News This virtual artist just inked a major record deal in China. One-off gimmick – or a sign of the future? Warner Music Greater China boss, Jon Serbin, on why Whet Records has signed an artist who only exists online
News Music technology company VNUE to acquire livestream platform Stageit Platform has over 58,000 performers and over 900,000 users from 135 countries
News Music licensing startup Slip.stream raises $3.25m Round was led by Third Prime with participation from LightShed Ventures, Operator Partners, and Dash Fund.
News Range Media Partners inks global distribution deal with Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music for new label Agreement spans all physical and digital distribution
News Reservoir is now a public company, as it successfully floats on Nasdaq via SPAC merger ""As we focus on our growth, our listing on Nasdaq provides us the resources to execute on our penetration into emerging markets and continue rapidly with our strategic acquisitions."
News Stephanie Cox and Jesse Willoughby promoted at Kobalt Cox becomes GM of Kobalt's Nashville office, while Willoughby takes on the role of SVP of Business Development
News Universal inks exclusive global deal with Indian music superstar Badshah Multi-year agreement includes future recordings, music publishing rights for non-film compositions, brand licensing and partnerships
News Warner Chappell Music expands presence in Asia with new office in Vietnam Vince Kobler has been appointed as General Manager, Vietnam
Analysis News Universal Music Group posted almost $1bn in EBITDA profit in the first half of 2021 Recorded music streaming revenues leap up 29.7% year-on-year in Q2
Analysis News YouTube is now generating over $3m an hour from ads – more than $75m per day Plus Sundar Pichai says he's pleased with YouTube's progress in subscriptions
News Primary Wave acquires music publishing catalog of songwriter and producer Steve Kipner Included in the sale are several songs from Olivia Newton-John
News Bryan Adams signs global recordings deal with BMG Agreement is his first new label deal in more than 40 years
News Ingrooves expands into Denmark, names Anne Sofie Jeremiassen as Country Manager for the region Exec joins Ingrooves after spending the past two years teaching and consulting in the music business
Analysis News Spotify subscriptions grew to 165m in Q2, up by 7m on the previous quarter Spotify published its financial results for Q2 2021 today (July 28)
News Having paid out $150m to creators, BeatStars launches Sony Music Publishing-backed publishing service BeatStars says that "everyone" can now sign up to its Sony Music Publishing-backed publishing service
Interviews News Instrumental invested over $4m in independent artists in H1 2021. Now it’s a distributor too. After Tencent investment, UK-born firm says it wants to become the world's "leading growth team for independent artists"
Analysis News Two years ago, Pandora was bought for $3.5bn. It’s since lost over 10m users. But SiriusXM's overall revenues grow handsomely year-on-year anyway
News After buying The Killers catalog, Eldridge invests in fan engagement startup Laylo $5m-backed platform has worked with the likes of Calvin Harris and Dillon Francis