CMU | the music business explained (Page 7)

Beware the “wolf under the cape” in Universal’s Downtown land grab, warns Beggars boss as IMPALA calls for regulators to block the deal

EU AI Act can only provide a “temporary fix” to the “darker aspect” of AI’s “profound disruption” to creative industries says open letter

AI generated music will suck €4 billion a year away from music creators by 2028 says CISAC

Village People founder loves Trump using YMCA, but hates people calling it a gay anthem

Executives from BMG, Absolute Label Services, Mahogany Music, Punch Records and more to join award winning female entrepreneurs in Liverpool as first Sound City+ 2025 speakers unveiled

AIF makes desperate call for government to “step up, and step up now” to get festivals through “devastating period”, as MVT launches new Liveline fund

New AI transparency proposal in US Congress will “pave the way” for creator compensation says ASCAP boss

SXSW ditches weapons sponsors to burnish brand - so why won’t it ditch its ties to Saudi Arabia?

SXSW London could disrupt delicately balanced music ecosystem and should reconsider its date

Kanye West • 3 min read

“This is art, I am like Picasso” screamed Kanye as he sexually assaulted model alleges new lawsuit, naming Universal Music

Yet another lawsuit against Kanye West, this time alleging a violent sexual assault against a performer on a music video for Polydor-signed artist La Roux, when Kayne was signed to Def Jam. With those labels both subsidiaries of Universal Music, the major has been named in the lawsuit…

Chris Cooke • 25 Nov 2024

Round Hill Music • 4 min read

Judge says Zync’s falling out with Round Hill Music should not be in court

Earlier this year sync agency Zync sued Round Hill Music in a dispute over a former joint venture business. At the core of the dispute was the valuation of the rights acquired by that JV. A judge has now said that that issue should be decided through an ‘appraisal process’ rather than in court…

Chris Cooke • 25 Nov 2024

Releases & Tours • 2 min read

⏩ Releases & Tours: Nov 2024 (Week 47)

Each week CMU rounds up standout releases and tour announcements from the last seven days This week: Kendrick Lamar, Nils Frahm, Paula Tape, Cosmic Crooner + more, while tour announcements include Jamiroquai, cleopatrick, The Pogues + more…

Kaya Robertson • 25 Nov 2024

AllTrack • 2 min read

US PRO AllTrack launches mechanical royalties collection service

US performing rights organisation AllTrack this week formally launched a new mechanical rights division, meaning independent creators can collect both performance and mechanical royalties via one platform. It’s the first PRO in the US to also represent its members’ mechanical rights…

Chris Cooke • 22 Nov 2024

IMPALA • 1 min read

As COP29 reaches its conclusion, IMPALA urges music companies to lead the way in addressing climate challenges

IMPALA, the pan-European organisation for the independent music community - prompted by this week’s COP29 - has again urged music companies to assess their environmental impact, using IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator, and implement measures to make their businesses more sustainable…

Chris Cooke • 22 Nov 2024

Eddy Grant • 2 min read

Donald Trump settles Eddy Grant copyright lawsuit after fair use defence fails

In September a US court said that Donald Trump’s unapproved use of Eddy Grant’s ‘Electric Avenue’ in a 2020 campaign video was not fair use, meaning it infringed copyright. Trump has now settled Grant’s lawsuit, meaning that ruling won’t be challenged on appeal…

Chris Cooke • 22 Nov 2024

Horizon Future Leaders • 7 min read

🌅 Horizon Future Leaders - Emma Wiggin Q&A

As part of our Horizon Future Leaders series, we’re connecting with the music industry’s next generation of leaders to gather candid advice and insights into their career journeys. This week, we caught up with artist manager, Emma Wiggin.…

Horizon Music Jobs • 22 Nov 2024

Ticketing • 4 min read

Massachusetts hobbles touts as Barcelona pledges to combat “illegal resale” of tickets

Live Nation has welcomed a new law in Massachusetts that restricts the resale of tickets, despite some consumer rights groups criticising the move. Meanwhile in Spain, the City Council in Barcelona has signed an official declaration pledging to fight against “illegal ticket resale”…

Chris Cooke • 21 Nov 2024

Hybe • 4 min read

Min Hee-jin resigns from Ador alleging “numerous illegal activities” at HYBE

The very public feud between the co-founder and former CEO of K-pop label Ador and its parent company HYBE continues, with Min Hee-jin resigning from the label’s board and publishing a scathing resignation letter. She also promises legal action against her former business partners…

Chris Cooke • 21 Nov 2024

Young Thug • 2 min read

AEG keen to reignite Young Thug breach of contract case, but needs time to do more copyright investigations

AEG is looking to resume a legal battle with Young Thug now that the rapper is out of jail. It previously sued over a breached contract and unreturned $5 million advance. AEG says that advance is secured on the rapper’s copyrights and it’s currently working out who is in control of those rights…

Chris Cooke • 21 Nov 2024

CMU Approved • 1 min read

🎧 Approved: L-Vis 1990

After six years away from the alias, L-Vis 1990 is back with new energy - and a renewed mission to champion the culture that shaped him. His new single ‘Good Vibes’, with Newham’s MC Eklipse, serves up heavy bass, low-end pressure and that grimey edge that cuts through…

Kaya Robertson • 21 Nov 2024

UK Music • 3 min read

UK music industry's economic impact up 13% to £7.6 billion, but this is no time to be complacent, says UK Music

The UK music industry’s economic impact increased last year, with the sector’s ‘gross value added’ rising 13% to £7.6 billion. That’s according to a new report from UK Music which says that, although the industry is growing, it still needs more support from the government…

Chris Cooke • 20 Nov 2024