Welcome to this week’s music business digest, where we cover legal battles, industry insights, and practical growth strategies for artists and professionals.
Legal & Industry News
- Diddy’s Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed: A judge dismissed Sean “Diddy” Combs’ defamation lawsuit against NBC over the documentary ‘Making of a Bad Boy’. The court ruled that the documentary’s claims were protected opinion or not defamatory.
- AI Copyright Threat & Major Labels: As AI-generated music challenges copyright, major labels are fighting back by leveraging AI themselves. The article explores how labels plan to use AI to detect unauthorized use and protect their catalogs.
- MLC Seeks Board Nominations: The Mechanical Licensing Collective is asking for suggestions to fill songwriter positions on its Board of Directors and advisory committees. This is a chance for songwriters to have a voice in mechanical royalty distribution.
- Kafka’s Hypothetical Market: A controversial piece discussing how DSPs might be trying to sideline songwriters by excluding GMR (Global Music Rights) from Phonorecords V, a mechanical licensing rate proceeding.
- Getting 5,000 Streams a Day: A detailed strategy guide for new songs, covering playlist pitching, social media ads, and content creation. Practical for independent artists.
- UGC (User-Generated Content) Strategy: How to encourage fans to create content using your music on TikTok and Instagram. Essential for viral growth.
- TikTok for Artists: Instructions on how to see who used your music on TikTok (via Analytics > Content > Videos).
- Where to Start in Management/Marketing/A&R: Advice for beginners: start with one skill (e.g., social media management), gain experience through internships or assisting, then specialize.
- Jarrod Lawson: Sonic Truth: Album review highlighting the soul singer’s rich vocals and thoughtful songwriting.
- Stefanie Michaela – ‘Let Me See the Real You’: Enchanting new single that blends pop with emotional depth.
- Violetta J’Adore – ‘GoddEx’ Album: A playlist-ready club album with empowering electronic sounds.
- Top 50 YouTube Tech Channels: Curated list including Linus Tech Tips, MKBHD, and more. Useful for staying updated on gear and software.
- Behind the Track with Junii: A production breakdown of a track, offering insights into arrangement and mixing.
- Book: ‘Shaping Sounds’ by Robert Margouleff: Memoir of a synth pioneer who worked with Stevie Wonder and Devo.
- Job Opportunity: Music Industry Finance Lead at Anomally Records (Remote, UK).
