Member Updates

Music Biz broadcasts the latest announcements from around our community on our social feeds as our member companies continue to push the industry forward. If you are launching a new product, have been featured in an industry trade publication, or have a major announcement coming soon, we’d love to help spread the word — share it with Henryk Bik, Music Biz’s Communications & Content Manager, at henryk.bik@musicbiz.org.

NEW FOR 2024 Music Biz’s member news will be shared exclusively on our social channels, as the Member Updates section of our website is set to go offline later this year.

August 24, 2023 – Music Biz Member YouTube Music Unveils Music Discovery ‘Samples’ Feed

Music streaming service, YouTube Music has introduced ‘Samples,’ a new vertical video feed  feature focused on introducing users to quickly sample and find new music on the platform. In a new tab at the bottom of the app, Samples curates a feed of 30-second video clips based on the user’s taste profile, including tracks from artists the user likes and related artists. To like a sample, users must tap the thumbs up icon to save the song to their Liked Songs Playlist.... Read More

August 24, 2023 – Music Biz Member BMG Inks Catalog Publishing Deal With The Chemical Brothers

Berlin-based music company, BMG has struck a publishing deal with UK Electronic music duo, the Chemical Brothers to consolidate their entire publishing catalog. Per the partnership, the Chemical Brothers’ first seven albums, major hits and No. 1 singles will now move to BMG from Universal Music Publishing Group. This deal builds on a previous agreement between BMG and the Chemical Brothers regarding new works released starting in 2015. “The Chemical Brothers are among the most successful,... Read More

August 23, 2023 – Music Biz Member TikTok Launches ‘Gimme The Mic’ Music Contest For Talent Discovery

Short-form video platform, TikTok has launched its new ‘Gimme The Mic’ music talent contest for aspiring musicians to showcase their talent via TikTok’s livestreams. Earlier this month, contest participants started their three-stage journey by submitting a 30-second audition video using the #GIMMETHEMIC hashtag. Of those submissions, the top 30 candidates will advance to the semifinal happening from September 1-3, where they will perform in pairs on the @tiktoklive_us account. In real time, viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite 10 performers,... Read More

August 22, 2023 – Music Biz Member Concord Label Group Appoints Tom Becci As Chief Executive

Concord Label Group has recruited music industry veteran, Tom Becci as the company’s new Chief Executive. In his new role, he will oversee Concord’s entire recorded music division including global frontline label and catalog operations. Prior to joining Concord, Becci served in executive roles at Red Light Management and Universal Music Group Nashville. He will be based in Concord’s Los Angeles office and will report to CEO Bob Valentine.  “He [Tom Becci] knows what it takes to keep a music enterprise culturally,... Read More

August 22, 2023 – Sony Music Publishing Strikes Global Deal With India-Based Record Label Big Bang Music

Sony Music Publishing has signed a global publishing deal with Big Bang Music, a record label based in India described as “a new age music platform, dedicated to finding superstars in the Indie music space.” Per the partnership, Sony Music Publishing will administer & promote Big Bang’s songs globally to help expand the audience and revenue opportunities for its catalog, both through sync placements and global songwriter collaborations. “BGBNG is an exceptional platform for emerging artists and songwriters,” said Dinraj Shetty,... Read More

August 21, 2023 – Universal Music Group Unveils Program To Celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

Universal Music Group has revealed a program of activities for fans to celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary. UMG’s celebration began earlier this month in New York City with the special lighting of The Empire State Building in gold to signify the half-century milestone, with guest appearances from Def Jam Recordings artists Ja Rule, Ashanti and Jadakiss. UMG also launched HH50.com, a dedicated hub where fans can find specially curated content, playlists and merchandise from the label’s artists.... Read More

August 21, 2023 – Music Biz Members Rimas Publishing and SESAC Latina Partner To Host Music 101 Seminar In Puerto Rico

Rimas Publishing has partnered with SESAC Latina to bring the Music 101 seminar to Puerto Rico for an exclusive all-day educational experience on August 23rd, aimed at supporting aspiring musicians in the region. The seminar will offer attendees insight into the creative, financial, legal and administrative aspects of the music business in conversations presented by prominent songwriters and industry executives. Music Biz member YouTube has signed on as the official DSP for the event. Those interested in attending Music 101 must RSVP and await approval. ... Read More

August 17, 2023 – Music Biz Member Apple Music Classical Partners with Salzburg Festival

Classical music streaming app, Apple Music Classical has struck a new deal with the Salzburg Festival to provide the app’s subscribers with quality exclusive audio recordings from the festival, Spatial Audio remastered recordings from previous festivals and an exclusive playlist created by the festival organization. All content from the festival is produced with Unitel and ORF and distributed by Platoon.  “The Salzburg Festival, with its more than 100-year history, is very pleased to be able to present its unique lineup of incredible productions,... Read More

August 17, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Records Launches Defiant Records With Steve “Steve-O” Carless

Warner Records has partnered with Steve “Steve-O” Carless to launch a new joint venture, Defiant Records. Along with the launch of the label, Carless announced the release of “Defiant Presents: Jiggy In Jersey (ft. MCVERTT),” a project that pairs emerging producers and artist MCVERTT with rappers Bandmanrill and Sha EK. Carless currently serves  as President of A&R at Warner Records, and has held senior leadership roles across major labels including Atlantic Records, Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records and Uptown Music.... Read More

August 16, 2023 – Music Biz Member Downtown Music Signs New Deal With The Hoosiers

Downtown Music has announced the company’s latest publishing and distribution deal with duo band, The Hoosiers. The band has signed a publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing and a distribution deal with Downtown-owned FUGA via their Crab Race Ltd. imprint. The Hoosiers are set to release their fifth album, “Confidence,” this September.  “The Hoosiers have an excellent back catalogue of much-loved hits and we’re excited to start the process of revisiting their past releases and bringing them to new audiences while finding new and creative ways to support their upcoming releases,” said Jedd Katrancha,... Read More