Author archives: Bruce Houghton

Epidemic Sound Raises $20M At $370M Valuation

The explosion in video creation on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and elsewhere has been good for Epidemic Sound. The Swedish startup has raised just $20 million at a $370 million valuation to expand its platform which allows online creators to soundtrack videos. Investors in this round include Korea’s DS…

Cardi B Can’t Trademark ‘Okurrr says US Patent Office

U.S. Patent and Trademark officials have refused Cardi B’s attempt to trademark her popular catchphrase “Okurr,” striking down any plans to profit from the phrase. Officials said the “slogan” falls under the category of “widely used commonplace expressions” and does not deserve a trademark, according to documents obtained by The…

Borchetta Bites Back: Taylor, ‘It’s time for some truth’ and Shares Contract Details

Big Machine Label Group founder Scott Borchetta has fired back at Taylor Swift after the singer took to Tumblr with an emotional reaction to the acquisition of BMLG and her hit recordings by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holding. ‘This is my worst case scenario, wrote Swift. “So, it’s time for some…

Taylor Swift Reacts To Big Machine Sale To Scooter Braun: ‘This is my worst case scenario’

Taylor Swift is calling the sale by Scott Borchetta of her former label Big Machine to Scooter Braun for $300 million her "worst case scenario." Swift recently signed to Universal, but Big Machine and now Braun controls all of Swift’s prior multi-platinum recordings. "This is what happens when you sign…

Scooter Braun Acquires Big Machine Label Group For $300M: ‘We’ve got a seat at the table.’

[UPDATED] Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings has acquired Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group. The combined companies create a multifaceted independent music powerhouse that includes labels, management, streaming, publishing and media companies. Financial details of the transaction were not released. But the Wall Street Journal puts it at over $300 million,…

Today Is Cara Duckworth’s Last Day At The RIAA ?

Friday is the last day at the RIAA for Senior Vice President, Communications Cara Duckworth; and so far she won’t tell me where she’s going. Cara joined the RIAA way back n June of 2007 and was elevated to her current role 15 months ago. Cara Duckworth will be missed….

Amoeba Music Issues Statement: ‘We Are Not Closing’

Pushing back on reports that Amoeba Music was closing its Hollywood location after a residential development was green-lighted for the site., the iconic record store issued a statement: "We are NOT closing. We are going to be in the current location at 6400 Sunset Blvd for about another year, and…

Spotify Pre-Saves Give Labels Troubling Data, Control

Pre-saving an album on Spotify can give record labels and others access to personal data including email addresses and playlists, according to a Billboard study. It can also grant labels permission to manage follows, change songs in their libraries, and potentially even stream Spotify on the fans other devices. Spotify…

Drake, Live Nation Invests In Ntwrk ‘The QVC For Gen Z’

E-commerce platform Ntwrk has received an injection of funding from Live Nation and Drake in a second round of funding that gives the company some added credibility. Ntwrk says it is “shopping at the speed of culture” and uses celebrities and their brands to provide Gen Z and young millennials…