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.

February 17, 2022 – Music Biz Member Crowd Surf Announces Career Development Program

Crowd Surf has launched the Crowd Surf Career Development Program for those 13 and up interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. The free course includes monthly digital events featuring keynote speakers, a social community program, and additional career-building and networking opportunities. The program is currently accepting applications and will kick off on February 21. “I see a lot of people carry the stress that I carried as I was finding my footing in this business,... Read More

February 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Symphonic Distribution Hires Oz McGuire As VP Of A&R And Business Development

Symphonic Distribution has recruited Oz McGuire as VP of A&R and Business Development as part of the company’s expansion into Los Angeles. He will also serve as the General Manager of the company’s LA office. Prior to the appointment, McGuire worked at Ingrooves Music Group for several years, advising independent labels including Stones Throw, Alpha Pup and Foreign Family Collective. McGuire is Symphonic’s first executive hire following their $37 million Series B investment in January of this year.... Read More

February 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Utopia Music Recruits Steve Markland As VP For Nashville Office

Utopia Music has appointed Steve Markland as Vice President for the company’s Nashville office. Markland will lead Utopia’s activities in Nashville as the company expands operations internationally. He will report directly to Roberto Neri, COO of Utopia Music. Markland joins Utopia from Downtown Music Publishing, where he served as EVP, Creative. Previously, he held roles at Warner Chappell Music and Windswept Music Publishing. “I’m delighted to join Utopia on its mission towards ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ and ultimately create new income streams for creators,” said Markland.... Read More

February 16, 2022 – Music Biz Member Vydia Launches Directory For Service Providers

Vydia has created the Vydia+ Partner Directory, a platform highlighting reputable and vetted third-party vendors offering various industry services. Accessible to all industry professionals, the directory features providers in digital marketing, publicity, booking/touring, recording equipment, merchandising, video/audio production, and more. The creation of the Partner Directory is an effort to solve an ongoing industry gap for independent label owners. According to research conducted by Vydia’s team, 80% of label owners found it difficult to find reputable third-party service providers that would allow them to scale their business and artists.... Read More

February 15, 2022 – Music Biz Member Exceleration Music Is Hiring — Digital Operations Associate

Exceleration Music is a new global music venture focused on investing in and providing personalized solutions to independent labels and artists. Our goal is to establish a world-class, future-facing entity. We strive to be a record company for the future, based on flexibility, deep values and a passion for independent culture. We are building a team to join us on that journey. You will be joining a fast growing, values-focused organization, led by a team of renowned industry experts working with a broad range of music genres.... Read More

February 15, 2022 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Group Launches Global DEI Institute

Warner Music Group is creating a Global DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Institute as part of the company’s commitment to cultural and social change. The hub, led by WMG’s Global Head of Diversity, Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett, will offer resources, programs, and workshops as well as a DEI Innovation Lab to employees. The initiative will accelerate strategies to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion internally. “It’s not enough to just acknowledge problematic histories or the resulting discrimination and miseducation that remain in place,”... Read More

February 15, 2022 – Music Biz Member Utopia Music Appoints Ulf Zick as Chief Marketing Officer

Utopia Music has recruited Ulf Zick as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, in which he will oversee the overall strategic vision and direction of marketing, positioning, communications, content strategy efforts and execution of the brand direction. He will report directly to Utopia’s CEO, Markku Mäkeläinen. Prior to his appointment, Zick served as International Managing Director at Universal Music Germany, where he led the strategic development and marketing for the music company’s diverse international talent roster and was an important driver of the digital transformation of the business.... Read More

February 14, 2022 – Music Biz Member Twitch Inks New Partnership With Merlin

Livestream platform, Twitch has entered a new partnership with independent music licensing group, Merlin, in an effort to expand Twitch’s offerings outside of the gaming space and allow Merlin artists to leverage the platform. In addition to offer streamers legal access to the catalogs of Merlin artists, the partnership will create new marketing channels for artists through The Collective, Twitch’s incubator program exclusively for musicians. “Our partnership with Merlin affords their members’ independent artists an on-ramp to our devoted and engaged Twitch community,” said Twitch’s Head of Music,... Read More

February 10, 2022 – Music Biz Member Catch Point Is Hiring —  Investment Associate

Catch Point Rights Partners LP is an alternative investment firm focused on acquiring and financing music royalties. We source, acquire and manage a broad spectrum of rights and royalties on behalf of our investors with the goal of maximizing the value of our portfolio. The Catch Point catalog includes thousands of sound recordings and musical works. Job Title: Investment Associate We are seeking an investment associate who will be part of the team analyzing and modeling acquisition opportunities and the overall portfolio of the firm.... Read More

February 10, 2022 – Music Biz Member DistroDirect Is Hiring — Business Development and Client Manager, N. A. & Canada

Are you an experienced music industry professional with incredible connections both nationally and internationally? Would you describe yourself as an expert networker and deal-maker?  Do you thrive on data-driven businesses and a fast paced environment? Are you a self starter who can work both independently and remotely? Are you excited about the prospect of building a new innovative music business from the ground up? The DistroDirect team is looking for a Business Development and Client Relations Manager to build the DistroDirect brand in North America.... Read More