11 – 17 May 2025
The Great Escape
I went to The Great Escape in Brighton on Saturday, 17 May. It was my first time, and it truly lived up to the name – a great escape. I went in without expectations and came away feeling like it exceeded them. The weather was perfect, and walking around the city by the sea for different conferences and performances was so chill – meeting people, discovering music, and having fun with friends. I really liked Tjaka, a band from Australia. I’m not usually into hip-hop, but their music was different, and I really enjoyed it. The last show I caught before heading back to London was Congratulations – such a cool vibe. I left the bar still singing Zeitgeist’s catchy line (ah, ah, ah, ah…). But I also heard that many people from the music industry only went on Thursday and Friday, so it seems I’ll make my escape longer next year.
EU-UK Touring, The Great Escape, Postcard
At The Great Escape, music leaders and artists called on UK and EU politicians to remove touring barriers. On Thursday 15 May, they signed a giant ‘Wish You Were Here’ postcard urging support for EU-UK touring, saying rising costs and red tape are hurting artists, especially new acts. Key signers included leaders from AIM, FAC, MMF, MPG, Musicians’ Union, PRS Foundation, and artists like Kaiser Chiefs’ Simon Rix. UK Music’s Tom Kiehl said the costs make EU touring nearly impossible for grassroots acts. (via Music Week)
EU-UK Touring, Open Letter
Over 550 UK and EU musicians and industry leaders have signed an open letter urging political leaders to remove post-Brexit touring barriers. Organised by groups like the Musicians’ Union and UK Music, the letter highlights how high costs, red tape, and visa issues are harming cultural exchange and threatening grassroots artists. With support from names like Dave Rowntree, Dame Sarah Connolly, and Steve Lamacq, the call comes ahead of the EU-UK Summit on May 19. The music industry stresses that restoring easier touring access is vital for artist growth, jobs, and the wider economy. (via Music Week)
Acquisition, PopIndia, Musicraft Catalogue
PopIndia, Reservoir Media’s new Mumbai-based arm, made its first Indian catalogue deal by acquiring Musicraft Entertainment’s full publishing and master rights. Founded in 1980, Musicraft is known for ‘Indie Bollywood’ music – Bollywood-style songs not tied to films. The catalogue includes artists like Ashok Zakhmi, whose hit ‘Mast Jawani Teri Mujhko Pagal Kar Gayi Re‘ has 305M+ YouTube views. The deal includes 1,000+ recordings and Musicraft’s YouTube channel (3M+ subscribers). Reservoir EVP Speksaid the move reflects their focus on culturally and commercially valuable (via Music Week)
Partnership, Warner Chappell, The Music Works
Warner Chappell Music partnered with Gloucester charity The Music Works for a two-day industry takeover featuring panels, masterclasses, and a songwriting camp. It’s part of Warner’s commitment to supporting regional talentacross the UK. The Music Works, led by CEO and co-founder Malaki Patterson, helps disadvantaged young people break into the music industry through mentoring, training, and artist development. Patterson stressed that events like these are vital, especially for those outside London who lack access to industry networks. Warner Chappell CEO Guy Moot, also from Gloucestershire, praised the charity’s work and called for sustainable support beyond major cities. Patterson echoed the need for long-term infrastructure and funding to ensure talent can thrive locally. The partnership helps bridge gaps between local talent and industry leaders. Upcoming projects include the Upsurge programme, a new Grime theatre show, and more collaborations with Warner Chappell to create direct career pathways for emerging artists and business talent in the region. (via Music Week)
Partnership, Unchained Music, Sonic Wax
Unchained Music has partnered with vinyl pressing plant Sonic Wax to bring select artists from its Web3 platform into global record stores. The deal allows Unchained’s digital-first clients to access physical distribution through retailers like HMV and Rough Trade, expanding their reach and revenue potential. Sonic Wax, known for working with artists like Raye and Swedish House Mafia, will handle production and distribution. Both companies see the partnership as a bridge between digital innovation and the continued value of physical music formats. (via Music Week)
The Association of Independent Promoters Report
The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) has released its first major report on the UK’s independent live music sector, based on a survey of 150 members. It highlights the vital role promoters play in supporting local talent, with over half featuring local acts in most of their shows, despite financial pressures and lack of external funding. Many face declining income, work additional jobs, and report mental health struggles. The report also points to a lack of diversity and formal training, prompting AIP to launch a promoter diversity database. AIP sees this report as the first step in pushing for better industry support.
