BMG’s Billion-Dollar Bet on Music Rights BMG has reported a robust $515 million in revenue for the first half of 2026, signaling continued growth in the music rights market. The company also revealed it has invested nearly $1.9 billion in acquiring song rights since 2021, underscoring its aggressive expansion strategy. This move reflects a broader … Read more
Introduction Welcome to this week’s music business digest, where we bring you the latest news, trends, and insights from across the industry. From AI innovations and vinyl releases to heartfelt tributes, here’s what you need to know. AI Takes Center Stage: New Frameworks and Policies The music industry is grappling with AI’s impact, leading to … Read more
Breaking: Columbia House Shuts Down for Good After decades of music mail-order history, Columbia House is closing its doors permanently. Once a household name for music fans who received CDs and tapes by mail, the company’s latest shutdown marks the end of an era. This move reflects the broader shift away from physical media and … Read more
Agency Moves & Industry Shifts This week in music business, major shifts are happening in representation and rights management. Alicia Keys has made headlines by leaving WME and signing with CAA, a significant move that sees the superstar talent agency switch. While the reasons behind the move are not fully disclosed, it underscores the dynamic … Read more
Persistence and Strategy: Keys to Success Most artists quit before success—perseverance is critical. Learn from those who survive by staying consistent and adaptable. Reflect on common pre-release mistakes (e.g., poor planning, lack of promotion) to avoid them and optimize your launch. Essential Tools for Music Creation and Marketing LANDR Mastering Plugin PRO offers light-speed mastering … Read more
Streaming & Promotion Insights Critique of common advice that may actually harm your streams. Best music promotion services evaluated for effectiveness. What nobody tells you about achieving viral success. 18 actionable steps to take after uploading to Spotify. Industry Moves & Tech Sony’s massive deal values Michael Jackson’s catalog in the billions. AI watchdog searches … Read more
Industry Leadership & Adaptation UMG UK’s Rebecca Allen emphasizes the need for the music industry to pivot and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape. This top-level perspective underlines the importance of flexibility for labels and artists alike. Meanwhile, a deep dive into the career of a former warehouse worker who rose to lead Universal Music … Read more
Industry Moves & Legal Updates Cassie leaves the U.S. following Diddy fallout; EBK Jaaybo pleads guilty. Lionel Richie files sound mark applications to trademark his voice, including for ‘Easy Like Sunday Morning’. Film, TV, theater, and game drops for June ’26 are now being announced. Global Markets & Trends Jessie J’s successful return highlights the … Read more
Market Trends & Predictions Music prediction market hits $400M by 2026 on one platform: The growing demand for data-driven insights reflects the industry’s reliance on analytics for decision-making. AI buildout faces forecast risk: As AI integration accelerates, managing uncertainty in predictions becomes critical for labels and platforms. Platform Comparisons & Tools VeeFly vs YouTube Promotions … Read more
Industry Insights & Events Curtiss King Reacts: He responds to the debate over rappers over 40 retiring, arguing experience often enhances artistry. Garth Brooks at National Archives: Celebrates ‘250 Years of American Music’ and a massive commercial milestone amid reported catalog sale talks. Florida Georgia Line: Signs with The Core Entertainment for management. Florida Senator … Read more