Multiple Sex Abuse Scandals Rock the Korean Music Industry

In just one week, rampant celebrity sex scandals have managed to destabilize the Korean music industry. Successful K-Pop singer Seungri has been labeled the ‘Great Gatsby’ of Korea thanks to his excessively rich and luxurious lifestyle. Yet, the Korean…

After 44 Years, Warner Bros. Records Exits Historic ‘Ski Lodge’ HQ

Warner Bros. Records has left its former ‘ski lodge’ home after 44 years. Yesterday, Warner Bros. Records bid farewell to its former home at 3300 Warner Blvd. in Burbank, California.  The location had served as the label’s HQ since 1975. Dubbed the “sk…

African Digital Music Service Boomplay Finalizes Its Licensing Deal with Warner Music Group

Boomplay continues scoring licensing agreements with major labels. Several months ago, Universal Music Group (UMG) made a strong play in the African market. The global music company had unveiled a licensing deal with Boomplay, a major African streaming…

Apple Slams Spotify’s EU Antitrust Filing as App Store Feud Intensifies

According to Apple, Spotify wants all the benefits of the App Store without giving anything back. Two days ago, Spotify confirmed a major antitrust filing in the European Union. According to the streaming music giant, Apple unfairly stifles creativity …

Chess Club Records Scores Investment from Red Light Management and a New Deal with Kobalt’s AWAL

Chess Club Records has scored a partnership with Red Light Management and AWAL. Chess Club Records has confirmed a new milestone in its short 12-year history. Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw has signed on as an investor of the London-based i…

Four Major Music Advocacy Groups Team Up to Improve Digital Attribution and Credits System

As the music industry gears toward digital, four advocacy groups have pushed for a better system to attribute works and credits to artists. The Artists Rights Alliance, SAG-AFTRA, the RIAA, and American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) have anno…

Spotify Names Another ‘Recommended Label Distributor’ — Absolute Label Services

Spotify for Artists has quietly added a recommend label distributor. Last October, Spotify made a surprising move into the digital distribution business.  Apple Music soon followed close behind. The streaming music giant had quietly selected 5 preferre…

Facebook Signs Deals with Rightsholders in India and Thailand — And Adds ‘Tap Through to Spotify’ Functionality

Facebook is signing new deals around the world — and steadily building out its music functionality. As SXSW, Facebook made a slew of announcements. First, the social media giant has signed new licensing deals with major labels in Asian countries, speci…

Facing Major Blowback from the Artist Community, Japan Scraps Its Controversial Anti-Piracy Bill

Japan wanted more restrictions on piracy.  The local creative content community unequivocally said, “No.” Last month, the Japanese government took a harsh stance against piracy. A government panel had reportedly adopted a new policy.  The proposed bill…

Judge Sides with AEG/Goldenvoice, Dismissing Coachella ‘Radius Clause’ Lawsuit

According to a federal judge, Coachella’s highly-restrictive radius clause doesn’t cause any harm to smaller music festivals. Coachella arguably remains one of the largest, most popular, and most profitable music festivals in the world.  Yet, for years…