This week’s music business digest highlights a mix of industry news, artist development strategies, and practical advice for navigating the evolving landscape. From major legal disputes to grassroots growth tactics, these stories underscore the challenges and opportunities facing musicians and professionals today.
Elon Musk’s X is suing major music publishers, including BMG, Kobalt, and the NMPA, alleging industrywide collusion to force licensing deals, as reported in a lawsuit filing. This legal battle could reshape digital music licensing and platform obligations.
A Spanish-language article covers everything you need to know about the record industry, including royalties, contracts, and masters, offering foundational insights for artists and entrepreneurs.
Another Spanish-language piece details music publishing essentials, such as royalties, contracts, and copyright, complementing the record industry guide for a comprehensive view.
An independent concert promoter shares their experience of being poached to help an agency expand into a new domestic market, highlighting rare career opportunities in live music.
Washington National Opera has severed ties with the ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ in what is described as an amicable split, reflecting ongoing shifts in cultural partnerships.
A guide explains how to get your music on TikTok, emphasizing the platform’s role in music discovery and promotion for modern artists.
TJ Monterde was named Artist of the Year and KDR Icon at the 11th Wish Music Awards, showcasing recognition in the Filipino music scene.
Curtiss King demonstrates making beats from scratch in FL Studio on Flowcation EP. 191, providing a tutorial for aspiring producers.
An analysis of Noah Kellman’s growth to 200k subscribers on YouTube offers strategies for building an online audience through consistent content.
A community event celebrates the King holiday with music, dance, and workshops, blending cultural observance with artistic engagement.
Local live music listings for the week encourage singing into the semester, promoting grassroots performance opportunities.
Free music feedback sessions invite artists to submit songs and beats live, fostering community support and improvement.
Various advice pieces address common artist questions, such as steps to take, the misconception that content equals exposure, the importance of CSP (likely Customer Success or similar), and social media strategies for indie artists to grow a fan base, alongside discussions on signing with managers or labels.
A personal finance story reveals finding $14,000 unexpectedly, though not directly music-related, it hints at financial management tips relevant to artists.
This roundup reveals a music industry at a crossroads, balancing traditional structures with digital innovation. The lawsuit by X against music publishers signals potential upheaval in licensing norms, which could impact how platforms and artists monetize content. For independent musicians, the emphasis on practical guides—from TikTok placement to YouTube growth—highlights the need for self-sufficiency in an era where direct-to-fan engagement is crucial. The advice on social media strategies and the pitfalls of equating content with mere exposure underscores that building a sustainable career requires more than visibility; it demands strategic planning, financial literacy, and understanding contracts, as echoed in the Spanish-language articles.
For those in the music business, these stories suggest prioritizing education on royalties and copyrights, leveraging platforms like TikTok and YouTube for organic growth, and staying informed on legal developments that could affect revenue streams. The rare opportunity for the concert promoter reminds professionals to network and be open to niche roles. Ultimately, success hinges on adapting to both technological shifts and industry dynamics, whether through DIY efforts or strategic partnerships with managers and labels.
