But Wait: Sony/ATV+EMI Faces a Very Tough Regulatory Hurdle, Indies Warn

Sony/ATV + EMI Music Publishing = Slam Dunk?  Not so fast, says European indie consortium Impala. Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s ambitious move to acquire a controlling interest in EMI Music Publishing could face a giant regulatory hurdle.  And lead…

Sony Becomes Largest Music Publisher Following $2.3 Billion Deal for EMI Publishing

With its new deal, Sony Corp has staved off what could’ve become a bitter bidding war for EMI Music Publishing. Sony Corp has announced that it will pay $2.3 billion to gain the controlling stake in EMI Music Publishing.  The deal now makes Sony the wo…

33.6% of Music Festival Attendees Have Had Sex at a Festival

Rave and chill anyone? Being surrounded by good music, hot people and being under the influence is a simple recipe for some intimate and romantic actions at a music festival. Having a festival fling is actually a thing, however, the “free love” vibe is…

TuneGO’s ‘Big Data’ Talent-Spotting Idea Raises $7.7 Million — But Is It Fair?

TuneGO is betting that ‘Big Data’ will find the next big superstar faster.  But will the platform ultimately favor artists willing to pay more to make it in the music industry? TuneGO is raising big money on a ‘big data’ idea.  And it just …

YouTube Music Will be Supported by the Biggest Advertising Campaign In the Company’s History

This time, YouTube looks serious about its music subscription service.  Get ready for an absolutely huge advertising push — with Cardi B kicking things off. At first blush, YouTube Music Premium sounds like another half-baked re-run.  Over the past few…

Latest Industry: YouTube, The Who, Billy Corgan, Apple, Warner/Chappell, LiveXLive, Troy Carter, More…

YouTube now directly competes with SoundCloud and Spotify. YouTube has relaunched its ‘Artist on the Rise’ program and has named Jessie Reyez as its first featured performer.  Launched late last year, the program now includes promotion and programming …

YouTube’s Global Head of Music Finally Responds to Alt-Right Accusations

Apparently this little selfie wasn’t supposed to be posted on social media.  Now, YouTube Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen is denying the implied affiliations. Of course, YouTube’s Global Head of Music has the right to believe whatever he wa…

Collectively, Indie Labels are Now Bigger Than Any Major Label

Indie labels are now outranking major labels in terms of total marketshare.  In fact, this is the second-straight year that’s happened. Universal Music Group is a giant major label valued at nearly $40 million.  But maybe indie labels are worth m…

Universal Music Group Is Now Toying With a $40 Billion IPO — Among Other Possibilities

Universal Music Group (UMG) parent Vivendi is now considering a behemoth public offering.  But that’s just one of several tasty possibilities ahead. Universal Music Group (UMG) could potentially fetch a $40 billion valuation on Wall Street, …

Sonos Is Laying Off More People as It Prepares to IPO

After firing a significant number of employees once again, Sonos hopes that an IPO will turn things around. Ahead of the company’s rumored IPO in June, wireless speaker manufacturer Sonos has laid off 96 employees – 6% of its entire workforce – to boos…