Spotify, BMG Sign Direct U.S. Publishing Licensing Deal; Gen Z Social Habits Spell Trouble for Music Discovery
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Spotify, BMG Sign Direct U.S. Publishing Licensing Deal
“This agreement reflects BMG and Spotify’s shared interest in building a direct relationship that ensures songwriters share more directly in the value created by their work,” continued the statement. “It’s a practical step toward a more flexible licensing model that better serves both publishers and their artists, ensuring BMG songwriters benefit more directly in the growth of streaming.”
Gen Z social habits spell trouble for music discovery
While social media is not going away, artists and labels can focus on shifting where in the discovery cycle listeners tune in.
Music Tectonics conference to discuss startups, AI and creators
Los Angeles music-tech conference Music Tectonics has announced its full program for this year’s event, which takes place on 4-6 November. As ever the focus is on startups and creators, as well as the obligatory discussions about AI in 2025. Riot Games, UMG, WMG, Roland, BMG and various investment firms are among the companies providing speakers.
OmMuse Solves Music’s Biggest Headache—Hands-Free Catalog Migration
For musicians and the teams supporting them, efficient storage and organization are essential to managing growing catalogs. But what happens when a switch becomes necessary? Many artists hesitate to move their music, files, and metadata because the process feels time-consuming and disruptive to their already established workflow.
AI Tools Can Automate, Personalize and Enable
SPECai is an ad creation platform from ENCO and its partners that allows a broadcast sales team to create localized spec ads on demand while sitting with clients.
Kid Harpoon named as Abbey Road Studios’ first ever producer in residence
“Kid Harpoon’s new role is part of Abbey Road’s vision to build a true home for music creativity and innovation, building on a legacy of 94 years,” said a statement. It is the latest in a series of ‘in residence’ announcements following Jordan Rakei’s artist In residence title at the studios over the last 18 months.
Iconoclast partners with Vermillio to monitor use of Tony Bennett’s name, image, voice and likeness on gen-AI systems
The collaboration will use Vermillio’s TraceID technology to scan the internet and AI models for unlicensed uses of Bennett’s likeness.
Is the internet re-localising?
Social platforms are key to information infrastructure in the digital age. While their initial impact was to build a largely borderless world, emerging trends of corporate consolidation, audience fragmentation, and regulatory shifts are resulting in an increasingly delineated space.
Tuned Global makes another AI acquisition: UK startup Figaro
B2B music firm Tuned Global has acquired UK-based AI startup Figaro. It’s a second AI buy for the company, following its 2023 acquisition of Pacemaker.
Vertigo Live collaborates with Visa on access to exclusive events for card-holders
These intimate music experiences are limited to 250 Visa ticket holders each. It offers the opportunity to see live performances on a closed film set for each concert film.
AM Radio’s Death Has Been Grossly Exaggerated
The gloomiest headlines about the medium are not justified.
Vinyl boom is ‘lifeline’ says music shop owner
In 2024 the number of independents hit a 10-year high in the UK, at the same time that the total number of shops selling music - such as record stores chains and supermarkets - fell. This has contributed to a renaissance for another part of the music business which was on the decline just a few years ago - independent record shops.
Peertracks to strengthen its Immersive Audio Streaming catalog with Exclusive 360 Reality Audio Content
Through its partnership with MusicXR, Peertracks now offers unmatched support for both 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Fake Band, Real Lessons in AI
Thought starters for using AI to your advantage.
OpenAI’s Sora promises ‘unprecedented realism’ in AI-generated videos – talent giant WME just opted out its entire roster
OpenAI notified talent agencies and studios that their copyrighted characters will be used by Sora unless the rights holders explicitly opt out.
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