Music Business Worldwide

The latest music news from Music Business Worldwide, News, jobs and analysis for the global music industry and on artists new releases and where to get new mp3 songs.

1. UMG generated $3.39 billion in Q1, up 8.1% YoY – driven by BTS, Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, and more

   Universal Music Group has published its Q1 2026 results for the three months ending March 31

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2. 3 Observations On… BMG x Concord

   This article orginally appeared in Tim Ingham’s latest ‘Tim’s Take’ email, issued exclusively to MBW+ subscribers.

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3. Universal is selling 50% of its Spotify stake, generating around $1.4 billion

   UMG will sell half of its equity stake in Spotify and use the proceeds to help fund an expanded share buyback program totaling EUR €1 billion (USD $1.17bn)

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4. HYBE posts record Q1 revenue of $477M, up 39.5% YoY, driven by BTS comeback

   HYBE's latest earnings filing was published on Wednesday, April 29

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5. Primary Wave raises $2.2 billion for fourth music fund

   Fund 4 has already invested $700 million across more than 65 single-artist catalogs, including The Notorious B.I.G., Village People, Neil Sedaka and more

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6. The Beatles’ Apple Corps restructures executive team with new hires and promotions

   The hires span marketing, finance, retail, and strategy, all reporting to Tom Greene, who took on the role in September 2025.

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7. iHeartMedia in talks to be acquired by SiriusXM Holdings (report)

   Bloomberg reported that the talks are still at an early stage and may not result in a deal

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8. BMG+Concord is the music industry’s biggest bet in years. What’s the plan?

   Thomas Coesfeld and Bob Valentine answer MBW's questions on a mega-merger – and ambitious targets

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9. Spotify Co-CEOs outline AI ambitions and more on Q1 2026 earnings call

   Here are five things we learned from the company's Q1 earnings call

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10. Jimi Hendrix bandmates’ estates lose UK court battle against Sony Music over ownership of band’s recordings

    The UK High Court has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the estates of Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell

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