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Why Universal is calling time out on TikTok

Feb 1, 2024
The video platform and the music company couldn't agree on terms for renewing their contract. Some of the fallout will hit video creators.
Universal says TikTok accounts for just 1% of its revenue. TikTok calls itself a “free promotional and discovery vehicle” for Universal’s talent.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

Bah humbug! Why David Brancaccio hates holiday music

Two singer-songwriters convinced David Brancaccio embrace seasonal tunes.
Actor Tommy Steele playing Scrooge in 2006 or David Brancaccio when listening to Paul McCartney's “Wonderful Christmastime?" It may be hard to tell.
MJ Kim/Getty Images

What Spotify and Apple Music's 2023 lists reveal about the music industry

It's more than just the fact that Taylor Swift had a massive year.
Both Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay had the same top artist of the year. Can you guess who?
Spotify

Where the music industry stands since the depths of the pandemic

It looks like live music shows are generating more revenue than before the pandemic. But the number of shows has fallen.
Music stars like Taylor Swift have benefitted from the "premium-ization" of live music shows. But for artists in the middle, rising prices for everything that goes into touring has made it harder.
Kevin Winter/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Hip-hop at 50: How did entrepreneurs in the genre get their start?

Aug 11, 2023
Hip-hop artists are some of today’s most prominent entrepreneurs. They have fashion lines, alcohol brands and endorsement deals. But, in the beginning, the genre’s musical talent had to find their own way to break into the industry.
Hip-hop’s 50th anniversary celebrations are happening all over its birthplace New York City, including the 2023 Hip Hop 50 Summit at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Queens.
Courtesy Queens Public Library

Independent musician says the touring industry is a “rollercoaster”

Aug 8, 2023
Sarah King, an independent musician, is currently on tour. But the steps getting to this moment have been challenging.
Independent musician Sarah King is touring on her own, a more financially viable option than touring with a group.
Courtesy Arielle Thomas Photography

At 50, hip-hop has grown into an economic giant

Aug 4, 2023
The genre is celebrated across the world and has permeated many facets of American society, creating wealth in the process.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

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30 years ago, Prince changed the way artists negotiate with the music industry

Jun 7, 2023
By changing his name to a symbol, Prince changed how musicians negotiate with record labels.
Prince performs during Super Bowl XLI. The rock star in 1993 changed his name to a symbol, setting the stage for how musicians negotiate with record labels.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Taylor Swift's tour is boosting business near venues, but the singer's the big winner

May 19, 2023
She's likely to make more than $5 million a night in ticket sales alone.
Taylor Swift performs onstage for the opening night of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Court battle over Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye songs could result in "less wonderful music" being made

It's yet the latest case of where to draw the line between the building blocks of music and intellectual property.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images