27 April – 3 May 2025
Event, LA Sync Mission
This year’s LA Sync Mission, organised jointly by the BPI, MPA and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, will take place between 9–13 June 2025 at East West Studios in Hollywood. This event includes panels, meetings, and networking, and helps UK music creators connect with U.S. sync licensing pros in film, TV, ads, and games. It’s in its 21st year and has led to major sync placements in big projects like Dune: Part Two and Disney’s Star Wars: The Acolyte.
BPI, Data Bill
Music Week reported that the BPI responded to new government amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. The changes include an economic impact assessment and reports on transparency and licensing. These follow strong opposition from the creative industries, including big artists like Paul McCartney and Elton John. The BPI welcomed the focus on impact but said the amendments aren’t real concessions and called for urgent transparency rules to support fair licensing and rights enforcement.
The Weeknd, WME
Music Week reported that the Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is back with WME for full representation after leaving in 2021 for CAA. WME also represents his film company, Manic Phase. His new album Hurry Up Tomorrow (Jan 2025) hit No.1 in the UK and broke streaming records. He’s sold over 75 million records and was Spotify’s most listened-to male artist in 2024. A film tied to the album drops 16th May, starring him, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. He’s also kicking off a sold-out stadium tour in May.
Connex, Launch
Music Week reported that Connex, a new A&R admin platform, has launched to collect and manage credits for music creators with Universal Music. It connects creators with labels, publishers, and distributors to manage credits and audio files more easily and accurately. Connex aims to boost transparency and collaboration across the industry, using tech to cut down on manual work and support fair compensation. It works with tools like Session Studio and follows global standards like DDEX.
BPI, Country Music
BPI’s new Yearbook revealed that country music has seen major growth in the UK, doubling its share of the singles market since 2022 and hitting 3.3% in 2024. Big hits like Shaboozey’s A Bar Song and Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ’Em led the surge, while albums like Cowboy Carter boosted its presence in the album charts. Festivals, radio support, and crossover artists like Taylor Swift have helped attract younger fans. Live events like C2C and BST Hyde Park have fueled demand. The BPI says country’s rise is no longer a ‘best-kept secret’ and expects even more growth ahead.
Merlin, Music Fights Fraud Alliance
Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, has joined the Music Fights Fraud Alliance (MFFA), a global group fighting streaming fraud. MFFA, launched in 2023, brings together over 20 members, including platforms and rights holders, to share data and stop fake activity that hurts real artists. Merlin’s CEO, Jeremy Sirota, stressed the need for collaboration to protect music’s value. Merlin also recently hired Sarah McNabb as director of content integrity to help lead anti-fraud efforts. MFFA welcomed Merlin, calling it a strong ally in building a fairer and more transparent music streaming market.
UMG, Music Economy Development
Universal Music Group backed the Music Economy Development Initiative (MEDI), launched at the Global Citizen NOW summit on 30 April 2025. MEDI aims to fight poverty and promote economic growth through music by providing research and data on emerging economies, starting with 22 countries. It will help develop policies, partnerships, and reforms to boost the music sector’s potential, especially in Africa. UMG’s Michele Anthony said music can drive both social and economic change. Pilot projects are planned in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, with more countries to be mapped in the future.
UMG, Q1 Financial Results
Universal Music Group reported its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025. It had strong Q1 2025 results, with revenue up 9.5% year-on-year to €2.9 billion. Growth came from recorded music and publishing, with top sellers like Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Weeknd. Subscription revenue rose 9.3%, ad-funded streaming was flat, and physical sales (especially vinyl) jumped 15.4%. Licensing and live income rose nearly 30%. Music publishing revenue climbed 9.5%, while merchandising fell 5.1% due to slower touring sales. Adjusted EBITDA grew 10% to €661 million. UMG credits its success to its strategic focus on developing top artists and expanding global fan connections.
Spotify, Q1 Financial Results
Spotify revealed its financial results for Q1 2025, showing strong growth, with subscribers up 12% year-on-year to 268 million — beating expectations by 3 million. Monthly Active Users hit 678 million, up 10%. Revenue rose 15% to €4.2 billion, and operating income hit a record €509 million, though slightly below forecasts. Premium revenue grew 16%, helped by more subscribers and a 4% ARPU rise.
