Deals
Universal Music Group and Meta have announced an expanded global licensing agreement which will, they say, enhance music integration for UMG artists and UMPG songwriters across Meta's platforms, including WhatsApp for the first time. Tamara Hrivnak, VP Music And Content Business Development at Meta, says, "We are THRILLED to announce our renewal with Universal Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group, both of whom are innovators for music on social media, especially with regard to Meta's family of apps." The deal covers Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Thread, Horizon - Facebook’s metaverse-optimsed social platform - and Whatsapp, building on an initial 2017 partnership. Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP at Universal Music, adds, "We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly."
Music streaming company ROXi is racing to secure new funding, appointing “the UK’s leading corporate rescue and recovery practice” Begbies Traynor Group to assist in raising capital amidst an apparent financial squeeze, despite recent expansions in the UK and US markets. The 'made-for-television' music service, which earlier this year launched interactive channels with Sinclair Broadcast Group in the US and FAST channels via Frequency in the UK, has previously raised £40 million from high-profile investors including Simon Cowell and Kylie Minogue, and counts the three major labels among its investors. A ROXi spokesperson states, "In order to enable a launch into the US broadcast market in 2024, the board are progressing several active funding solutions, including proposals for funding from existing major shareholders, management and a number of US broadcasters and are confident of making a positive announcement shortly." The company has set a deadline for attracting new funding for early next month.
The Smashing Pumpkins have been featured in a new capsule collection by Heaven by Marc Jacobs. The range includes clothing and accessories inspired by the band's albums and imagery, and follows Heaven by Marc Jacobs' earlier collaborations with Cocteau Twins and Deftones, continuing their 1990s alt-rock marketing strategy. A Siamese Dream-themed baby tee which was part of the collection sold out quickly after launch.
Red Light UK and Starwood have formed a new management partnership, bringing Starwood's clients including Michael Kiwanuka, Wasia Project and Stone under Red Light's umbrella. Led by Red Light managing partner and UK co-founder James Sandom and Starwood founder Robert Swerdlow, the collaboration aims to leverage their combined experience and resources. Swerdlow says, "Right time, right culture, right global resources, but most of all the right people. Team Starwood and Red Light is an incredible partnership." Sandom adds, "It's a thrilling prospect to consider the business we can do together." Red Light currently represents artists such as Chris Stapleton, Odesza and Lionel Richie.
Appointments
Warner Chappell Music has promoted David Goldsen to Senior Vice President, North America A&R. Based in Los Angeles, Goldsen will continue to report to Ryan Press, President, North America, while signing and developing songwriters and artists across multiple genres. Goldsen says, "I joined the Warner Chappell A&R department over a decade ago, and it has given me so many opportunities to grow into this expanding role, all while staying true to writer and artist development." In the past year, Goldsen has signed a number of successful artists, including Zach Bryan, Teddy Swims and indie jazz star Laufey. Press adds, "David has consistently proven his natural ability to discover and sign top talent. He has steadily built a star-studded roster, and in the past year alone, has brought in many of the artists and songwriters leading today's charts."
Legal
Anthropic's copyright battle with music publishers won't see a courtroom until 2026 according to a joint case management statement. The suit, brought by Universal Music Publishing Group and others, alleges Anthropic's Claude chatbot infringed on protected lyrics. While the publishers are seeking a trial date between mid-March and 1 Ap 2026, Anthropic has proposed an earlier start between 2 Dec 2025 and 13 Jan 2026. In the meantime, Anthropic is set to file a dismissal motion on 15 Aug.
Kanye West has claimed that Atlantic Records is threatening to remove his and Ty Dolla $ign's ‘Vultures’ albums from streaming services due to a revenue dispute. The rapper shared screenshots of a text message from his manager John Monopoly, stating that former Atlantic co-head Julie Greenwald had warned that 40% of all revenue from ‘Vultures 1’ and ‘Vultures 2’ needs to be paid to the label. Greenwald, who is stepping down from her position, reportedly said that the new head of Atlantic would not provide a grace period for handling compensation. While the albums were released independently through West's YZY imprint, Ty Dolla $ign is signed to Atlantic as a solo artist, potentially giving the label rights to his work on the projects. Elliot Grainge, founder of 10K Projects, is set to take over as CEO of Atlantic Records on 1 Oct.
