Vinyl Record Sales Are Up 108.2% This Year, But Not Everyone Is Thrilled
Vinyl Record Sales Are Up 108.2% This Year, But Not Everyone Is Thrilled. Vinyl sales grew 13.7% in 2025, but CD sales outperformed vinyl in the first half of 2026, rising 16%. Global music revenues surpassed $30 billion in 2026. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on launch […]
WMG settles Udio lawsuit, strikes licensing deal for ‘next-generation’ AI music platform coming in 2026
WMG settles Udio lawsuit, strikes licensing deal for ‘next-generation’ AI music platform coming in 2026. Sony bought Recognition Music Group for over $3.5 billion in 2026. Warner Music Group settled a lawsuit with Udio and licensed AI music platform. EMI Music Publishing took over digital rights licensing from ASCAP. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question […]
Nine Predictions For The Music Industry In 2026: How AI Reshapes Licensing And Power
Nine Predictions For The Music Industry In 2026: How AI Reshapes Licensing And Power. In 2026, Sony acquired Recognition Music Group for over $3.5 billion, and Britney Spears sold her catalog to Primary Wave for $200 million. Major catalog acquisitions and AI licensing agreements reshaped the music industry. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is […]
Universal partners with TIDAL to develop ‘more artist and fan-friendly’ streaming model
Universal partners with TIDAL to develop ‘more artist and fan-friendly’ streaming model. Streaming royalties have shifted power to artists, with new models offering advances against future earnings. Spotify introduced a minimum royalty threshold in 2024 to focus payouts on popular tracks. Streaming now accounts for nearly 85% of U.S. music revenue. For hitboard-music readers, the […]
Major labels’ licensing deals with AI companies
Major labels’ licensing deals with AI companies. In 2026, Britney Spears sold her catalog to Primary Wave for $200 million. Warner Music and Bain Capital announced a $1.2 billion fund for catalog acquisitions. Major labels are negotiating licensing deals with AI companies. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy […]
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View AllRumored and Reported: The Latest on Major Label Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions
Rumored and Reported: The Latest on Major Label Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions. In 2026, Sony Music Publishing acquired Recognition Music Group for over $3.5 billion. Virgin Music acquired Downtown Music, and BMG agreed to buy Concord. These deals reshaped the music industry landscape. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds […]
Analyzing the 12 Top Music Business Stories of 2026 So Far
Analyzing the 12 Top Music Business Stories of 2026 So Far. Global music revenues surpassed $30 billion in 2026, driven by streaming. Subscription streaming remains the primary revenue driver, with significant growth in paid subscriptions. AI-generated music and streaming fraud pose challenges. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy […]
Tuned Global Unveils Expanded Universal Music Licensing Deal
Tuned Global Unveils Expanded Universal Music Licensing Deal. In 2026, Sony acquired Recognition Music Group, and Universal expanded its licensing deal with Tuned Global. AI licensing deals increased significantly, with major companies like Spotify and Universal Music involved. Kobalt was sold to Primary Wave for over $1.5 billion. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is […]
Too Lost projects nine-figure annual revenue haul for 2026, after adding 100k new artists and labels last year
Too Lost projects nine-figure annual revenue haul for 2026, after adding 100k new artists and labels last year. In 2026, Universal Music Group acquired Downtown Music, and BMG merged with Concord to form a fourth major music company. Sony bought Recognition Music Group, and Warner Music Group acquired the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ catalog. These […]
EVEARA Rises in DIY Music Distribution as Indie Streaming Surges
EVEARA Rises in DIY Music Distribution as Indie Streaming Surges. Global music revenues surpassed $30 billion in 2026, driven by streaming growth and independent artists. Spotify’s DIY model significantly boosted independent artists’ earnings. Streaming fraud remains a major issue, impacting artist earnings. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy […]
The 5 things you need to know about the economics of streaming music
The 5 things you need to know about the economics of streaming music. Spotify has introduced changes to its royalty model to prioritize payments to artists with more streams, aiming to shift $1 billion in payouts to “working artists” over five years. The new model includes a minimum annual stream threshold for royalty generation. Independent […]
Are Vinyl Sales Slowing? New Revenue Data Raises Questions
Are Vinyl Sales Slowing? New Revenue Data Raises Questions. Vinyl sales continue to grow, surpassing $1 billion in 2025, and are expected to remain a significant part of the music industry in 2026. Physical formats, especially vinyl, outpaced digital revenue growth. The global music market revenue exceeded $30 billion in 2025. For hitboard-music readers, the […]
Music streaming royalties to be discussed by government
Music streaming royalties to be discussed by government. Music streaming royalties are under scrutiny for fairness, with Spotify planning changes to its model to better support artists. The Living Wage for Musicians Act aims to increase streaming royalties, ensuring artists earn at least one cent per stream. Artists often receive less than fair share from […]
Avex Music Group Establishes $100M Catalog Acquisition Play
Avex Music Group Establishes $100M Catalog Acquisition Play. In 2026, Universal, Warner, and Merlin signed licensing deals with Udio, and Kobalt partnered with Udio for AI music licensing. NVIDIA’s deal with streaming services aims to improve music catalog exploration. Sony Music remains without a licensing agreement with Udio. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is […]
After Universal, Warner, and Merlin deals, now Udio inks licensing agreement with Kobalt
After Universal, Warner, and Merlin deals, now Udio inks licensing agreement with Kobalt. In 2026, Universal, Warner, and Merlin signed licensing deals with Udio, and Kobalt partnered with Udio for AI music licensing. NVIDIA’s deal with streaming services aims to improve music catalog exploration. Sony Music remains without a licensing agreement with Udio. For hitboard-music […]
EMI Music Publishing Taking Over Licensing Digital Rights From ASCAP
EMI Music Publishing Taking Over Licensing Digital Rights From ASCAP. In 2026, EMI Music Publishing took over digital rights licensing from ASCAP. Nearly 300 AI licensing deals were signed by rightsholders. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s catalog was sold to Exceleration/NexTone. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on launch day. It […]
Rightsholders Have Inked Nearly 300 AI Licensing Deals: Report
Rightsholders Have Inked Nearly 300 AI Licensing Deals: Report. In 2026, EMI Music Publishing took over digital rights licensing from ASCAP. Nearly 300 AI licensing deals were signed by rightsholders. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s catalog was sold to Exceleration/NexTone. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on launch day. It is […]
Dance Music, Decoded — In Your Inbox
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