Interviews Meet the organization that’s distributed over $250m in mechanical royalties to rightsholders this year Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC, on The Mechanical Licensing Collective's first year
News Karol G was the most-viewed artist globally on Vevo in 2021, with 3.11bn views Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and The Weeknd also made waves this year
News Canada’s Third Side Music acquires interest in UK-based Soundway Records and Publishing Soundway Records was founded in 2002 by English DJ and record collector Miles Cleret
Analysis News Could Spotify face $100 million-plus lawsuits over its comedy album faux pas? MBW's Talking Trends looks into a growing dispute on Daniel Ek's platform
News Lillia Parsa promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R at Universal Music Publishing Group Based in Santa Monica, she will continue reporting to David Gray and Walter Jones, Co-Heads of A&R
News Anthony Martini exits role as CEO of Royalty Exchange, joins Slip.stream as Chief Music Officer and Partner Martini will oversee the development of the company’s music catalog and frontline record label
News FADER Label launches distribution division Division is working with five artists: Kim Tee, Origami Human, Eddie Burns, Pauli The PSM and Slaters
Analysis News Universal vs Spotify: Which of music’s two giants will be worth more at the end of 2021? It's neck-and-neck right now, with Universal $7 billion ahead of Spotify following a damaging wave of headlines about stand-up comedians
Analysis News Major record companies are losing market share on Spotify. But Spotify is gaining market share in Warner’s own revenues. Spotify, Apple, and YouTube contributed 42% of Warner Music Group's annual revenues in FY2021 between them
News Kobalt is shorn, reborn… and still full of scorn (for those who keep money from songwriters) Willard Ahdritz and Laurent Hubert explain Kobalt's sell-offs, and why they're coming for collection society wastage
News Believe acquires 15% stake in Philippines-based Viva Music and Artists Group for $26m Company is one of the largest labels in South-East Asia
News Sony Music partners with children’s brand Pinkfong to launch Baby Shark NFT collection Baby Shark is the world’s most viewed video in YouTube history
News Tuned Global strikes deal to power relaunched African music streaming app WAW MUZIK App to relaunch in Côte d’Ivoire initially
News Primary Wave buys stake in publishing, master recording income stream of R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass in multi-million-dollar deal Deal with Pendergrass estate includes a stake in his name and likeness
News Leila Oliveira promoted to General Manager of Warner Music Brazil Oliveira will have oversight of the company’s A&R, marketing and business development functions