China’s Tencent Eyes 50% Stake In UMG

The major labels always have always feared that Spotify has ambitions to also become a record label. However reak that may or may not be, the streamer’s partner in China, Tencent music is in serious talks to acquire as much as 50% of Universal Music Group. ___________________________________ French conglomerate Vivendi…

The Almighty Record Deal

Love it or hate it, a record deal is a big deal, and while it may only be words on a page, those words can ultimately make or break your career. Here we break down the ins and outs of what’s in a record deal, and what red flags you…

Jay-Z , Timbaland Sued Over 1990’s Copyright Infringements

Jay-Z and Timbaland are being sued by soul singer Ernie Hines for copyright infringement over the use of his 1970 single “Help Me Put Out the Flame (In My Heart)” on two separate songs released 20 years ago, documents filed in U.S. District Court in New York reveal. In the…

It’s No Longer A Major Label World

If there was still any doubt in your mind that you didn’t need to be signed to a major label in order to succeed in the music industry, wonder no longer, as new data reveals just how much of market share indies have gained in recent years. __________________________________ Guest post…

2019’s Biggest Streaming Earners (So Far)

While streaming is often maligned for the reduced amount of revenue it generates for artists, those musicians at the top of the pile are pulling down far more than you might have guessed. Here we look at streaming’s five biggest money makers of 2019 thus far. ___________________________ Guest post by…

Sony Music To Launch ‘Real Time’ Royalty Payments

Sony Music is promising its artists real time royalty tracking and monthly payments starting this fall. The major music group will launch ‘Real Time Royalties’ and ‘Cash Out’ via its Artist Portal to “allow our artists and royalty participants to view and withdraw earnings faster than ever before.” “Once launched,…

King Crimson Shades Spotify With Apple Music Exclusive

King Crimson, one of the last major streaming holdouts, has finally made its entire catalog available. In an apparent dis to market leader Spotify, the classic rockers has made all 13 albums available only on Apple Music. Pictured is the cover of the band’s "In the Court of the Crimson…

Music Biz Association Chairman Resigns Abruptly Following Annual Conference

The chairman of the Music Biz Association has abruptly resigned after joking on stage about women artists who performed at the trade group’s annual Music Biz conference held in Nashville May 5-8. Following a Country Music Association presentation at the conference showcasing three female artists – Kassi Ashton, Cassadee Pope…

Rolling Stone Music Charts Launch Delayed Indefinitely

The launch of music charts on Rolling Stone has been delayed indefinitely. Originally scheduled to launch on Monday May 13th, the charts will be the first to offer a widely distributed alternative to the Billboard charts. Now however, the charts will stay in private beta "for just a while longer…

Playlist Manipulation Will Create A Crisis In Streaming says MIDiA’s Mark Mulligan

Label and artist manipulation of songs, playlists and the streaming services themselves will lead to a crisis, says MIDiA analyst Mark Mulligan. "The paradox here is that casual fans have the potential to generate more streams than engaged listeners," says Mulligan."Streaming makes casual listeners ‘more valuable’ than aficionados." _______________________________ By…