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.
March 15, 2023 – Music Biz Member Belmont University Appoints Spotify’s Brittany Schaffer As Dean Of Mike Curb College Of Entertainment & Music Business
Belmont University has recruited Brittany Schaffer as the next Dean for the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. She will succeed Belmont alumnus and music industry executive, Doug Howard, as the first female dean since the program’s launch in 2003. In her role, Schaffer will be responsible for the college’s academic programs and student enrichment initiatives. She will oversee approximately 100 faculty and staff and more than 2,700 students in the Curb College programs.... Read More
March 13, 2023 – Music Biz Members TuneCore & Luminate Release Third Annual BE THE CHANGE: Gender Equality In The Music Industry Study
Music data provider, Luminate has partnered with TuneCore and Believe for the third annual “BE THE CHANGE: Gender Equality in the Music Industry” study, which aims to shed light on important issues surrounding gender equality in the music industry. The study highlights accounts of discrimination experienced by women and gender expansive individuals, as well as actionable solutions for companies and individuals can utilize to better their work environments. Findings from this latest edition of the study include that women who responded were 30% more likely than average to be passed up for promotions.... Read More
March 10, 2023 – Music Biz Member Downtown Announces Three Executive Promotions
Downtown Music Holdings has promoted Manan Vohra, Harmen Hemminga and Gareth Mellor to executive roles within the company. Joining from FUGA, Vohra will serve as the Chief Technology Officer of Downtown. He will be responsible for leading the wider product and technology strategy for the company. Vohra is an active member of the DDEX board and formerly worked for 7digital. Harmen Hemminga has been named VP of Product and Services Strategy. In his role, he will identify and create strategic product,... Read More
March 10, 2023 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Publishing Nashville Renews Partnership With Songwriter & Producer, Lindsay Rimes
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has renewed its publishing agreement with award-winning songwriter and producer, Lindsay Rimes, whose songs have been recorded by popular Country artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Phillip Phillips, Dylan Scott, Locash, The Cadillac Three, and Tyler Rich. Most recently, he co-wrote and produced Nate Smith’s “Whiskey on You.” “Lindsay’s star has been steadily rising over the last few years, and it’s been amazing to watch him succeed and grow creatively beyond genres,” said Josh Van Valkenburg,... Read More
March 10, 2023 – Music Biz Member The MLC Distributes $1 Billion To Rightsholders To Date
The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) has reached a $1 billion milestone in royalties distributed to songwriters and rightsholders, which includes $945.9 million in blanket royalties and an additional $137.1 million in voluntary royalties. This number was reached as the organization concluded its second year of operation in 2022. “Reaching this milestone shows that the processes we built and launched a mere two years ago are working effectively, allowing us to fulfill our mission to pay rights holders their digital audio mechanical royalties,” said MLC CEO,... Read More
March 9, 2023 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Publishing Group Appoints Shirin Foroutan As SVP &GM, Europe
Universal Music Group’s publishing division has recruited Shirin Foroutan as the company’s SVP and General Manager, Europe. In her role, she will work closely with UMPG’s European Managing Directors and C-suite leadership in Santa Monica. Prior to joining UMPG, Foroutan served in roles at companies including BMI, MPC Film, Mute Group of Companies, the Olympics, and Live Nation Global Touring. Over the course of her career, she has signed artists including Rina Sawayama, Griff, Johnny Marr,... Read More
March 7, 2023 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Partners With Deezer To Produce New Streaming Model
Lucian Grange, CEO of Universal Music Group announced during the company’s March 2nd earnings call its latest partnership to develop a new streaming mode with music streaming app, Deezer. Similar to the deal it entered in January with TIDAL, this partnership is designed to create a music streaming model that, “…ensures continued growth” while valuing “…the contribution of both artists and fans alike.” “Ensuring the artists’ work is properly valued should be a critical goal for everyone who wants to keep the industry growing,” Grainge offered. ... Read More
March 7, 2023 – Music Biz Member Spotify Launches AI-Powered “DJ” Feature For Song Recommendations
Music streaming service, Spotify has announced the launch of “DJ,” an AI-powered listening feature that delivers commentary along with song recommendations. Instead of searching through an editorial playlist, the platform’s premium subscribers can use DJ to receive recommendations with commentary via an AI-generated voice. According to Spotify, “…when listeners hear that additional audio context alongside their music recommendations, they’re more willing to try something new and listen to a song they may have otherwise skipped.” By tapping the DJ button,... Read More
March 6, 2023 – Music Biz Member YouTube Adding Podcasts To YouTube Music App
YouTube has announced plans to add podcast content to its music streaming service, YouTube Music. The new content will reach the more than 80 million subscribers combined across YouTube Music and YouTube Premium, with the company’s focus on making podcasts available on the platform rather than signing exclusivity deals for specific shows. Background listening to podcasts on YouTube will be available for free. “We will soon start to bring both audio and video-first podcasts to YouTube Music for users in the United States,... Read More
March 3, 2023 – Music Biz Member Sony Music’s RCA UK Appoints Stacey Tang & Glyn Aikins As Co-Presidents
Sony Music Entertainment UK has promoted executives Stacey Tang and Glyn Aikins as Co-Presidents of RCA UK. Since 2018, Tang and Aikins have worked alongside each other at RCA UK. Prior to this appointment, Tang served as EVP of RCA, where she spearheaded campaigns of artists including Little Mix, Miley Cyrus, Mimi Webb, Lil Nas X, Beyoncé and SZA. Aikins joined Sony Music as a Co-President of Since 93, a label partnership with RCA. He has signed,... Read More
