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.
October 17, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Names Carletta Higginson EVP, Chief Digital Officer
Warner Music Group has recruited Carletta Higginson as the label’s newest EVP, Chief Digital Officer. In her new role, she will oversee WMG’s global digital partnerships while exploring commercial innovation and developing new digital partnerships. Prior to joining Warner Music, Higginson served in business development and legal roles for over a decade at Google. She will report directly to WMG CEO, Robert Kyncl. “It’s rare to find someone of Carletta’s multifaceted expertise – who understands the full scope of the music publishing and recorded music businesses as well as the dynamics of streaming,... Read More
October 16, 2023 – Music Biz Member Downtown Signs Global Deal With Outer Voice Music Publishing
Independent music services company, Downtown Music Publishing has struck a global music publishing agreement with Outer Voice Music Publishing to drive exposure and promotion for South Asian songwriters. Per the deal, both companies will oversee global administration, secure sync placements and create original composition opportunities for a roster of songwriters in the South Asian region. The partnership also covers the global administration of Outer Voice’s Founder’s JAM & Philly’s singles, ”Photographs” and “Blind,” under the Outer Voice label with songwriter credits inked within the two-year term. ... Read More
October 16, 2023 – Music Biz Member Exceleration Music Strikes Partnership with New Label Down The Road
Global independent music company, Exceleration Music has struck a strategic partnership with Down The Road, a new label venture from the founders of Rounder Records. Per the partnership, label founders Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, Bill Nowlin and longstanding President/CEO John Virant will extend their expertise to Exceleration Music’s partners and leadership team. The new label will focus on the historic depth and breadth of Americana, including releases from Tony Trischk, Blue Highway, and Dervish. Down The Road will also reissue 14 catalog titles produced by the Rounder co-founders from recent years. ... Read More
October 13, 2023 – Music Biz Member Warner Music Finland Acquires The Fried Music, Recruits Jukka Immonen
Warner Music Finland has acquired The Fried Music, a recorded music business founded by the company’s newly appointed Head of A&R, Jukka Immonen. In his new role, Immonen will sign and nurture the next generation of Finnish artists for the label, in addition to helping The Fried Music’s roster of artists including Anna Puu, Knipi and Viivi connect to a wider international audience via Warner’s global reach. “Jukka is the best choice to lead Warner Music Finland’s A&R team into the future,” said Niko Nordström,... Read More
October 13, 2023 – Music Biz Member YouTube Music Adds Podcasts For UK Subscribers
Music streaming platform, YouTube Music has launched a podcasts destination page on its platform, available now in the UK. The platform will include dedicated podcast discovery pages, search & filter capabilities, and the option to create a library of episodes. Users will be able to watch and listen to podcasts with the ability to background listen, all without a paid membership. “We’re thrilled to be launching podcasts in the UK on YouTube Music,” said Alison Lomax,... Read More
October 12, 2023 – Music Biz Member Primary Wave Strikes Partnership With The Estate Of Issac Hayes
Independent music publisher, Primary Wave has partnered with the estate of singer-songwriter and composer, Isaac Hayes to oversee various publishing interests for the estate. Per the partnership, the publisher will be granted the opportunity to market Isaac Hayes’ name, image and likeness. Issac Hayes’ estate will also gain access to Primary Waves’ marketing and publishing infrastructure including digital strategy, licensing, sync opportunities, and film & TV production. “We thank the Hayes family for entrusting us as a partner to continue the great work they have done to uplift the legacy and artistry of Isaac Hayes,” said Ramon Villa,... Read More
October 12, 2023 – Music Biz Member Amazon Announces Return Of Amazon Music Live Series
Amazon Prime Video has announced the return of its Amazon Music Live, a weekly concert series hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, 2 Chainz. During the month of October, artists including Metro Broomin, Peso Pluma, Latto and Lil Durk will perform live from Los Angeles every Thursday night at 9 PM PDT. The new season will also feature live American Sign Language performance interpretations by Deaf and hard-of-hearing interpreters. This feature will be available during the broadcast and on-demand for all upcoming Amazon Music Live Broadcasts on Prime Video. ... Read More
October 11, 2023 – Music Biz Member Spotify Adds 150,000 Audiobooks To Premium Account Offerings
Music streaming platform, Spotify has expanded its Premium subscription service to give subscribers access to 150,000 audiobooks at no additional cost. The service’s new addition is currently available in the UK and Australia, with plans to launch in the US later this year. “We believe that offering personalized music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a single platform gives you a superior way to connect with your favorite artists, podcasters, creators, and authors — all in one spot,” said Spotify.... Read More
October 11, 2023 – Music Biz Members Synchtank and Trevanna Tracks Partner To Transform Music-Related Production Workflows
Music asset management company, Synchtank has struck a partnership with software company, Trevanna Tracks to enhance the efficiency of music-related production workflows. Per the partnership, both companies will work to make the “baton pass” from creative to licensing & royalty reporting seamless and efficient while adding value to the media & creator ecosystem. Through this integration, clients will be able to discover, clear, license and deliver commercial & library tracks in a fraction of the time.... Read More
October 10, 2023 – Music Biz Member Songtradr Acquires Audio Distribution Company Bandcamp
Music licensing platform, Songtradr has acquired independent music platform, Bandcamp to help it grow within a music-first company and expand Songtradr’s support in the artist community. Per the acquisition, Songtradr will offer Bandcamp’s artists the opportunity to control their music rights and maximize their earning capacity by licensing their music to all forms of media, including content creators, game & app developers, and brands. Songtradr also plans to partner with video game company & former Bandcamp owner,... Read More
