20 April – 26 April 2025
EU Competition, UMG, Downtown
The European Commission will review Universal Music Group’s planned acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings after concerns from the Dutch and Austrian competition authorities. They fear the deal could lead to higher prices, less innovation, and reduced music supply across the EU. The proposed transaction does not meet the turnover thresholds under EU Merger Regulation and was not initially notified to the Commission. However, it was notified for merger control clearance in Austria and the Netherlands, where it met national thresholds. The European Commission has concluded that it is best placed to examine the transaction and has asked UMG to notify it.
BPI Survey, AI
A BPI survey of UK music fans shows strong support for protecting human creativity in music. Over 80% believe AI-made music should be clearly labelled and that artists’ work shouldn’t be used by AI without permission. Over 70% think governments should play a role in setting restrictions on what AI can do. The survey reveals public attitudes consistent with concerns from artists like Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Kate Bush over AI and the UK Government’s proposed copyright changes.
2025 MPG Awards
The 2025 MPG Awards celebrated top producers, engineers, and studios at The Troxy in East London. AG Cook was named Producer of the Year, and Danny L Harle took home Writer-Producer of the Year. Isabel Gracefield earned Breakthrough Producer of the Year, and Rachel Chinouriri’s What A Devastating Turn of Events won Album of the Year. New studio awards went to Sleeper Sounds and The Church Studios. Big honors included Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award and Peter Gabriel receiving the Pioneer Award. The night also highlighted the industry’s fight against AI misuse of music with the “Make It Fair” campaign.
Kobalt, Bizzy Crook
Music Week reported that Kobalt signed songwriter Bizzy Crook, who helped create Leon Thomas’ hit song Mutt. The track hit the Top 20 in the US and UK charts, earned over 100 million streams, and was remixed with Freddie Gibbs and Chris Brown. Bizzy said he chose Kobalt because they understood his hard work and vision.
Black Acre, Scaler
Music Week also reported that Black Acre, a Bristol-based label, signed the electronic/rock band Scaler. They dropped a new single, Broken Entry, their first release since 2023. Black Acre has supported underground artists since 2007.
Virgin Music, Hannah Thompson-Waitt
Music Week reported that Virgin Music Group promoted Hannah Thompson-Waitt to Senior VP of Commercial Strategy. She will lead the US commercial team on streaming strategy, release analysis, and fan acquisition. Hannah’s career started when she launched her own K-pop media company in 2014 while in graduate school. She joined Mtheory in 2017 and moved to Virgin after Mtheory was acquired by UMG. Hannah has worked with artists like Clairo and St. Vincent.
MMF, All Female Leaders
Music Week reported that the Music Managers Forum (MMF) entered a new era with its first all-female leadership team: Chair Niamh Byrne, Vice-Chair Jill Hollywood, and CEO Annabella Coldrick. They aim to make music management more inclusive, highlight the undervalued role of managers, and push for better recognition and support across the industry. They also stressed the need for stronger protections around creative IP against AI use while embracing innovation with creator consent.
