Music Business News: United States

Universal to conduct research into racial disparity in the music business via Annenberg partnership

Partnership will conduct new research to determine the extent to which men and women of color are excluded from music’s leadership ranks

TaP Music supports lawsuit against Trax Records brought by artists Larry Heard & Robert Owens, seeking ‘not less than’ $1m in damages

'We are simply seeking justice and fairness.'

Allen Grubman hack is not going away: Universal data allegedly up for auction, with a starting price of $1 million

Documents associated with Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, MTV and Bad Boy Entertainment also allegedly up for auction

Instagram Shopping access expanded to musicians selling merch

Platform's commerce eligibility requirements have been updated

UnitedMasters launches ‘Cash for Change’ grant program to showcase artists advocating for social justice

$4,000 will be given away to artists for 25 days

Spotify, heading towards a $50bn market cap, is worth double what it was 3 months ago

Streaming company is now worth more than Universal Music Group parent Vivendi

Warner Music Group is hiring for a global diversity chief to help cultivate an ‘inclusive culture’

'At a time when the call for fundamental social change is more urgent than ever, we are looking for someone with a proven track record in leading diversity & inclusion initiatives in a multinational company.'

Spotify makes podcast advertising interactive with new ‘In-App Offers’ feature

Spotify is alpha testing In-App Offers in the US and Germany