Faber Alt, BBC Introducing, Latitude Festival
Faber Alt has joined forces with Latitude Festival and BBC Introducing to co-curate a new stage at the Lavish Lounge Arena this July. The stage will showcase genre-defying performances from Faber Alt artists like Keaton Henson and Avawaves, alongside BBC Introducing acts such as Ellie Dixon and Monster Florence. This marks a major moment for Faber Alt, the alternative division of Faber Music, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. The collaboration aims to spotlight emerging talent and bring fresh energy to the festival’s long-running discovery-focused space. (via Music Week)
Universal Music Greater China, Deutsche Grammophon China, Blue Note Records China
Universal Music Greater China has launched Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China, expanding into the country’s classical and jazz scenes. The two labels aim to discover and promote emerging Chinese talent while connecting them with global audiences. Artistic advisors include Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, and Long Yu. Deutsche Grammophon China will debut with Jian Wang’s Bach: The Cello Suites and a major Shostakovich symphony project with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Blue Note China’s first signing is jazz duo INNOUT and will partner with JZ Music to grow live jazz opportunities locally and internationally. (via Music Week)
SoundCloud, AI
SoundCloud revised its terms after backlash over unclear AI clauses that sparked concerns it might use user content to train AI. CEO Eliah Seton clarified in an open letter that SoundCloud has never used artist content for AI training and doesn’t allow third parties to do so. The updated terms aim to support AI use for discovery features like recommendations and fraud prevention, not content generation. A ‘no AI’ tag is also available to protect uploads. Seton admitted the original wording caused confusion and stressed SoundCloud’s commitment to being artist-first. (via Music Week)
Music Venue Properties, Own Our Venues
Music Venue Properties (MVP), created by Music Venue Trust, has launched the next phase of its Own Our Venues project to secure seven more grassroots music venues through community ownership. Following a successful 2023 campaign that raised £2.88 million, MVP aims to protect iconic venues like The Joiners, Esquires, and The Sugarmill from unstable commercial leases. The initiative offers long-term security with fair rents and maintenance support. A second community share offer runs from May 15 to July 31, 2025, inviting fans to help safeguard vital cultural spaces across the UK. (via Music Week)
Sony, Annual Report
Sony’s music segment saw strong growth in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, with revenue up 14% year-on-year in yen, driven by gains in streaming, publishing, live, and merchandise. Recorded and publishing revenue hit 1.6 trillion yen (£8.2bn), and operating income rose 18% to 357 billion yen (£1.8bn). Streaming revenue grew 5% (USD) for recorded music and 13% for publishing. In fiscal Q4, revenue rose 9.5%, with top sellers including SZA, Travis Scott, and Central Cee. Profit growth for 2025 is forecast in the high single digits, though overall profit may remain flat due to currency effects. (via Music Week)
SACEM, Annual Report
SACEM reported €1.6 billion in collections for 2024, with €1.379 billion distributed to creators and rights-holders – a 12% year-on-year increase. Growth was driven by international and digital revenues, which rose 15% to €749 million. SACEM now operates in over 180 territories and has added 16 new strategic mandates, including deals in India and Côte d’Ivoire. The organisation continues to expand globally while supporting over 240,000 members and backing 3,600 music projects across France. SACEM is also investing in tech tools, faster royalty payments, and professional training, and remains committed to copyright protection amid rising AI challenges. (via Music Week)
Warner Music Group, Q1 2025 Report (Fiscal Q2)
Warner Music Group posted $1.494 billion in revenue for Q1 2025 (fiscal Q2), up 1.2% year-on-year at constant currency. Streaming revenue rose 1.6% across both recorded music and publishing. Physical revenue also saw a slight increase, driven by new releases in the US and Japan. CEO Robert Kyncl highlighted strong US chart presence and expanding market share, despite tough comparisons with last year’s performance.
Culture, Media & Sport Committee, Music Venue
MPs on the Culture, Media & Sport Committee reviewed progress on the £1 voluntary arena/stadium ticket levy supporting grassroots music venues. So far, £500,000 has been raised, with support from major acts like Coldplay and Sam Fender. The fund is expected to exceed £1 million in 2025, with distribution starting in 2026. Minister Sir Chris Bryant warned that if more shows don’t opt in, a mandatory levy could be introduced. Industry figures stressed the financial strain on touring artists and called for broader, more predictable support. The government also hinted at future legislation on streaming payouts and secondary ticketing. (via Music Week)
Sound Therapy, Apple Music, Universal Music Group
Apple Music and Universal Music Group have launched Sound Therapy, an exclusive wellness audio collection designed to help users focus, relax, and sleep better. Developed by UMG’s Sollos team using scientific research and proprietary audio tech, the collection enhances popular tracks with sound waves like gamma, theta, and delta frequencies. Artists featured include Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, and Ludovico Einaudi. The initiative blends artistry and innovation, aiming to support mental wellness through music.
