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.
June 9, 2022 – Music Biz Member Apple Music Launches New DJ Mixes In Spatial Audio
Apple Music is launching new DJ mixes on its new streaming platform mixed with Dolby Atmos immersive audio, allowing fans a more interactive experience when listening with compatible audio devices, such as AirPods and select Beats headphones. Initial offerings include episodes of One Mix from Detroit Techno legend, Jeff Mills, in addition to 15 Boiler Room albums from world renowned DJs such as Boys Noise and The Blessed Madonna. More mix sets are expected to be launched throughout the year. ... Read More
June 7, 2022 – Music Biz Member Island Records Names Nick Barr Vice President of A&R and Creative Strategy
Island Records has appointed Nick Barr as the company’s new Vice President of A&R and Creative Strategy based in their Los Angeles office. Barr will be responsible for utilizing his marketing, digital and creative strategy while signing new talent. He will report to both Co-CEO’s of Island Records, Imran Majid and Justin Eshak for A&R, and to General Manager, Mike Alexander for digital & creative marketing. “I’m not only humbled by this opportunity, but also extremely excited for my next chapter with Island Records,” said Barr.... Read More
May 26, 2022 – Music Biz Member Spotify Tests New NFT Feature On Artist Pages
Music streaming service, Spotify has been testing a new feature that will allow artists to promote NFT’s galleries on their page. The test is currently available only to a select group of U.S. users on Android. Those with access can view artist’s page and scroll back their song list to view their NFT catalog, and purchase tokens via OpenSea. Click here to read more from Engadget.... Read More
May 26, 2022 – Music Biz Member Syntax Creative Adds Crystal Lewis And The Katinas To Roster
Syntax Creative has announced two new partnerships with Christian contemporary vocalist & songwriter, Crystal Lewis and the five-sibling Samoan Christian band, The Katinas. These new partnerships will include each artists’ back catalogs, as well as support for new releases. “I’m so grateful for my partnership with Syntax Creative,” says Lewis. “After several years of manning every aspect of digital distribution on my own, I’ve been so delighted to not only have help, but also to benefit from the expertise and experience that everyone at Syntax provides.” “After thirty years of making music,... Read More
May 26, 2022 – Music Biz Member ONErpm Opens Atlanta Office Led By Orlando McGhee
Full-service management company, ONErpm, has opened a new office in Atlanta that will oversee artists including Ceelo Green, Goodie Mob, Deitrick Haddon and many more. Orlando McGhee, Head of Urban Music, will lead the new office, accompanied by Project Manager, Nick Love and A&R Executive, Glenn ‘Guccio’ Teague. “Coming from the talent representation side, it was important to me to work with a label that is truly artist-focused,” McGhee says. “Emmanuel Zunz is building something very special at ONErpm and I’m thrilled to be joining the team at such an exciting time in the company’s history.” “I’m beyond excited to be joining the ONErpm team,” added Love.... Read More
May 26, 2022 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Publishing Group Appoints Cristina Chaves as Vice President of A&R
Universal Music Publishing Group has named Christina Chavez as the company’s new Vice President of A&R based in their Santa Monica office. In her new position, Chavez will report directly to EVP and Head of US A&R, David Gray. Chavez will continue to identify and sign new talent to add to the company’s existing roster and will work closely with UMPG’s songwriters. “I am thrilled to be joining UMPG and its exceptional A&R team,” says Chavez.... Read More
May 24, 2022 – Music Biz Members Linkfire and Apple Music Expand Partnership, Introduce New Streaming Insights
Music-minded smart linking platform, Linkfire has announced the continuation and evolution of its partnership with Apple Music, offering artists and labels new data points from music streamed on Apple’s platform. New reports can be generated on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, and those using the Linkfire ecosystem can now access “Add to Library” adoption and “plays by the same artist” statistics. This upgraded suite is the result of feedback provided by artists and their teams on their needs to boost their global marketing efforts.... Read More
May 23, 2022 – Music Biz Member Universal Music Group Announces Partnership With NFT Platform, LimeWire
After rebranding as a music-focused NFT marketplace, LimeWire has announced their first major label partnership with Music Biz member, Universal Music Group. According to LimeWire, artists from across UMG’s family of labels, including Republic, Interscope, Motown and more, can directly sell audio records, backstage footage, audiovisual content, images and more as NFTs to their fans and collectors alike. “Universal Music Group has always prioritized its artists’ creativity and valued fans’ desire to engage in innovative new ways,” says UMG’s EVP,... Read More
May 23, 2022 – Music Biz Member Republic Records Promotes Chris Blackwell To EVP of A&R And Content Strategy
Republic Records has promoted Chris Blackwell as the company’s new EVP of A&R and Content Strategy. Based at the Los Angeles office, Blackwell will continue to lead the creation and development of content for all of Republic’s roster. Since joining the company, Blackwell has worked in collaboration with artists such as KA$HDAMI, Lil Wayne and BENEE. “More than ever, artists are multi-hyphenates, content creators, and brand builders,” says Blackwell. “I’m honored to be their liaison when it comes to creative projects.... Read More
May 19, 2022 – Music Biz Member Stemit Launches New NFT Partnership with Datavault
Stemit, a pioneer in AI-based music stem production that assists in stem creation, management and production has announced a new partnership with Datavault, a key player in visualization, evaluation, monetization of tokenomics and metaverse data, to deliver blockchain-based stem NFT products and services to the music industry. The new marketplace will focus on music content production, distribution and asset protection to provide opportunities for artists in all genres to create NFTs in Web 2.0 and Web3.... Read More
