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 20, 2022 – Music Biz Member Spotify Acquires Heardle
Music streaming service, Spotify has acquired Heardle, the Wordle-style music trivia game. The game will soon integrate directly into Spotify’s platform with the company’s branding, and will remain free for Spotify users. “We are always looking for innovative and playful ways to enhance music discovery and help artists reach new fans,” said Spotify Global Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich. “Heardle has proven to be a really fun way to connect millions of fans with songs they know and love and with new songs… and a way to compete with their friends as to who has the best musical knowledge.... Read More
July 19, 2022 – Music Biz Member Catch Point Right Partners Promotes Corey Sorrento To VP, Investments
Catch Point Right Partners has promoted Corey Sorrento as the company’s new VP, Investments. He will report directly to company founders Richard Conlon, PJ Milks and Patrick Riordan. Since joining the company last year as an Investment Associate, he has worked on acquisition valuations and financial operations across the company. Prior to joining Catch Point, Sorrento began his career at Shot Tower Capital, where he worked on numerous high-profile music industry acquisitions. “In a short time Corey has become a key member of the Catch Point team,” said Riordan.“His focus on innovation and rigorous financial modeling underscores the firm’s dedication to the development of best of breed,... Read More
July 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Instagram Tests New “Live Producer” Desktop Tool
Social media platform, Instagram has been testing a new Live Producer tool, allowing users to broadcast live from a desktop using streaming softwares such as OBS, Streamyyard and Streamlabs. Users will be able to view, share, and download completed broadcasts within Live Archive, in addition to being able to view and respond to comments. “We are always working on ways to make Instagram Live a meaningful place for shared experiences,” said a Meta spokesperson on the new tool.... Read More
July 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Roblox Names Karibi Dagogo-Jack Head of Music Partnerships
Online gaming platform, Roblox has named Karibi Dagogo-Jack as the company’s new Head of Music Partnerships. In his new position, he will oversee and build relationships between artists, labels, managers, publishers, producers and Roblox itself. Before joining the company, he previously served as Head of Music Business Development at Spotify, where he was responsible for developing strategic opportunities for the company’s playlists and artist programs. “We’ve seen a lot of success with top brands coming onto the Roblox platform,... Read More
July 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Inks Global Deal With Mdundo
Universal Music Group has announced a new licensing deal with African music streaming service, Mdundo. Following the signing, UMG’s catalog will become available will provide its global catalog to Mdundo’s 17 million active monthly listeners across Africa. The streaming service has achieved major growth across the Nigerian music market, and is available in a number of countries including Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. “Our focus is to provide a relevant service to the hundreds of millions of potential users in Africa that are getting online,” said Mdundo CEO,... Read More
July 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member Spotify Developing New AI Music Tools
Music streaming service, Spotify has announced new plans to develop new AI music tools within the platform. Currently in development are two such tools, one that will allow artists to tweak a song’s rhythm or melody, while another allows users to merge two songs together. Release dates for the new features are not yet public, with full rollouts to come in the future. Click here to read more from Forbes.... Read More
July 14, 2022 – Music Biz Member TuneCore Appoints Alisha Outridge As Chief Technology & Product Officer
TuneCore has appointed Alisha Outridge to the role of Chief Technology & Product Officer. In this newly created role, she will emphasize the company’s efforts in utilizing technology to help creators grow in the music industry. With more than 15 years experience as a product and engineering leader, Outridge has built consumer & B2B2C experiences in entertainment and social data platforms with companies such as Facebook, iHeartRadio and KickApps. “As a former oil painter, I have a deep appreciation for all forms of artistry and a keen understanding of the desire to monetize one’s art,” said Outridge.... Read More
July 13, 2022 – Music Biz Member CD Baby Names Scott Williams As Next President
Scott Williams has been promoted to the role of President of CD Baby and Soundrop. As a veteran in the music and tech industries, Williams formerly served as CD Baby’s VP of Technology & CTO, and has fronted technology at companies including Avant Assessment and Learning.com. Since 2020, he has represented Downtown Music Holdings as a DDEX Board of Directors member. “During his tenure at CD Baby, Scott has spearheaded the ongoing evolution of the company’s technology platform that has made it a favorite of independent artists all over the world,” said Downtown Music Holding CEO,... Read More
July 13, 2022 – Music Biz Member The Orchard Announces New Afro Label, Releases Jay Hover’s New Single Via Epic Records
The Orchard has announced a new global partnership with leading afro influencer platform, NWE, for the launch of NWE Worldwide. In this new affiliation, The Orchard will provide support to African artists in their home countries. The label’s first signee, Jay Hover, released his hit single “One Leg” via Epic Records in collaboration with NWE Worldwide and The Orchard for a global release. More artists are expected to launch music via the new label throughout the year including Burundian singer,... Read More
July 12, 2022 – Music Biz Member Alliance Entertainment To Go Public After $480 Million SPAC Merger
Wholesaler and entertainment distributor, Alliance Entertainment has announced a SPAC merger with blank check company, Adara Acquisition Corp, a move that will list the company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The integration of the two companies combined is approximately $480 million, with Alliance holding 78% of shareholders. The company will continue to be led by Chairman Bruce Ogilvie and CEO Jeff Walke. “Alliance Entertainment, with limited capital, has grown into a leading distributor and wholesaler of entertainment products,” said Ogilvie.... Read More