Expansion, Capitol Music Group
Capitol Music Group has expanded its Nashville operations by merging Capitol Records Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group under the new Capitol Music Group Nashville banner. Industry veteran Candice Watkins has been appointed president of Capitol Records Nashville and EVP of Capitol Christian, bringing experience from Big Loud and UMG Nashville. The restructure aims to strengthen Capitol’s presence in country, Christian, and gospel music, with continued leadership from Brad O’Donnell at CCMG. The move positions Nashville as a key creative hub for Capitol’s future artist development. (via Music Week)
Downtown, Music Royalties, Curve Royalty Systems
Downtown’s Royalties & Financial Services division has launched a new payments feature via Curve Royalty Systems, streamlining royalty payouts for labels, publishers, and distributors. The tool automates the entire payment process – handling currency conversion, tax, compliance, and payee onboarding – across 180 countries and 35 currencies. Designed to reduce manual work and speed up artist payments, it integrates with Curve’s accounting platform and has already been adopted by clients like Involved and Cloudkid. This update supports Downtown’s mission to improve efficiency and get royalties to creators faster and with less friction. (via Music Week)
Partnership, Official Charts Company, Kantar
The Official Charts Company has extended its long-standing partnership with Kantar, signing a new long-term deal to deliver music and video charts and data services across the UK, Ireland, and France into the 2030s. The agreement, secured after a competitive tender process, includes plans for a new advanced data and analytics tool launching in 2026. Kantar, originally known as Millward Brown, has compiled UK charts since 1994, chronicling major industry shifts such as the rise of streaming and vinyl’s resurgence. The renewed partnership aims to boost innovation and solidify Official Charts’ global leadership in entertainment data. (via Music Week)
On the Move
Jeremy Sirota will step down as CEO of Merlin at the end of 2025 after serving since 2020. During his tenure, Merlin expanded its membership and launched key initiatives like Merlin Connect, Engage, and Insights, while also focusing on AI, sustainability, and content integrity. Sirota led partnerships with platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and Twitch. Merlin is now working on a succession plan, with Sirota praised for his leadership and impact on the independent music community. He called his time at Merlin ‘the privilege of a lifetime’ and plans to pursue new leadership opportunities. (via Music Week)
Full Time Hobby has signed rock band Dead Pioneers to its publishing roster through its partnership with Bucks Music Group. Bucks provides investment, sync services, and admin support. The band, already signed to Full Time Hobby’s sister label Hassle Records, saw their debut album reissued and sell out, with streaming rising five-fold in a year. They released their second album Po$t American in early 2024 and recently supported Pearl Jam in the US. A European tour is underway, global shows are being booked, and a third album is planned for late 2026. (via Music Week)
Warner Chappell Music UK has signed author and illustrator Liz Pichon for her new children’s brand, The Mubbles. Known for her hit series Tom Gates, Pichon’s new project blends graphic novels, music, and a YouTube channel. The first book, Meet the Mubbles, debuted in the children’s top 10 chart in March 2025. Warner Chappell will manage the music rights, supporting a catalogue created by Pichon and her husband, producer Mark Flannery. The brand aims to engage kids through a mix of storytelling, songs, and creative content. (via Music Week)
Armada Music Group has appointed Maarten Steinkamp as interim president, effective immediately. Steinkamp, who has been consulting for the company, brings extensive leadership experience from roles at BMG and Sony BMG Europe. He will focus on preparing Armada for its next growth phase, strengthening internal operations, and supporting its position in the global dance music industry. He reports to CEO Maykel Piron and is based in the Netherlands.
Universal Music Group has appointed Matt Ellis as chief financial officer, effective June 9. Based in Santa Monica, Ellis will lead UMG’s global financial operations and report to CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. He succeeds Boyd Muir, who became COO in 2024 but had continued as CFO during the search. Ellis brings extensive finance experience from roles at Verizon and other Fortune 100 companies. Grainge praised his global perspective and industry-spanning expertise, while Ellis expressed enthusiasm about supporting UMG’s ambitious growth goals.
WME has promoted Adam Bulleid to partner, recognising his key role in expanding the agency’s brand partnerships team in London. Since joining in 2022 from Universal Music UK, where he was VP of business development at Globe, Bulleid has worked across WME’s music and talent rosters, securing major campaigns for clients like Dave, Raye, Stormzy, Sam Fender, and Little Simz. Under his leadership, the brand partnerships team has doubled in size, delivering collaborations with brands including Cartier, Adidas, Hilton, and Bose. Bulleid also supports creative clients such as KidSuper and Rhude. (via Music Week)
