UK HMV record store chain has been saved from bankruptcy by Doug Putman, who also runs the Canadian music retailer Sunrise Records. Sunrise also took over 70 HMV retail locations across Canada early in 2017, growing the Sunrise footprint from 12 to 82 stores overnight. The core HMV brand, 100…
Category archives: Major Labels
Warner Music Group Reports Strong Q1, Digital Up 17.6%
Warner Music Group reported total revenue growth of 15.1% in Q1, which ended on December 31st, led by 17.6% growth in digital revenue. “I’m pleased that we are off to a great start for fiscal ‘19,” said Steve Cooper, Warner Music Group’s CEO. “We have best in class operators working…
Michael Beinhorn (Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn) On The Importance Of Pre-Production
Michael Beinhorn produced albums have sod 45 million copies, and he is one of only a handful to have two separate recordings debut in Billboard’s Top Ten in the same week. Beinhorn joins Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert on the Music Biz Weekly podcast to discuss pre-production and much more….
Foreign Stream-Ripping Site Beats Labels, For Now
In the long-running industry-led crusade against stream ripping and torrent sites, the labels have typically come out on top in most battles, with the offending sites usually getting shuttered as a result. Not this time, however, with a foreign stream-ripping site chalking up a win against labels on jurisdictional grounds….
The Orchard Co-Founder Scott Cohen Exits, What’s Next?
Scott Cohen, co-founder of Sony-owned independent music and media distributor The Orchard, says that he is exiting after more than two decades. He’s also promising an interesting Act II. “22 years ago I founded the Orchard with Richard Gottehrer,” Cohen wrote. “Today is my last day. Watch this space to…
Wear Justin Bieber’s Middle Name On Your Crotch For $138
Justin Bieber has launched a new clothing line dubbed Drew House and the internet is having a field day. The fashion is inspired by the Biebe’s middle name and features an array of unisex beige corduroy items, including a pair of corduroy shorts with word “Drew” embroidered on the crotch…
Sony Music Powered Sony Corp To Record Q3, But Don’t Expect That To Happen In Q4
UPDATED: Global entertainment and electronics giant Sony reported a record $3.78B net profit in Q3. Sony’s film division grew and gaming struggled. The real star driving profits was music, but here were warning signs that Sony Music Entertainment is struggling, even as the overall music sector is soaring. Operating profits…
Spotify India Launch Delayed To March, Majors Yet To Sign
Spotify’s launch in India was unofficially scheduled for January 31st, with one source reporting that a Mumbai’s Famous Studios had already been booked for a launch party tonight. Now sources within India are reporting that the launch has been delayed until March. The current delay is reportedly because Spotify has…
R. Kelly Is Shopping New Album, But Who Will Release It?
R. Kelly is looking for a home for a new finished album, according to multiple sources. The controversial rapper was dropped by longtime label RCA/Sony recently, after multiple accounts of sexual abuse, including with minors. But who would risk the wrath of the #MuteRKelly movement and actually sign him? Opinions…
SoundExchange 2018 Artist Payments Top A Record $953M
SoundExchange distributed $953 million in sound recording performance royalties to recording artists and rights owners in 2018, more than in any year their 15 year history. A strong fourth quarter distribution of $345 million to music creators helped put the PRO into record territory for the year. Thanks in large…