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 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
June 28, 2022 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Group Merges Elektra and 300 into Supergroup Label, 3EE
Warner Music Group has unveiled its new trio supergroup label, 3EE, after combining two of their most successful and recognized labels, Elektra and 300. This new affiliate will be led by 300 Entertainment Chairman & CEO, Kevin Liles, and will unify sub- labels 300, Elektra Records, Fueled by Ramen, Roadrunner, Low Country Sound, DTA Records, Public Consumption, Young Stoner Life Records, Sparta and 300 Studios. In addition to this merger, the new label will represent superstar acts including Brandi Carlile,... Read More
June 27, 2022 – Music Biz Member The Orchard Announces Global Distribution Partnership With Glassnote Records
The Orchard has announced a new global distribution partnership with award winning record label, Glassnote Records. Per the terms of the deal, The Orchard will provide the company’s full indie artist roster with its worldwide network of services and capabilities. “The Glassnote Records team has built a home for artists that supports and cultivates creativity,” said The Orchard’s CEO, Brad Navin. “As a strategic partner, The Orchard will continue to empower and reinforce their creative vision,... Read More
June 24, 2022 – Music Biz Member SoundCloud Names Tracy Chan Senior Vice President, Creator
Industry veteran Tracy Chan has been named SoundCloud’s new Senior Vice President of Creator. In his new position, he will lead the SoundCloud Creator ecosystem globally, helping create opportunities for independent artists to boost their careers with the company’s full suite of audience development, marketing, distribution and monetization tools & services. Chan will report directly to SoundCloud’s President, Eliah Seton, and serve on the company’s executive leadership team. “It’s a momentous time to join SoundCloud; a pioneering company that has continuously innovated and deepened its commitment to providing the best-in-class services and offerings that advance the careers of artists around the world,” said Chan.... Read More
June 24, 2022 – Music Biz Member Symphonic Distribution Expands Global Footprint to Canada
Symphonic Distribution has announced their expansion into Canada in partnership with Higher Reign Music, which launched its distribution arm in 2021. Over the past 12 years, the company has achieved a number of Top 40 Billboard hits and Gold Records in the Canadian market. Higher Reign executives Steeven Leblanc and Antoine Regniere will oversee Symphonic’s expansion into the new market. “I am thrilled that Symphonic is expanding to Canada with the team from Higher Reign Music Distribution joining our family,” said Symphonic Distribution CEO,... Read More