Jay-Z has filed a legal notice to reclaim ownership of the master recordings for his 1996 debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ in 2031, exercising his termination rights under Section 203 of the US Copyright Act. This law allows authors to terminate copyright transfers 35 years after the initial grant. The move coincides with the upcoming auction of Damon Dash's one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella Records, which owns the album, scheduled for 29 Aug with a minimum bid of $1.2 million. Jay-Z's legal team has made the filing to officially confirm the rights reversion, effectively limiting the auction winner's revenue from ‘Reasonable Doubt’ to approximately seven years.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission has fined four major K-pop agencies' online stores a total of 10.5 million won (approximately $7,699) for violating consumer rights under the e-Commerce Act. WEVERSE COMPANY (HYBE), YG PLUS (YG Entertainment), SM Brand Marketing (SM Entertainment), and JYP360 (JYP Entertainment) were found to have imposed unfair refund policies on merchandise, including shortened return periods and unreasonable conditions for defective items. The companies also incorrectly labelled pre-order products as 'custom-made' to further restrict exchanges and refunds. An FTC representative states, "It is significant that we identified and corrected these illegal practices in the entertainment industry, which primarily targets teenagers who may not be fully aware of their rights under the e-Commerce Act."
The estate of Isaac Hayes has threatened legal action against Donald Trump's campaign for unauthorised use of the song ‘Hold On, I'm Coming’ at rallies. A cease-and-desist letter demands $3 million in licensing fees for over 100 alleged instances of copyright infringement since 2022. Isaac Hayes III, the late musician's son, states, "Donald Trump represents the worst in integrity and class with his disrespect and sexual abuse of women and racist rhetoric. We will now deal with this very swiftly." The estate has set a deadline of 16 Aug for compliance, after which they intend to pursue litigation.
50 Cent has secured a legal victory as a New York judge dismissed a $4 million wiretapping lawsuit filed against him by former liquor consultant Michael Caruso. The case, related to a broader $6 million fraud dispute involving 50 Cent's company Sire Spirits, was thrown out by Judge Melissa A Crane on statute of limitations grounds, saying “It is now 2024. The statute of limitations is two years. Hence, the claim is time-barred”.
The Young Thug trial has resumed after a nearly two month break, after the recent threat of a mistrial relating to potential issues with key witness testimony was resolved. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has taken over the case following the recusal of the former judge, and is set to instruct jurors on how to handle previous testimony from prosecution witness Kenneth Copeland. Defence attorney Doug Weinstein expressed disappointment with the decision to proceed, stating, "No remedies fashioned by this honourable court can cure the due process violations that have repeatedly occurred over the past nineteen months." The ongoing Young Slime Life trial, which began in January 2023, is now the longest in Georgia history. Which may explain why Young Thug was recently spotted seemingly taking a brief nap during court.
Universal Music has issued a copyright strike against Drake after the rapper shared unreleased music on social media. The artist uploaded a collection of tracks, videos and behind-the-scenes content as part of his ‘100 Gigs’ drop last week, which included three new songs featuring collaborations with Young Thug, 21 Savage and Latto. Universal Music promptly responded with a copyright violation claim, though the specific track that triggered the action was not disclosed. Drake confirmed the copyright strike by sharing the notification he received on his Instagram account, which stated, "access to the content had been restricted due to reports from a third party."
Live
Yungblud's inaugural Bludfest festival at Milton Keynes' National Bowl this weekend has faced a backlash over safety and logistical issues relating to entry and crowd control. Fans reported queuing for hours without water or shade in 28 degree heat, leading to fainting, vomiting and missed performances. Jessica Hedges told the BBC, "We had been begging for water and were told we'd get it once we were in the venue… I eventually passed out and never made it into the venue."
AAJA has announced the line-up for its second annual Creekside Festival, set to take place on 7 Sep across multiple venues in Deptford, London. The event, which debuted last year to celebrate AAJA's fifth anniversary, will feature headliners including Rinse FM DJ Freshta, UK garage artist Lady Passion, minimal producer Steve O'Sullivan, and garage and breaks DJ Yosh. AAJA co-founders Samuel Willott and Owen Howells say, "Creekside is the neighbourhood block party we always dreamed of – crews, DIY radio, good food, and local businesses coming together." The festival will include an outdoor open-air stage for the first time, with tickets currently priced at £11 for first release.
Pikes Ibiza has implemented a no-phones policy on its dancefloor for all events, expanding on a trial run for Monday nights that began in April. The iconic luxury hotel and venue will now place stickers over visitors' cameras upon entry and enforce the rule throughout each night. "Keeping your phone in your pocket and your mind on the music – and knowing that everyone around you is doing the same – opens up a whole world of freedom, not only on the dancefloor but all around Pikes," the venue stated on Instagram. Other clubs in Ibiza, including Hï Ibiza, have adopted similar policies this year, reflecting a growing trend in nightlife venues worldwide. Pikes management added, "We want you to dance like no one's watching... and experience the magic of Pikes the way it was always intended to be."
