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.
April 4, 2023 – Music Biz Member Downtown Appoints Emily Stephenson As President
Downtown Music has promoted Emily Stephenson to the role of President of Publishing. In her new role, she will oversee all publishing efforts, including client acquisition and business development, A&R, rights management and client services for Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust and Sheer. Stephenson will report to Downtown Music President, Pieter Van Rijn. After serving three years as President of Downtown Music Services, Mike Smith is departing from the company. Since joining in 2020, Smith managed the company’s move away from traditional music publishing models to a services-based approach.... Read More
April 3, 2023 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Renews Sir Lucian Grainge’s Contract to 2028
Universal Music Group’s board of directors has extended current company Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge’s contract until May 1, 2028. The board will propose to UMG’s general meeting Grainge’s reappointment as Executive Director. “Only the right kind of chief executive can help achieve that goal and Lucian is just the one to do it,” said Sherry Lansing, UMG’s Chairman of the board. “Through his clear vision and strong execution in building UMG into the industry leader,... Read More
April 3, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Entertainment Announces “DEVO” Documentary
Warner Music Entertainment has announced a partnership with BMG and Fremantle Documentaries to release “DEVO,” the first full-length, fully authorized documentary about the New Wave band. Warner, BMG and Freemantle will serve as executive producers and financiers of the film, with all rights available worldwide. The documentary will chronicle the band’s story from their formation after the Kent State massacre to their chart topping hit, “Whip It.” The film will mix archival footage, interviews and a narrative aimed to parallel the band’s revolutionary creativity. ... Read More
March 31, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Chappell Renews Deal With MAG
Warner Chappell Music has renewed its global publishing partnership with producer MAG. Throughout his career, MAG has also worked with artists including Rauw Alejandro, Eladio Carrion, Arćangel, Bebe Rexha, Imagine Dragons, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. Most recently, MAG was accredited for his production of 15 of the 23 tracks on Bad Bunny’s blockbuster album, Un Verano Sin Ti. “Over the past few years, MAG has helped push our culture forward with a genre-bending sound that will define our generation,” said Ryan Press,... Read More
March 31, 2023 – Music Biz Member Concord Signs Caleb Chapman From Indie Rock Band, Colony House
Concord Music Publishing has announced its signing of singer/songwriter Caleb Chapman from Indie Rock band, Colony House. The co-publishing agreement will include all of Chapman’s future works. “We are so excited to bring Caleb on to the Concord roster,” said Melissa Spillman, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “His artistry and vision to grow his music is a perfect fit for our culture. Over the last 10 years, Colony House has amassed a growing fanbase and an impressive catalogue of hits and sync placements,... Read More
March 30, 2023 – Music Biz Member Amazon Launches “Curved” Performance Series
Amazon Music has debuted Curved, a series of performances recorded at the new Amazon Music Content Studios. The series will feature cinematic intimate performances that will emulate the atmosphere of an authentic in-person show. Curved’s latest installment showcases performer Beabadoobee who performed her Amazon Original version of “Glue Song,” accompanied by a children’s choir and string arrangement. In the coming weeks, performances from Cat Burns and Tom Grennas will be released. Curved performances are available on the Amazon Music app and the individual artists’ Youtube Channel.... Read More
March 29, 2023 – Music Biz Member TikTok Named Entertainment Partner For Eurovision Song Contest 2023
The European Broadcasting Union has appointed TikTok as the official entertainment partner for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. As the official entertainment partner, TikTok will feature specially created livestreams, exclusive in-app performances, music playlists and behind the scenes content. Currently, the short-form video platform has registered more than 7.8 billion video views for the hashtag #Eurovision. “Entertainment is at the heart of TikTok, and we’re excited to partner with the Eurovision Song Contest once again to bring the magic of the world’s largest live music event to our community,” said Rich Waterworth,... Read More
March 29, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Czech Republic Invests In Hip-Hop Label, Mike Roft
Warner Music Czech Republic has renewed its partnership and invested in Hip Hop label, Mike Roft. The label was founded in 2018 and has developed what Warner Music calls a, “…core roster of six culturally important and commercially successful artists.” Per the agreement, Warner Music will become the sole distributor for all of Mike Roft’s roster including Calin, “one of the biggest artists” in the Czech market. The label is also home to artists including Conspira,... Read More
March 28, 2023 – Music Biz Member Syntax Creative Partners With Soldier Sound Records
Syntax Creative has announced a new deal with Soldier Sound Records to promote the label’s artist roster. Nashville-based veteran emcees Pettidee & Knowdaverbs, collectively known as Village KNG, are the first recruits of the new venture. The duo’s first two singles, “Harriet Tubman” and “Forward Motion,” are available now; single “Afro Frontier” is set for release on April 28th. The deal also covers Soldier Sound Records’ catalog, which includes some of hits from Pettidee such as “The Ghetto,” “Represent,” and “I’m a Vet.” ... Read More
March 27, 2023 – Music Biz Member RoyFi Partners With Beatroot Music To Accelerate Access To Royalty Advances
RoyFi has partnered with independent music distributor, Beatroot Music (part of Music Biz member, Made in Memphis’ family of companies) to provide its musicians, producers and songwriters access to advance royalty funding. Per the agreement, RoyFi will offer Beatroot’s qualified artists an advance funding amount while maintaining 100% ownership and control of their rights. Beneficiaries will then have the option to accept athe full advance or just a portion of the funds offered. Once accepted, advances are distributed to the artist and paid back to RoyFi through royalties accumulated by the artist’s catalog.... Read More
