global network consisting of more than 150 music composers, sound designers, creative directors, producers and musicians. The agency also works with an award-winning global network of sonic talent to heighten stories in visual mediums and help directors and creatives bring their stories to life. 

Don't miss: PIABO Communications expands into APAC with new SG office 

In addition, the agency works with local creators in every region and can handle jobs of any size, from small and localised content pieces to the biggest global campaigns, said Dickinson in conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. Its clients will include advertising agencies, production companies, editing houses, directors and even other music agencies. "We like to work with people who also have a passion for what they do and help craft the best possibly story we can together, while enjoying the process along the way," said Dickinson.

When asked about made by ikigai's strategy, Dickinson explained that its focus has always been to keep things personal and develop relationships as organically and in person as possible while having a global reach. This can mean a slower growth but gives the agency a more trusted and friendly group to work with.

"Our aim isn’t to be the biggest in the world, but to instead achieve sustainable and steady growth whilst living our personal ikigai's," explained Dickinson. As such, made by ikigai will be building relationships and visiting partners around Singapore, Hong Kong and Manilla, with more planned to come in the coming months. 

As for its competitors, Dickinson said that made by ikigai has been set up in a way that it can challenge the biggest music and sound agencies in the world by standing shoulder to shoulder with them on quality, while not carrying the same heavy overheads in a time of shrinking budgets.

"While we operate in a competitive space, what sets us apart is our scalable model and our ability to pair a curated global network of award-winning professionals with the specific needs of each project. We prioritise a human touch, obsessive attention to detail, and a passion for excellence," he explained.

made by ikigai is not the only new agency around the block. Most recently, European communications agency PIABO Communications has opened a new Asia Pacific hub in Singapore, marking its entrance into Asia. The Singapore office adds to the agency's existing locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The new Singapore office will be led by Sara Pereira as managing director, APAC. As managing director, Pereira will oversee operations across the APAC region from Singapore.

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