News and Trends

MBW meets Fer Isella, co-founder and CEO of limbo/ music, a "boutique" B2B distribution technology company Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/limbo-was-one-of-the-first-latam-distro-companies-to-sign-a-deal-with-itunes-now-its-built-a-tool-that-lets-labels-have-conversations-with-their-streaming-data-using-ai-cha/

Spotify also added personalized prompt suggestions to help users who are unsure what to request, with the system generating three suggestions. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-adds-text-input-and-spanish-requests-to-ai-dj/

Labels will be able to borrow against existing catalog revenue streams, securing advances for artist signings and more. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/beatbread-unveils-100m-global-indie-fund-in-partnership-with-aim-win-impala/

The two parties will combine ticket presales with flights, hotels and local experiences through a multi-year agreement. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/live-nation-strikes-deal-with-trip-com-to-offer-concert-travel-packages-cross-five-markets-in-asia/

Agreement includes joint venture for new writer signings and catalog administration Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-publishing-inks-global-administration-deal-with-the-uks-minds-on-fire/

Company combines recorded music businesses in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, with those in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria under the Warner Music Central Europe banner Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/warner-merges-benelux-gsa-businesses-niels-walboomers-named-president-as-central-europe-bosses-doreen-schimk-fabian-drebes-exit/

Now that the majors have accused Suno and Udio of stream-ripping, the AI companies are pushing to have the practice declared legal Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/facing-stream-ripping-allegations-from-labels-suno-udio-weigh-in-on-separate-case-to-challenge-ruling-that-makes-youtube-downloading-illegal/

Both will premiere on December 12, with the docuseries featuring appearances from Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/disney-lands-taylor-swifts-the-eras-tour-content-with-6-episode-docuseries-and-concert-film/

Universal Music Group boss says company is 'actively engaged' with nearly a dozen AI companies on new products Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sir-lucian-grainge-we-will-not-license-ai-models-that-use-artists-voices-without-consent/

The big night is now only three weeks away as Chorus TM backs blue-chip category Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/chorus-tm-sponsors-management-company-category-at-music-business-uk-awards/

US District Judge Eumi Lee found denies amendment to complaint Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/piracy-claims-cant-be-added-to-music-publishers-copyright-case-against-anthropic-says-judge/

Nashville-based manager partners with Red Light to guide breakout country star Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/autumn-ledgin-launches-ledgin-management-with-flagship-artist-tucker-wetmore-strikes-strategic-partnership-with-red-light/

The biggest headlines from the past few days – all in one place Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-drake-losing-his-umg-lawsuit-to-hybes-new-services-division-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/

Label was co-founded by artist and CEO Michael Turner (PLVTINUM) and COO Daniel Nall Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/too-lost-makes-seven-figure-investment-into-independent-label-rebellion-records/

Lauren Wirtzer, who also spent time at Instagram, will oversee operations, partnerships and expansion at EVEN. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/lauren-wirtzer-joins-direct-to-fan-music-platform-even-as-chief-operating-officer/

Companies said that the deal is "designed to deliver greater value to songwriters and their teams". Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-and-bmg-strike-new-direct-multiyear-us-publishing-licensing-deal/

Garvey joined Warner as COO in 2023 and was previously MD of London's legendary Abbey Road Studios Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/isabel-garvey-to-exit-as-chief-operating-officer-of-warner-music-uk/

Spotify Free and Premium users can now link their accounts to ChatGPT and receive personalized music and podcast recommendations directly within their ChatGPT conversations via a new integration. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-brings-music-recommendations-to-chatgpt-via-new-integration/

Believe has named Chris Meehan as Believe’s CEO of Publishing Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/believe-music-publishing-officially-launches-following-acquisition-of-sentric/

House of Carmen was rolled out in September 2024 and has bene operating in "stealth mode" Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-has-quietly-launched-a-creator-marketing-app-that-pays-influencers-to-post-content-on-tiktok-and-instagram-meet-house-of-carmen/

The Life of a Showgirl became Spotify's most-streamed album in a single day in 2025 so far, reaching the feat in under 11 hours Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/taylor-swifts-the-fate-of-ophelia-becomes-most-streamed-song-in-a-single-day-on-spotify-as-new-album-shatters-records-across-platforms/

Another partner confirmed for the industry's most enjoyable night out of the year Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ppl-supports-the-forbsie-celebrating-the-industrys-unsung-admin-heroes-at-this-years-music-business-uk-awards/

In today’s music industry, artists face a major crossroads: sign with a record label or stay independent . Both paths offer unique advantages and challenges — and neither guarantees success on its own. The real difference often lies in understanding what each route offers, what it demands, and how to maximize your position regardless of which side you’re on. 💼 The Signed Artist: Structure, Reach, and Resources Getting signed means partnering with a record label — major or independent — that invests in your career. Labels provide infrastructure that can fast-track an artist’s growth, but that comes with trade-offs. ✅ Advantages Access to Funding & Resources: Labels handle recording budgets, marketing, touring support, PR, and often distribution. This reduces the financial pressure on artists. Industry Connections: Being signed opens doors to producers, songwriters, radio, playlist curators, and established artists. Marketing Power & Global Reach: Major labe...

