Music Business Worldwide News

1. Spotify fires back at Drake: streaming platform says it has “no economic incentive for users to stream ‘Not Like Us’ over any of Drake’s tracks.”

   Spotify responds to Drake's allegations of a 30% lower rate in exchange for recommendations

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2. Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group, passes away after battle with cancer

   "Paul Roper’s legacy of kindness, integrity, and deep love for music will continue to inspire us all."

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3. Inside the portfolio of businesses owned by Downtown Music – the company Universal is buying for $775m

   Key facts and stats about the businesses and platforms owned by Downtown today

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4. Lucinda Martinez appointed Chief Marketing Officer at HarbourView; Deborah Renteria named VP, Brand & Content Strategy

   HarbourView Equity Partners has tapped Netflix and WarnerMedia veteran Lucinda Martinez as its new Chief Marketing Officer, while Deborah Renteria will join as Vice President of Brand and Content Strategy. As part of the deal, HarbourView has hired The CultureShaker, the company founded by Martinez, to lead all brand, marketing, and PR efforts for the … Continued

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5. Audius and ICE ink multi-territory licensing deal

   Audius has signed deals with a number of players in music publishing and performing rights over the last several months

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6. Indie orgs critical of Downtown’s $775m sale to Universal/Virgin Music call for authorities to block deal

   Independent orgs claim deal will 'distort the global music market'.

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7. UK’s PPL distributed $57m to performers and rightsholders in Q4 2024

   Over 9,400 members received a payment for the first time

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8. Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok challenge to US ban

   The Court scheduled oral arguments for January 10

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9. Universal Music Group settles trademark dispute over use of ‘Republic’ name

   The deal comes after three years of litigation between UMG and OpenDeal's investment platform Republic

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10. Robert Kyncl talks new talent, new heights, and No.1s

    Read WMG CEO Robert Kyncl's internal note to staff...

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