Intro: This week in music business news, the industry shifts into holiday gear with strategic marketing pushes and the arrival of the annual Spotify Wrapped data drop. Meanwhile, the conversation around AI’s role in creation and commerce intensifies, a major lawsuit progresses, and a new global label forms with star power.
Spotify Wrapped is REALLY Cool This Year!
Spotify in Focus: Wrapped & Holiday Promos
Spotify’s 2025 Wrapped campaign is live, offering artists personalized data on their top listeners—a crucial tool for year-end fan engagement. Coinciding with this, several promotion services are rolling out holiday discounts, like The Tunes Club’s 15% off Spotify promotion services, aiming to help artists capitalize on year-end listener activity.
AI: The “Unstoppable Force” Demands Strategy
The debate over AI remains center stage. Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart urged musicians to embrace AI as inevitable, stressing the importance of owning intellectual property to license it. Conversely, CD Baby published guidance on how human artists can stand out amidst the “flood of AI slop,” emphasizing unique storytelling and community building.
Major Lawsuit Advances, New Label Launches
In significant legal news, the massive multiyear antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster has reached a critical juncture, with a judge ruling on class certification. This could potentially add millions of consumers to the suit. On the creative business front, MC Jin, NE-YO, and Sonu Nigam have launched Pacific Music Group, a new Hong Kong-based label focused on amplifying Asian artists globally, led by former Warner Music Asia executive, Tim Sabec.
Quick Industry Hits
- Health & Advocacy: Music Health Alliance highlighted its work supporting the health and financial wellness of music professionals.
- Festival Lineups: Country Thunder Wisconsin 2026 announced headliners including Keith Urban and Riley Green.
- Marketing Push: Symphonic and others emphasized the holiday season as a prime window for independent artist marketing and merch sales.
From leveraging personal data with Wrapped to navigating the complex new landscape of AI, artists and executives are balancing tactical year-end moves with long-term strategic adaptations. The launch of Pacific Music Group signals continued globalization of artist development, while the progressing Live Nation lawsuit underscores the enduring scrutiny on industry giants.
