The Big Picture: Empowerment vs. Exploitation This week’s digest captures the dual nature of the music industry: on one hand, we see stories of musicians finding their voice and building careers (like Ian Foreman’s journey from MI to touring with Sublime), and on the other, we’re confronted with systemic issues like royalty scams and manipulative … Read more
Industry News & Earnings SiriusXM posts strong Q1 earnings and subscriber growth after implementing strategic tweaks. YouTube Music and Premium saw their largest quarterly increase in non-trial subscribers since 2018; ad revenues hit $9.88B. Anthropic’s supporters argue that music publishers’ fair use arguments are unconstitutional in ongoing AI copyright case. New Releases & Festivals Delphi … Read more
The Big Picture for Indie Artists This week’s digest packs a punch for independent musicians focused on growth. The standout resource is the blog ‘125 Ways to Promote Your Music’ from Symphonic—a must-bookmark list covering distribution, social media, email lists, and more. But the real gem is the MUBUTV podcast with manager Nick Groff, who … Read more
Industry Headlines UMG Q1 2025: Universal Music Group generated $3.39 billion in Q1, up 8.1% year-over-year, driven by BTS, Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, and more. Sony Music Legal Victory: Sony Music won a copyright and performer rights battle against the estates of Jimi Hendrix’s bandmates. Times Music Acquisition: Times Music acquired long-running Punjabi label Catrack … Read more
From Passion to Profession: The New Artist Mindset The days of waiting for a label to discover you are fading. Today’s music industry demands that artists become their own CEOs, blending creative talent with business acumen. A recent interview with manager Nick Groff on MUBUTV emphasizes that pure talent is no longer enough—artists need drive, … Read more
Industry Moves & Deals Primary Wave scores Harry Chapin catalog: Partnership covers hits like ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ and ‘Taxi,’ including NIL rights. Jimi Hendrix bandmates’ estates lose UK court battle: Sony Music retains ownership of recordings after legal dispute. MusicRow’s 2026 InCharge Issue features Russell Dickerson: A look at key industry players and the … Read more
Navigating the Modern Music Landscape This week’s digest brings together advice from industry veterans and practical tools for indie musicians. The key takeaway: success today requires more than talent—it demands strategic branding, consistency, and a CEO mindset. From career journeys to tactical tutorials, here’s what matters most for your music marketing. Career Lessons from the … Read more
Music Industry News Deezer Tepid Q1 Results & AI Deal: Deezer reported tepid Q1 subscriber growth, but revealed an interesting AI detection deal that could impact rights management. Live Nation Accused of Financial Misrepresentation: A former executive vice president claims there is a “company-wide pattern of financial misrepresentation” at Live Nation. Stagecoach Wraps 2026 Festival: … Read more
This week’s digest covers a mix of hot topics for indie musicians: fan engagement, distribution strategy, AI vocals, and platform selection. The recurring theme is the need for a multi-channel, intentional approach rather than relying on any single tactic. Fan Account Method: Dead or Alive? Jesse Cannon’s video questions whether the fan account marketing method … Read more
Weather & Logistics Stagecoach Festival Chaos: High winds forced the cancellation of Journey and other sets at Stagecoach, highlighting the fragility of live events. (Source: original digest) Fan Access: A piece explores the tension between music, sports, and the fans who arrive first, questioning loyalty and privilege. (Source: original digest) Industry & Policy Streaming Mechanicals: … Read more