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 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
July 6, 2022 – Music Biz Member DistroKid Launches New DistroVid Music Video Service
DistroKid has announced the launch of a new music video distribution tool, DistroVid. Artists will be able to upload an unlimited number of music videos for a fixed fee starting at $99 per year, while keeping 100% of their earnings from their content. Launch partners for the new platform include DistroKid itself, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL and Vevo, with more companies to join throughout the year. “Many streaming services have begun playing music videos in addition to audio–but until now there hasn’t been a great way for independent artists to get their music videos into these services,” said Philip Kaplan,... Read More
July 6, 2022 – Music Biz Member Facebook Tests New Audio Chat Feature In Groups
Facebook has been testing a new audio channel feature to Groups with select users, building Discord-like voice calls directly in users’ Groups chats. This new test feature is one of many new updates the company has planned for Groups in the main Facebook app, including new “sub-groups” where users can discuss different topics, an updated sidebar which keeps Groups present while a user’s main feed updates, and community feeds that are separated by different discussion topics.... Read More
July 5, 2022 – Music Biz Member Facebook Partners With Acast Podcast Platform
Facebook has announced a new partnership with independent podcast platform, Acast. This new integration will allow Acast+ creators to create community hubs, find & add fans, promote new & upcoming episodes, interact directly with podcasters, and access exclusive benefits including livestreams via subscriber-only Facebook groups. “When podcasters are able to build deep relationships with their listeners, great things happen,” said Acast CEO, Ross Adams. “A core part of Acast’s mission is to help turn those listeners into true,... Read More
July 5, 2022 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group for Brands Launches New Media & Data Platform, UMusic Media Network
Music Biz Member Universal Music Group’s global partnerships division, Universal Music Group for Brands, has launched UMusic Media Network, a new platform connecting brands and partners with exclusive UMG content. Initial offerings include music videos, behind-the-scenes and artist vlogs, insights & lifestyle content, and data from the company-owned platforms such as Rebel Labs, Mercury Studios and Polygram Entertainment. “The UMusic Media Network brings together UMG’s unmatched artist roster, marketing capabilities and resources to empower brands and partners directly,” said UMGB’s Executive VP,... Read More
June 30, 2022 – Music Biz Member UMG Inks New Licensing Agreement with Audiomack for Africa, Canada and the UK
Universal Music Group has announced a new licensing deal with music streaming platform, Audiomack. In this new agreement, UMG will offer a curated selection of content to Audiomack users in 16 African countries, Canada and the UK; this is in addition to providing full catalog offerings to premium subscribers across Africa. “We are excited for more fans across Africa and beyond to have greater access to some of Africa’s most exciting musical talent, as well as UMG’s unrivaled catalog of international superstars and releases,” said Universal Music South Africa &... Read More
June 29, 2022 – Music Biz Member Spotify Launches New ‘Live Events Feed’ Feature
Spotify has announced ‘Live Events Feed,’ a revamped feature in its mobile app allowing users to find and keep track of upcoming live music events in their area. With this updated tool, users can source tickets from the company’s ticketing partners including Ticketmaster, AXS, Dice, Eventbrite and See Tickets. “We know how important live events are to creators and to the broader music industry, and how much live has suffered during the pandemic,” said Spotify’s Sr.... Read More
