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.

July 21, 2023 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Signs Global Deal With Australian Indie Band The Rions

Sony Music Publishing Australia has signed a global publishing deal with Sydney-based Indie Rock band, The Rions. The band’s debut EP, “Minivan,” will be the first project released under the new deal.  “They’re a brilliant young band with a lot of heart and soul, writing great songs and we have no doubt they will be captivating audiences for a long time,” said Damien Trotter, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing.  Click here to read more from Billboard.... Read More

July 20, 2023 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Calls On US Congress To Pass Rules Regulating AI

Universal Music Group has called on the US Congress to enact laws protecting creators and rightsholders against copyright infringement by AI developers and users. At a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on intellectual property, UMG’s Jeffrey Harleston, General Counsel & EVP of Business and Legal Affairs, shared three laws UMG would like to see enacted, which included a nationwide right of publicity law, the ability of copyright owners to see what has gone into the training of AI models,;... Read More

July 20, 2023 – Music Biz Member Virgin Music Strikes Partnership With Paul Rosenberg’s Goliath Records

Virgin Music has partnered with Paul Ronsenberg’s Goliath Records for rapper and social media personality, Nems’ upcoming album, “Rise Of The Silverback.” The album and its latest single, ‘Drip,’ will be  the partnership’s first releases.  “Our entire team is so excited and honored to work with Nems, Paul Rosenberg, and their team,” adds Jacqueline Saturn, President of Virgin Music. “We can’t wait to share his new music with fans around the world.” Click here to read more from Digital Music News.... Read More

July 19, 2023 – Music Biz Member Spotify Partners with Calm to Offer Relaxation Content Through The Streaming Service

Music streaming service, Spotify has partnered with meditation app, Calm to give its subscribers access to relaxation content specifically curated to support their mental wellness. Per the partnership, Calm is offering Spotify users a variety of content across 11 of the meditation app’s series, including Calm for Sleep, Calm for Stress & Anxiety, Calm for Kids, Calm for Beginners, and episodes of Daily Mindfulness featuring Jay Shetty, Mel Mah and Tamara Levitt. Spotify subscribers can access the content via the Spotify app,... Read More

July 19, 2023 – Music Biz Members YouTube Music & Linkfire Partner To Launch Pre-Save Feature

Music marketing company, Linkfire has partnered with music streaming service, YouTube Music to launch a new pre-save feature, allowing users to discover upcoming music and enable YT Music to add an album to their library on its release day. The new initiative presents artists with new possibilities for connecting with their audience on the platform, monetizing their music and driving engagement. Users can access the pre-save feature through Linkfire’s pre-release links.  Click here to learn more from Linkfire’s blog.... Read More

July 17, 2023 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Masterworks’ Terrapin Station Acquires Event Producer, Black Ink Presents

Sony Music Masterworks has further bolstered its footprint in the live music and family-friendly entertainment spaces with its acquisition of production services company, Black Ink Presents via Masterworks’ Terrapin Station Entertainment. Per the acquisition, Terrapin Station’s Founder & CEO, Jonathan Shank will work to develop new productions and “innovative live experiences” for IP-based entertainment including cruise entertainment, concerts and immersive exhibits. Black Ink CEO John Kinsner, CFO Alek Deva, and COO Mike Kasper will continue to oversee the company’s day-to-day operations. ... Read More

July 17, 2023 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Launches The Core Records With Kevin “Chief” Zaruk & Simon Tikhman

Universal Music Group has partnered with The Core Entertainment’s Co-Founders, Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman to launch The Core Records. The new label venture will sign and develop new artists working with UMG’s global network of labels. The Core Records label currently includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nickelback, Nate Smith, Austin Shawn, Dillion James, Josh Ross, Rachel Wiggins and Gavin Lucas. “We love building upon our entrepreneurial culture, and are so pleased to welcome Chief and Simon who have a reputation for identifying some of the industry’s most promising artists,” said Sir Lucian Grainge,... Read More

July 14, 2023 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Nashville Appoints Fred Rubenstein As VP, Digital Marketing

Sony Music Nashville has recruited Fred Rubenstein as the company’s VP of Digital Marketing, a role that will find him overseeing the digital marketing team, leading strategy and implementing innovative social media and digital marketing campaigns across the SMN roster. Rubenstein will also focus on exploring new partner/platform opportunities that will foster digital discovery, enhance artists’ brands and drive consumption. He will report to Jennifer Way, SVP of Marketing at Sony Music Nashville.  “Fred is a highly respected digital marketing executive who isn’t afraid to break the mold to try something new,” said Way.... Read More

July 13, 2023 – Music Biz Member TikTok Partners With Tomorrowland To Deepen Electronic Music Engagement

Short form video platform, TikTok has partnered with Electronic music festival, Tomorrowland to produce content including TikTok LIVE broadcasts of headline performances, behind-the-scenes footage and video on-demand content from artists & creators. The partnership will also include in-app playlists and a #Tomorrowland global hub for fan-created festival content, artist LIVEs and music from the weekend.  “We’re delighted to be partnering with Tomorrowland, one of the biggest and most iconic festivals in the world,” said Michael Kümmerle,... Read More

July 12, 2023 – Music Biz Member Apple Releases Shazam Update That Detects Plays On TikTok, Instagram & Youtube

Apple-owned music detection app, Shazam has released a new update that will allow users to detect songs playing from other apps including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. All songs that have been identified through the feature will automatically be stored in the user’s library. Shazam’s new feature is available on both iOS and Android.  Click here to read more from Digital Music News.... Read More