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. Clint Higham, John Esposito, and Kris Lamb launch Nashville label HEY NOW Records; Kenny Chesney is first signing

   HEY NOW Records landed East Tennessee singer-songwriter Kenny Chesney as its first signing.

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2. In latest move in India, Universal Music forms exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the new label from singer and composer Anirudh Ravichander

   Universal Music India has entered into an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records

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3. Matt Young named CEO of UMG’s Bravado, as Dan Goldberg and Eric Mackay join Amy Zaglauer & Rachel Redfearn on leadership team

   Young, based in New York, continues to report to Boyd Muir, Chief Operating Officer of UMG

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4. Trump administration to receive $10B fee for its role in US TikTok deal (report)

   Investors have put an initial $2.5 billion to the Treasury Department when the deal closed in January, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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5. Alibaba wants to be a global ticketing player — starting with Malaysia tour stop for Chinese rap superstar GAI

   Alibaba's live entertainment arm is making its first move into international ticketing, landing a primary ticketing role for a concert in Malaysia.

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6. Lyor Cohen letter addresses AI integration at YouTube, the ‘power of visual storytelling’ and the ‘tidal wave of choice’ facing music fans

   Lyor Cohen, YouTube's Global Head of Music, has published his first letter to music industry partners of 2026

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7. Touré Shiver named VP, Marketing Strategy at Republic Records

   Executive joins from Columbia Records and will work across marketing campaigns for artists including Ayra Starr, DJ Khaled, and John Legend.

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8. Live Nation antitrust trial resumes as 30+ states push on despite DOJ settlement

   States accuse Live Nation of stifling competition and driving up prices for fans as trial continues without the DOJ.

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9. US wholesale recorded music revenue reached $11.5B in 2025, as paid streaming subscriptions hit 106.5M — adding 6.5M accounts YoY

   The US recorded music industry generated USD $11.535 billion in wholesale revenue in 2025, up 3.1% YoY.

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10. Universal Music acquires stake in What the Duck, a prominent indie label based in Thailand

    Founder Moy Samkwan Tonsompong will join Universal Music Thailand as Managing Director

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