13 April – 19 April 2025
PROs, USCO, Regulation
Music Business Worldwide reported on 15 April that after the US Copyright Office (USCO)’s inquiry into Performance Rights sector in February, PROs including ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC all responded before the deadline 11 April. Overall, they argue against more regulation and say a free-market approach better supports songwriters and fair licensing. Their responses are as follows:
- BMI: Supports market competition and argues current laws are enough. Claims music users are just trying to pay less. Emphasises transparency and their Songview project with ASCAP.
- ASCAP: Opposes more regulation, saying it would hurt songwriters. Stresses its nonprofit status and claims music users push for rules to pay less. Defends PROs as essential and efficient.
- GMR: Markets itself as a boutique, transparent PRO. Criticises newer PROs for lack of openness. Says many businesses use music without proper licenses.
- SESAC: Focuses on songwriter choice and competition. Highlights that most small bars and restaurants are exempt from royalties under US law. Defends its data practices and transparency.
Sony, Warner Chappell, Concord, Reservoir also support less regulation of PROs in responses to USCO’s inquiry.
Vobile, Pex, Acquisition
Music Week reported on 14 April that Vobile has acquired Pex, a technology provider of audio content identification. Vobile, listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in 2018, offers digital content asset protection and transaction software as a service (SaaS). Yangbin Wang, chairman and CEO of Vobile, said that this deal boosts Vobile’s capabilities in audio content protection, especially as AI changes the digital landscape.
Thrive Music, Kobalt, Partnership
Music Week reported on 16 April that Thrive Music, a dance and electronic label, partnered with Kobalt in a global publishing administration deal. Kobalt will handle Thrive’s music catalog and future releases. Thrive, founded by Ricardo Vinas, has released music from Deep Dish, Steve Aoki, Moby, Tiesto, etc. They’ve also done syncs with companies like Riot Games, EA Games, Hulu, T-Mobile, and released soundtrack albums for films including Darren Aronofsky’s Pi and Christopher Nolan’s Memento.
Ultra International, Payday Music, Renaming
Music Week reported on 16 April that Ultra International Music Publishing is rebranding as Payday Music Publishing after a court ruling over the ‘Ultra’ name following Sony Music’s acquisition of its recording division. Despite the name change, the company will continue operating as before, representing more than 70,000 copyrights from top artists like Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Travis Scott, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Drake, and more. Payday Publishing also runs global writing camps, including partnerships with major labels and events like Coachella.
GoldState Music, Investment
Billboard on 17 April reported that Charles Goldstuck, the founder and Managing Partner at GoldState Music, announced a $500 million funding round to expand its music portfolio. The deal was co-led by Northleaf Capital Partners and Ares Management.
Deezer, AI, New Features
Deezer, a Paris based streaming platform, on 16 April revealed that it now receives over 20,000 fully AI-generated tracks on a daily basis – 18% of all uploaded content, increased from 10% in January this year when they first launched their AI-music detection tool. Deezer also announced four new personalisation and sharing features:
- Customisable algorithm – Users can now fully control how music is recommended to them.
- Personalised interface – From May, users can organise their Favorites tab and customise playlist covers.
- My Deezer Month – A new monthly listening stats feature, expanding on ‘My Deezer Year’.
- Universal sharing links – Users can share tracks with friends on other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
On the Move
Liv Lyons, a former partner from Lee & Thompson, joins Russells. Her clients include Lana Del Rey, Yungblud, Wet Leg, Florence Road and Sofia and The Antoinettes. Liv joins senior female team with Ally Horn and Chloe Forsyth at Russells. Before working in law, she was an artist manager and musician.
Kevin Foo was appointed Managing Director of Sony Music Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand). Based in Singapore, he’ll lead artist development and growth in the region. He has experience in Greater China and Taiwan, and a strong background in artist collaboration and regional music initiatives.
Matt Palazzolo was promoted to SVP, Head of Analytics, at Island Records. He’ll keep leading the label’s data and analytics efforts, supporting artist development with insights. He joined in 2022 and is praised for blending data with music culture.
Steven Braines was appointed Head of Events at Defected, taking over from Nick Mizzi. Steven co-founded the award-winning international label and inclusive events series He.She.They, which he will continue working with.
Armin Zerza was named CFO & EVP of Warner Music Group, succeeding of Bryan Castellani, starting 5 May. He was previously CFO at Activision Blizzard and has more than 30 years of experience, including a major role in the Microsoft acquisition of Activision.