In today’s music landscape, talent alone isn’t enough — branding is everything . Whether you’re an independent artist, part of a collective, or running a small label, the way you present, position, and promote your art defines how the world sees (and hears) you. Branding is more than just a logo or aesthetic; it’s about identity, emotion, and consistency . Let’s break down how to craft a strong, authentic brand that grows with your music. 🔊 1. Define Your Core Identity Before logos, visuals, or slogans — you need clarity on who you are and what you represent . Ask yourself: What emotions do I want my music to evoke? What’s my story, and what makes it different? What values or lifestyle do I represent? This forms your brand DNA — the emotional thread that runs through your sound, visuals, and message. For a label, this could be your sound niche (Afro-fusion, trap-soul, conscious hip hop, etc.) or a cultural mission (uplifting local artists, preserving heritage, pushing ...

Early Life & Identity Born in Stirtonville, east of Johannesburg, Jah Crucial (originally with multiple surnames) eventually changed his name in 1994 to Ras Jah Crucial , removing what he refers to as his “Babylon name.” He was inspired by Biblical figures who changed names when they “found God.” From a young age he had a connection with music, especially through church circles, family members who served as priests, and exposure to the hardships around him. Notably, as a child he was separated from his mother for periods, spent time with relatives, and experienced the polarization under apartheid in South Africa. Musical Beginnings & Sound System Culture Jah Crucial’s love for reggae blossomed early. He frequented record bars, especially the “Jantjies” shop in Small Street, where imported reggae LPs played loudly. He devoured these records — King Tubby, Mighty Diamonds, Johnny Clarke , etc. — favoring roots and militant songs over lighter love tracks. He beg...

Rah B (sometimes stylized as RAH B or RahBoog ) is carving his lane in the rap world with a style that blends grit, raw storytelling, and ambition . Emerging from Newark, NJ , Rah B’s sound reflects his reality: the hustle, the pain, and the victories that come with living authentically through music. With a growing fanbase on Spotify , Apple Music , and SoundCloud , he’s fast becoming a name to watch on the global stage. 🚀 Musical Journey & Sound Rah B’s catalog is steadily growing, with projects and singles that showcase his raw, freestyle-driven style . One of his major projects is the 2024 album RAH B VS EVERYBODY , a 12-track showcase of intensity, street wisdom, and unfiltered energy. On SoundCloud , early drops like Throw My Pole On and 100 Thousand illustrate his experimental edge, while songs such as Gotta Go (feat. O.T. Genasis) underline his ability to bring in high-profile features without losing authenticity. Rah B operates closely with A.B.M./...

In a bold and electrifying move, South Africa’s rising sonic architect AwonMnyuzik drops Juke Box , an 8-track project that bridges raw energy, star-studded features, and creative ambition. More than just a collection of songs, Juke Box is the opening act, the teaser, the prologue to the larger vision: Sonic Ubuntu . The Vision Behind Juke Box From the first beat, Juke Box asserts itself as a statement: AwonMnyuzik isn’t here to simply ride trends; he’s here to curate experience . Like flipping through vinyl records in a dimly lit room, each track is a different groove in his musical turntable, a new side of his personality. The album weaves through styles—hip hop, dancehall, street rap—while infusing a distinctly South African backbone. What elevates Juke Box is its collaborators. Featuring heavyweights such as Uncle Snoop , YSL Thugga , Rah B , and Sean Paul , the project gains international depth and the kind of cross-pollination that demands ears. These features...

The biggest headlines from the past few days – all in one place Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-taylor-swifts-new-album-to-spotifys-leadership-shakeup-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/

  South African musician, producer, and visionary artist AwonMnyuzik has officially released his highly anticipated album JUKE BOX — a project that captures the raw essence of his journey, emotions, and growth as an artist. This isn’t just another album; it’s a sonic diary , weaving together different sounds, moods, and experiences. Each track on JUKE BOX carries its own heartbeat, telling stories of resilience, passion, and the unshakable will to keep creating music that truly moves people. “This project is a reflection of my journey — blending raw sound, real emotions, and unforgettable vibes. Each track is a piece of my story, crafted to connect, inspire, and move you.” — AwonMnyuzik Why JUKE BOX Matters In an era where music is often fast-consumed and quickly forgotten, JUKE BOX stands out as a timeless body of work. AwonMnyuzik’s creative fusion of hip hop, African rhythms, and modern production makes the album both unique and universally relatable. The project is ...

Having first found success writing for One Direction, Julian Bunetta is now hitting new heights working with artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Teddy Swims. Here he looks back on his career and discusses the art of songwriting Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/there-are-so-many-distractions-but-when-you-write-a-magic-song-it-opens-doors-and-thats-all-i-can-really-control/

Splice INSTRUMENT offers access to over 1,200 playable presets at launch. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/after-buying-spitfire-audio-in-50m-deal-splice-launches-virtual-instrument-platform-for-music-producers/

The acquisition covers country and pop hits Holman has penned, including songs from Cole Swindell, Florida Georgia Line and Jordan Davis. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/anthem-music-publishing-buys-catalog-of-grammy-nominated-songwriter-mark-holman/

The collaboration features a dedicated game mode called Horde Rush: Demon Rush, which will run through November 1. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/netflixs-kpop-demon-hunters-joins-fortnite-with-month-long-gaming-event/

Police in Seoul have barred HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk from leaving South Korea as authorities investigate allegations of improper share transactions worth around 200 billion South Korean won (approx. USD $142 million). That’s according to reports from multiple local media outlets, including The Korea Herald and Chosun Daily, which reported on Wednesday (October 1) that … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybe-chair-bang-si-hyuk-faces-travel-ban-amid-probe-over-ipo-report/

BMI London Awards celebrated top UK and European talent across music, film and television. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/fraser-t-smith-receives-bmi-presidents-award-at-2025-bmi-london-awards/