Other industry news & events
Applications have opened for BPI's Grow Music programme, a scale-up and growth initiative for music industry innovations launched by the UK record industry trade group in partnership with London & Partners. The twelve week business support programme, starting 14 Sep at Abbey Road Studios, will support 25 London, East and South East-based SMEs that have products, services or ideas that could add value to the music industry. Additionally, applications are now open for the programme's five-week Angel Investing School, running online in November 2024, which aims to educate professionals on investing in music and technology. Leon Neville, BPI's Director Of Insight & Innovation, says, "Innovation in the music industry is fundamental to driving it into the future, and so we are delighted to shine a global spotlight on the passion, integrity and intelligence of our UK music industry." Andy Ayim MBE, creator of the Angel Investing School, adds, "Angel Investors are a little known but vital source of capital, support and expertise for early-stage startups such as Apple and Uber who all benefited from angel investors at the start of their journeys."
Artist News
Nine Inch Nails have been confirmed to score the upcoming film ‘Tron: Ares’, the third installment in the sci-fi franchise. The announcement was made by Disney during a presentation at a D23 event in Anaheim, California on Friday. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges and Greta Lee, the film is set for release in October 2025. While Nine Inch Nails core members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have extensive experience in film scoring, this marks the first time the full band will produce new songs for a movie soundtrack. The previous film in the series, ‘Tron: Legacy’, released in 2010, featured a score by Daft Punk.
Celine Dion's management has issued a rebuke to Donald Trump's campaign for playing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ without permission at a Montana rally. In a statement, Dion's team said, "In no way is this use authorised, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use," adding pointedly, "...And really, THAT song?", a reference to the fact the song is from the movie ‘Titanic’, making “sinking ship” comparisons inevitable. This marks the latest in a series of similar disputes between Trump and musicians, with artists like Neil Young and The Rolling Stones having previously objected to the unauthorised use of their music at his political events. US politicians can often legally use songs at their events through blanket licensing agreements from the music industry’s collecting societies, but artists retain the right to remove their music from these agreements.
Clean Bandit, the British electronic music trio, has suffered a €40,000 theft of equipment and cash in Ibiza. The group was on the island to film a music video with David Guetta and Anne-Marie for their new single 'Cry Baby' when the robbery occurred last weekend. Grace Chatto of Clean Bandit says, "We recorded the music video with David Guetta in the studio, and then stayed at a friend's house." After returning from dinner, they found their accommodation had been burgled. Chatto adds, "Someone had crowbarred the window and taken the lenses and laptops and cash."
London-based experimental rock band Black Midi has split up… or maybe they haven’t. During an Instagram Live session this weekend, vocalist Geordie Greep announced, "Black Midi was an interesting band that's now indefinitely over." Bassist Cameron Picton later confirmed the news, saying, "We'd agreed not to say anything about 'breaking up' so I was as blindsided as everyone else last night but maybe in a different way." However, the band's management subsequently told The Quietus that after a successful South American tour, the group had "agreed to have a break and do some solo work, with the understanding the Black Midi door be left open."
Rizzle Kicks, the British hip-hop duo composed of Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-Sule, have hinted at a reunion after an eight-year hiatus from releasing music together. The pair have been teasing fans through cryptic social media posts, including profile picture changes suggesting a countdown and images of Harley holding blank papers with enigmatic captions. Discussing their potential return on Jordan's podcast, The Red Carpet Treatment, Jordan says, "I think our music has aged very well and I think that we, this is my guess, we are reminiscent of a time in British history, 2012, which was pretty optimistic." The duo's last collaboration was in 2016, when they released a cover of ‘Summertime’ by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.
Releases & Tours
Karen Nyame KG has released her new single 'Rhythm Vol 1’.
TORRES and Fruit Bats have collaborated on new EP 'A Decoration'.
Innellea has released his new single ‘I Won't Go’, featuring Alphadog.
Gooseberry have released their new single ‘Baby Do You?’. Their new album ‘All My Friends Are Cattle’ is out 6 Sep.
Quivers have released their debut album ‘Oyster Cuts’.
Nate Mercereau has released his new single ‘Sound Within Sound’. His new album ‘Excellent Traveler’ is out 11 Oct.
Quavo and Lenny Kravitz have collaborated on new single ‘FLY’.
Lewis Capaldi has released his new single ‘Love The Hell Out Of You’, which features as the lead track for new film ‘It Ends With Us’.
Lil Tecca has released his new single ‘TASTE’.
AP Dhillon has released his new single ‘OLD MONEY’, in collaboration with Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt and Shinda Kahlon.
Logic has released his new album ‘Ultra 85’.
Tom Waits has released a new rendition of track ‘“Get Behind The Mule" (Spiritual)’.
Daughtry have released their new single ‘THE RECKONING’. Their new album ‘Shock Tto Tthe System (Part One)’ is out 27 Sep.
Marvel have released two remixes of Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’ featured in new film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ - the Battle Royale Mix and the Choir Version.