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.
November 30, 2022 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Africa Join Audiomack and Afrochella To Support Rising Star Challenge For Emerging African Artists
Sony Music Africa has partnered with Culture Management Group, the parent company of Afrochella and media streaming service, Audiomack, to expand the Rising Star Challenge competition to unsigned and emerging artists in Africa. The grand prize winner of the Rising Star Challenge will win an exclusive recording agreement with Sony Music Africa for a single release, global distribution for their new single, marketing support, a music video, free access to Afrochella’s recording studio, mentoring and training from industry experts,... Read More
November 29, 2022 – Music Biz Member TikTok Hosts #AltMusic LIVE Livestream With Wet Leg
On November 24th, TikTok premiered its first ever #Altmusic LIVE concert livestream with Indie Rock group, Wet Leg on the group’s official TikTok channel. After tickets for Wet Leg’s O2 Kentish Town show sold out within seconds, the TikTok livestream provided fans who couldn’t get a ticket the opportunity to watch the band perform. Alternative music on TikTok has been steadily growing in popularity; since the platform has relaunched its #Altmusic hashtag in October 2022, it has accrued an estimate of 1.2 billion views.... Read More
November 28, 2022 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Group Appoints Bob Workman As SVP, International Brand Partnerships & General Manager, WMX UK
Warner Music Group has appointed Bob Workman to the dual role of SVP, International Brand Partnerships, WMG and General Manager, WMX UK. In his new role, he will play a key role in WMG’s Global Brand Partnerships Council alongside Camille Hackney, Chief Partnerships Officer and Head of Global Brand Partnerships at Atlantic Records US and Claudia Butsky, EVP, Brand Partnerships and Sync at Warner Records US. Workman will also retain his position on the Warner Music UK Senior Management Team,... Read More
November 23, 2022 – Music Biz Member YouTube Releases #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2023 Candidates
YouTube Music has released its annual list of artists, producers, and songwriters who have been chosen for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2023. The program will equip rising Black artists and songwriters with resources that will help them succeed on the platform. With more than 300 grantees since its launch in 2021, The Music Class of 2023 has recruited artists such as Carla Marie, Honey Dijon, Jin JIn, Julys, Kali Claire, Unknown T, and the Nova Twins.... Read More
November 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Vevo Releases Six New Channels On Hulu Live TV
Music video platform, Vevo has announced the December launch of six new channels on U.S. streaming subscription network Hulu’s live TV service: Vevo Pop, Vevo Hip Hop, Vevo Country, Vevo ‘80s, Vevo ‘90s, and Vevo Holiday. According to Vevo’s President of Sales and Distribution, Kevin McGurn, the partnership with Hulu “… continues to put music videos back in the living room.” The new channels will be included in a total of 14 new offerings for the 4.4 million subscribers to Hulu’s Live TV service. ... Read More
November 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Syntax Creative Strikes Partnership with LoweKey Entertainment
Syntax Creative has announced its recent partnership with LoweKey Entertainment, the label home of famed Gospel singer, Debbie Winans. The partnership comes in time for Winans’ new holiday single “Hustle & Bustle,” set for release on November 18th. Winans’ career has spanned many illustrious moments, including for Whitney Houston on the Body Guard Tour and performing as a background vocalist for her siblings, Bebe & Cece Winans. Click here to read more on the partnership from Syntax’s blog. ... Read More
November 17, 2022 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Publishing UK Names Shauni Caballero Sr. A&R Manager
Sony Music Publishing UK has promoted Shauni Caballero to the role of Sr. A&R Manager. In this new role, She will support and develop SMP songwriters, promoting the brand’s collaboration efforts and developing new opportunities across its global roster. Since joining Sony in May, Caballero has signed major UK artists like Central Cee, Russ Millions, and Nemzzz. Caballero made her debut in the music industry by establishing music publishing, neighboring rights and consultancy company, The Go 2 Agency in 2017.... Read More
November 17, 2022 – Music Biz Member Meta Announces Work on New AI-Powered ‘EnCodec’ Audio Compression Method
Meta has announced work on an AI-powered audio compression method called “EnCodec,” that they state delivers ten times better compression than the MP3 format. The new method consists of a three-party system that is trained to compress audio to the desired target size. Meta researchers state that “…the key to lossy compression is to identify changes that will not be perceivable to humans, as perfect reconstruction is impossible at low bit-rates.” As the technology develops, Meta aims to deliver high-quality audio across all network connections with smaller files.... Read More
November 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Youtube Debuts ‘Go Live Together’ Co-Streaming Feature
Video streaming platform, YouTube has announced a new feature that will allow creators to go live with an invited guest. Once the feature is launched, creators will be able to stream with one guest at a time via their mobile device. In the coming weeks, select creators will be able to select the “Go Live Together” button and update their stream settings, while the company plans for a broader rollout in the near future. Hosts of a live stream will have the opportunity to earn revenue from advertisements that will run during guest streams. ... Read More
November 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Group Invests In Anything World’s “Series Seed Plus” Funding Round
Warner Music Group has become an investor in AI-powered startup, Anything World. The 3D animation design platform raised $7.5 million during its recent “Series Seed Plus” funding round, which includes money contributed by the major label. Warner’s investment will help support Anything World’s recently launched high-fidelity animation system, its initiative to democratize 3D content creation and to further explore artificial intelligence and 3D worlds. “We’re thrilled to expand further the tools and opportunities we can provide to developers,... Read More
