Music Business
“Pop is getting posher, and that must change. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not”: UK government announces national strategy for music to “widen opportunity” and invest in “creative careers”
Industry figures welcome proposals in Turn It Up: Our Plan For Music
UK government launches ‘Turn It Up’ plan to support homegrown music, committing $60m to back artists and businesses over three years
The UK Government has launched a plan to support the country’s music industry. Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music was unveiled on Monday (July 13) at the UK Music Summer Party, where Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the industry. It arrives with a GBP £15 million (USD $20.1 million) injection into
Behind The Single: Avery Cochrane – ‘Shapeshifting on a Saturday night’
We spoke to Milo Pacheco, general manager and head of marketing at S-Curve Records, about how the label has approached developing Avery Cochrane and marketing its first release with the artist.
South Korean bill would require ‘pre-screening’ of music releases
There are arguments afoot in South Korea this week due to a proposed amendment to the country’s Music Industry Promotion Act by the ruling party.
Paid social promo for music is common. Disclosures? Not so much
We’ve heard plenty of chat in recent weeks about how paid promo on TikTok and Instagram is Just What You Have To Do To Cut Through when it comes to marketing artists.
Why a fight over 61,000 recordings could shape the future of AI music licensing
The 61,026 recordings would carry a theoretical maximum statutory damage of $9 billion, up from around $84 million under the original 560-work complaint. Source
The next social-media ban for children could be Europe-wide
Our coverage of social-media bans for under-13s – and the impact it might have for the music industry – continues with strong hints that the European Commission may soon announce its own plans along those lines.
A Make-or-Break Moment for AI Music Companies
The following op-ed comes from David Israelite, President & CEO of the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) Source
Trap's Enduring Resonance: Analyzing Current Artist Trajectories
Examining current signals within Trap, artists such as Future and Ken Carson demonstrate a period of stability in their Spotify follower acquisition. Both maintained their substantial follower counts, reflecting a 0% growth over the observed period, even as the genre overall suggests ongoing momentum.
Warner Music asks court to dismiss US musicians’ lawsuit over Suno, Udio deals
Warner says the union brought the lawsuit "in an improper attempt to place a judicial thumb on the negotiation scales." Source
Fuerza Regida’s push to exit Rancho Humilde deal under the ‘seven-year rule’ survives dismissal bid
Rancho sued the band in 2025 over what it called unauthorized performances, and Fuerza Regida countersued, alleging the label withheld royalties. Source
Dan Nevin appointed VP, Industry Relations at Merlin
Nevin will lead Merlin's engagement with independent trade associations and strategic partners worldwide. Source
Addressing Friction in Music Rights and Royalties
A simple question, "why can't this just work?", sparked one of AFEM's most popular member roundtables and an industry report on the friction across music data, rights and royalties. On 2 July, AFEM an
AFEM Backs Call for Artist Consent in AI Music Deals
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.
Lifecycle of an Electronic Music Release
Designed for artists, labels and music professionals, the session will trace the full lifecycle of an electronic music release.
Change The Beat launches initiative for 300 label signings by 2028
Global non-profit organisation Change The Beat has announced a broadened support programme for women and gender-expansive artists.
AFEM supports call for artist consent in AI music deals.
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.
Lifecycle of an electronic music release explored.
Designed for artists, labels and music professionals, the session will trace the full lifecycle of an electronic music release.
StubHub Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over CEO's Ticket Broker Activities
A fan claims that Eric Baker's involvement with a reselling fund, while disclosed in a regulatory filing, was not publicized to consumers.
Billboard’s Music Industry Events Calendar
A complete rundown of the most important events across the music business.