German artists push record labels for bigger revenue share in streaming economy

A group of performers in Germany is staging a legal case to get a larger share of money in the streaming economy from record labels. Fourteen managers and lawyers representing some of the nation’s most notable stars have written to the heads of multiple labels. They questioned if the current basis for setting streaming payments is “legally compliant” and presented an “urgent and fundamental need” to review the methodology that underpins historical contracts with the major labels. Continue Reading

Sony aims to pay artists/labels for Spotify stock sale by August

Sony has made yet another move toward transparency in how it is distributing the proceeds from its sale of Spotify stock. Sony Music Entertainment has informed indie labels by email that it intends to make payments to eligible artists and participants as soon as possible. There is one interesting and revealing point. Continue Reading

Spotify is reportedly offering hefty advances to land more direct licensing deals

Spotify is reportedly offering advances to managers and indie artists as an incentive to consider direct licensing deals with the streaming service. Billboard reported that the company is offering up to several hundred thousand dollars in advances for managers that agree to license a particular number of tracks by indies directly to Spotify. On the platform, the managers and acts could then earn 50% of the revenue from those songs being streamed. Continue Reading

Sony’s Legacy label staffs for streaming

As the latest research will confirm, streaming is the dominating force for music industry revenue. That shift has led to changes in how labels and music companies dedicate their resources. Sony’s Legacy label is the latest to embark on its own digital transition. Legacy focuses on the catalog business, which includes digital remastering old recordings and producing other reissues. Continue Reading

Merlin finds streaming music is increasing international revenue for indie labels

Independent label network Merlin has seen its earnings from Latin America increase five-fold in the past three years. Based on current growth rates, Merlin’s 2018 revenue from Latin America are projected to exceed $60 million. Streaming appears to be a key driver of that international growth. Continue Reading

Indies seek a share of major labels’ eventual Spotify stock proceeds; Sony agrees

Spotify’s latest strides toward a direct public offering has led to some speculation around how the labels that own stakes in the streaming company will distribute their windfall. But independent artists and labels are looking for more assurance that they won’t be shortchanged. Continue Reading