Acquisition, Epidemic Sound, Song Sleuth
Epidemic Sound has acquired Song Sleuth, a music recognition tech company, to launch Aentidote, a new service that helps platforms accurately track and pay artists and rights-holders for music used in user-generated content (UGC). This is Epidemic’s third big acquisition in three years, following AP Records and Soundly. Aentidote combines Song Sleuth’s AI with Epidemic’s expertise to better detect remixes, covers, and live recordings. The goal is to boost fair payouts for artists as UGC keeps growing across platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Acquisition, Splice, Spitfire Audio
Splice has acquired UK-based Spitfire Audio, expanding into the $640 million plugin market. Splice, known for its popular sample platform with over 10 million users, will combine forces with Spitfire, a top developer of virtual instrument libraries used by major composers like Hans Zimmer. Together, they aim to create tools that enhance human creativity, blending Spitfire’s orchestral sounds with Splice’s AI-powered platform. Both companies will keep operating independently for now, with Spitfire CEO Olivier Robert-Murphy staying on. The deal positions them well in the fast-growing $7B+ music software market.
On the Move
Downtown’s CD Baby has appointed Sean Hallarman as SVP of Product and Craig May as SVP of Artist & Fan Development. Hallarman, with experience at Sonos, Meta, and Amazon Music, will lead product strategy. May, from Fuga, will focus on artist and fan growth. CD Baby president Molly Neuman says these hires will help meet artists’ changing needs.
Music Week reported that Avex Music Group has named Justin Hunter as vice president. He’ll work with CEO Brandon Silverstein and the leadership team to support operations at Avex and S10. Hunter, who started at Endeavor and has held several roles at S10, says he’s excited to help shape Avex’s future. He’ll be based in LA.
Music Week reported that Tom Ravenscroft is leaving BBC Radio 6 Music at the end of May. He’s known for New Music Fix Daily and The Ravers Hour. Nathan Shepherd will join Deb Grant as co-host of New Music Fix Daily from 2 June. Their first week includes live shows from Primavera Sound festival. Mary Anne Hobbs is also returning with a new Sunday show starting 8 June. Tom Robinson will stay on with the station, and new Artist in Residence series will feature Bon Iver and CMAT.
Music Week reported that Apple Music has named Ole Obermann and Rachel Newman as co-heads of the streaming service. Obermann, formerly global head of music at TikTok, joins after five years there, while Newman, a longtime Apple exec, was previously Apple Music’s global head of content. Both will report to Oliver Schusser, VP of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. This follows George Ergatoudis stepping down as head of Apple Music UK & Ireland earlier this year.
Music Week reported that Kobalt’s new music publishing platform, Kosign, has named Jason Feinberg as senior vice president and head. Kosign, launched earlier this year, helps artists, songwriters, and producers collect publishing royalties easily and flexibly. Feinberg brings experience from Universal Music Group, Pandora, and 138 Strategic. Kosign has already attracted writers from 88 countries. Key team members David Waite and Jacob Paul were also promoted as the platform expands. Feinberg said he’s excited to help Kosign support independent artists and songwriters worldwide.
Music Week reported that Payday Music Publishing has hired Jamey Sussman as sync director for trailers & ads and Desiree Autobee as sync director for TV & film to strengthen its LA sync team. Both will report to CEO Patrick Moxey. Payday, formerly Ultra International Music Publishing, has landed placements with brands like Range Rover and shows like Grey’s Anatomy. Sussman comes from Score A Score, and Autobee from MNRK Music Group. The company has also opened a new LA studio and will soon host its eighth annual Coachella songwriting camp, featuring major artists and writers.
Music Week reported that Warner Music Nordics has appointed Henri Lanz as senior international A&R and creative advisor. Lanz, also known as MGI, is an award-winning producer who’s worked with stars like Justin Bieber, Sia, and 50 Cent, and has boosted top Finnish artists like Cheek. He previously led Sony Music Finland and Baltics. In his new role, Lanz will help grow Warner’s international artist partnerships and strengthen its global A&R efforts. Warner execs praised his talent-spotting skills and vision for developing global success stories.
Music Week reported that music managers Jon Bailey and Marc Sheinman have moved their company, 7980 Music, from Insanity Group to Red Light Management. Their roster includes Wilkinson, David Rodigan, Friction, and Brad Ellis. They join Red Light’s UK team, led by James Sandom, boosting the company’s dance and electronic lineup alongside artists like Bonobo and Duke Dumont. Bailey and Sheinman called the move an exciting next step, citing a shared culture and global opportunity. Red Light continues to grow globally, with a strong artist and producer roster and recent successes like a UK No.1 album with Mumford & Sons.
