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.

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

May 18, 2022 – Music Biz Members Spotify And Roblox Partner To Launch “Spotify Island”

Earlier this month, music streaming service, Spotify launched a new metaverse destination called Spotify Island within the Roblox ecosystem. The virtual area will allow for music fans and artists alike to play interactive quests, unlock exclusive content and purchase merch in themed islands draped in Spotify’s iconic green, along with shades of orange and purple. The space will expand and evolve over time to create experiences catering to music fandoms, with the themed K-Park island celebrating Kpop culture and artists such as Sunmi and Stray Kids.... Read More

May 18, 2022 – Music Biz Member UnitedMasters Launches Beat Exchange Platform For Beat Makers

Independent music company, UnitedMasters has announced the launch of its new buying and selling platform for beat makers, Beat Exchange. The platform is set to, “simplify browsing for beats when looking for specific sounds (genre, mood, instrument, etc.) and drive discovery through editorial playlists that highlight both emerging and established producers,” according to the company. Beat Exchange will be available on the UnitedMasters iPhone and Android apps, as well as on the UM desktop app. “Producers determine the sounds of our era,... Read More

May 17, 2022 – Music Biz Member DistroDirect Expands Global Footprint With New North America, Latin America Offices

Australian white-label distribution platform, DistroDirect has announced they are opening two new headquarters in the Americas, along with two key hires to head up the new offices. These updates come after the company’s global launch in August 2021, which included 250+ “hyper-local micro-distributors” launched in more than 40 International markets. Dalmar “Biz Dev” James Jr. will serve as DistroDirect’s VP of North American Business Development and Partnerships. He has more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing,... Read More

May 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Linkfire Is Hiring — Growth Marketing Manager

Linkfire is looking for a Growth Marketing Manager who’s experienced in growing awareness and driving sales for tech organizations. If you have a great understanding of digital marketing, and have a love for data and delighting customers, this one’s for you. The position Your mission will be to grow awareness about two of Linkfire’s newest products – Linkfire for Partners, and Linkfire’s Advertising Network. You will be driving Linkfire’s Traffic Partner product adoption, and customer advocacy initiatives –... Read More

May 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member SoundCloud Acquires AI Music Company, Musiio

Next-generation music company, SoundCloud has announced its acquisition of AI music curation company, Musiio. The company’s AI algorithm analyzes music to identify similarities between tracks and curate them into playlists based on shared characteristics, helping music fans discover new music that is in line with songs they already enjoy. More details on the integration of Musiio’s offerings into the SoundCloud ecosystem are forthcoming. “SoundCloud hosts more music from more creators than any platform on the planet.... Read More