Music Business
Canada’s levy on global streaming services has tripled to 15%
Music-streaming services have been campaigning hard in the last two years against a levy on their Canadian revenues by the country’s telecommunications regulator the CRTC, to fund local content and creators. The DSPs and their industry body DiMA were furious about what they called the ‘streaming tax
US Protect Working Musicians Act aims to boost indies’ agency
This appears to be ‘third-time lucky week’ for proposed US legislation relating to the music industry. We reported yesterday on the return of the deepfakes-tackling No Fakes Act after two previous attempts to get it onto the statute books. Now another bill, the Protect Working Musicians Act, is back
Lisa, Anitta and Rema team up for globe-spanning World Cup song
One of the big industry talking points in recent years has been about artists from the most exciting non-Anglo territories collaborating with one another – no English-language artists required to break a track globally. One of the tracks on this year’s ‘Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album’ (yes, that
TikTok and Universal Music Group Announce Global Licensing Deal
The latest deal is relatively straightforward compared to TikTok and UMG's last agreement, which was struck in 2024 following a three-month standoff.
Meta’s marketing insights for social search
Meta has released a three-part series and a 16-page report detailing a fundamental shift in how consumers find products, including artist merch and physical products. For US users, Google searches have dropped nearly 20% year-on-year, with many users engaging with content around products instead of
A slice of American pie
With the US facing myriad political and economic challenges – most recently brought on by Trump’s war in Iran – it’s safe to say the country is in the midst of a rocky period. Despite difficult times though, the US remains the world’s first in the recorded music market, and is continuing to see new
Members Voices: Maria May – Passion Is Not Protection Against Pressure
Music agent Maria May (CAA) on what three decades in electronic music has taught her about burnout, boundaries, and the gap between how we develop artists and how we look after the people running the business. In partnership with the Music Industry Therapist Collective, Maria has launched a six-mont
Universal Music Group and TikTok strike new multi-year licensing deal — with expanded AI protections for artists and songwriters
TikTok and UMG say they will work together to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform Source
Qobuz and Rough Trade announce new two-year partnership
As veteran indie label and music retailer Rough Trade approaches its 50th anniversary, and French music streaming platform Qobuz (nearly) its 10th, the two are launching a new two-year partnership […] The post is from Music Ally.
Record Label Defends Geese Amid 'Psyop' Allegations
“The way that they caught fire and caught people’s ears honestly gives me hope for the musical era that we’re in”
Geese's record label on the band's success amid 'psyop' controversy
“The way that they caught fire and caught people’s ears honestly gives me hope for the musical era that we’re in”
Music industry deals: Primary Wave acquires catalog, Warner Music Korea partners with BIBI's label
Other recent deals include Madison Square Garden Entertainment's Kalshi partnership, BMI's acquisition of Soundmouse and more.
The Deals: Primary Wave Buys Catalog of Design Firm Behind Iconic Album Art; Warner Music Korea Pacts With BIBI’s Label
Other recent deals include Madison Square Garden Entertainment's Kalshi partnership, BMI's acquisition of Soundmouse and more.
States Urge Judge to Break Up Live Nation and Ticketmaster
Weeks after a jury said Live Nation violated antitrust law, the states that sued are seeking industry-shaking punishment.
Live Nation Must Be Broken Up From Ticketmaster After Monopoly Verdict, States Tell Judge
Weeks after a jury said Live Nation violated antitrust law, the states that sued are seeking industry-shaking punishment.
Spotify and UMG Sign Licensing Deal to Allow for AI-Generated Covers and Remixes
The agreement will allow "AI-enabled superfans" to produce AI covers and remixes of participating UMG songs. Spotify and UMG Sign Licensing Deal to Allow for AI-Generated Covers and Remixes Wren Graves
Ozzy Osbourne Interactive Avatar in Production: “He Will Exist Digitally”
The interactive digital avatar was announced at Licensing Expo 2026. Ozzy Osbourne Interactive Avatar in Production: “He Will Exist Digitally” Langdon Hickman
Spotify says it’s India’s “market leader in audio-streaming”, at Investor Day event
More than seven years after Spotify began operating in India, the country got some significant talk time during one of its presentations. At its Investor Day event in New York […] The post is from Music Ally.
Spotify and UMG sign licensing deals to launch an AI tool for ‘fan-made covers and remixes’
Spotify’s ‘Investor Day’ event in New York has thrown up two key music announcements today. The second is a new GenAI tool with UMG.
Spotify and UMG Announce Licensing Deal to Allow for AI Covers and Remixes
Spotify's forthcoming generative AI models will allow fans to remix their favorite songs as a paid add-on for premium users.