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 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
July 8, 2022 – Music Biz Member Sony Music Group Launches Global Scholars Programme for College Students
Music Biz Member Sony Music Group has announced the launch of the Sony Music Group Global Scholars Programme, offering support to college students in the 2022-2023 academic school year. In this new program, the company will provide scholarships to up to 50 students from diverse backgrounds enrolled in music and music business-related fields at accredited colleges and universities. The company will equip accepted students with enrichment programs that will include instruction and support for university assignments,... Read More
July 11, 2022 – Music Biz Member Spotify Announces New In-App Feature “Supergrouper” With Updates On “Karaoke Mode”
Music streaming service, Spotify has launched a new in-app feature “Supergrouper.” With this update, users can create a ‘supergroup’ of up to five artists, which will then be curated into a playlist of songs with a shareable custom card. The company has also announced updates on their latest in-app tool “Karaoke Mode,” which can be accessed by selecting a song and scrolling down to the lyrics. Both in-app features are currently available only to a select group of users,... Read More
July 8, 2022 – Music Biz Member Utopia Music Announces Exclusive Partnership With Red Bee Media
Utopia Music has announced an exclusive partnership with leading global media services provider, Red Bee Media. Red Bee Media will provide 24/7 audio feeds of over 9,000 TV and radio channels across EMEA which will allow Utopia to analyze to ensure music rightsholders are being fairly compensated when their content appears in broadcasts. This new alliance aims to increase transparency, close the music industry data gap, and provide greater efficiencies in royalty allocations for the use of music on TV and radio.... Read More
July 8, 2022 – Music Biz Member Qobuz Promotes Raphaël Awóṣéyìn to Chief Marketing Officer
Hi-res music streaming & download service, Qobuz has named Raphaël Awóṣéyìn the company’s new Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Awóṣéyìn will take on the responsibilities of CCO and CBO, focussing on managing customer relations and expanding the company’s presence globally and in France, while also overseeing the Marketing Department as a member of the Board of Directors. “My core objective will be to meet the expectations of customers as closely as possible by providing them with a high-quality experience;... Read More
