Setlist

Complete Music Update (CMU)

SETLIST is the music business podcast from CMU read less

Our Editor's Take

Setlist brings listeners through the music industry from the business side. Educational and enlightening, Setlist merges music business news with analysis. This podcast aims to take a look at the biggest and most interesting news stories of the past week. Sometimes, it covers the most bizarre and unique stories, too.

Andy Malt and Chris Cooke team up as hosts to discuss compelling music business news. They also provide an in-depth analysis of what it all means and how it impacts the business as a whole. That said, this podcast is anything but a musical news recap. This show intends to take listeners through the business side of the industry. That means it explores research, trends, media, and more to give listeners an educational report. Malt and Cooke explore the details of the music streaming market. They discuss the mechanics of the boy band BTS's big break. They even chat about TikTok and its influence on the music industry. The topic centers on one thing—the music industry as a business.

The hosts bring in their own expertise and often invite special guests to share theirs, too. This creates a fast-paced and informative dynamic. The hosts' personalities mesh perfectly, creating an easy-to-listen-to experience. Though the podcast packs in useful information, it's fun to listen to, too. New episodes of this podcast drop every week, and segments run from 30 to 40 minutes. Listeners can hear Setlist podcast episodes on Amazon Music now.

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Hipgnosis v Hipgnosis - the saga continues…

Hipgnosis v Hipgnosis - the saga continues…

On this week's show we discuss the bidding war compounding the latest in a long line of dramas at Hipgnosis, the faltering start for Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Hipgnosis (00:04:59) 02: News in brief (00:18:48) 03: Co-op Live (00:12:15) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Hipgnosis debacle might be over as Concord offers to acquire entire share capital of SONG - but there’s a catch… • Blackstone tops Concord offer for SONG, hints at invoking call option • The state of Hipgnosis • To the moon! Concord reaches for the high notes as it ups its SONG bid to $1.25 • Co-op Live GM says grassroots venues are “poorly run”, before cancelling thousands of tickets to test event at the very last minute • Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena cancels launch shows as power issues delay opening NEWS IN BRIEF • The clock is now TikTokking as US Senate votes through sell-or-be-banned law • Amazon AI employee claims she was told to breach copyright rules because “everyone else is doing it” • Moving BBC radio to an ad-funded model would be a disaster, says Radiocentre • Drake threatened with legal action over AI Tupac in Kendrick diss track ALSO MENTIONED • AI and music one year later: What happened? And where are we at? (Spot Festival, 3 May, 1pm) • Dissecting The Digital Dollar: What’s changed? (Spot Festival, 4 May, 11.45am) • The new pay-out models: What are the consequences for you as an artist and as a songwriter? (Spot Festival, 4 May, 1.15pm) • The great streaming swindle: That’s how much money is swindled every year in the music industry (Spot Festival, 4 May, 2.15pm)

Episodes

Hipgnosis v Hipgnosis - the saga continues…

Hipgnosis v Hipgnosis - the saga continues…

On this week's show we discuss the bidding war compounding the latest in a long line of dramas at Hipgnosis, the faltering start for Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Hipgnosis (00:04:59) 02: News in brief (00:18:48) 03: Co-op Live (00:12:15) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Hipgnosis debacle might be over as Concord offers to acquire entire share capital of SONG - but there’s a catch… • Blackstone tops Concord offer for SONG, hints at invoking call option • The state of Hipgnosis • To the moon! Concord reaches for the high notes as it ups its SONG bid to $1.25 • Co-op Live GM says grassroots venues are “poorly run”, before cancelling thousands of tickets to test event at the very last minute • Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena cancels launch shows as power issues delay opening NEWS IN BRIEF • The clock is now TikTokking as US Senate votes through sell-or-be-banned law • Amazon AI employee claims she was told to breach copyright rules because “everyone else is doing it” • Moving BBC radio to an ad-funded model would be a disaster, says Radiocentre • Drake threatened with legal action over AI Tupac in Kendrick diss track ALSO MENTIONED • AI and music one year later: What happened? And where are we at? (Spot Festival, 3 May, 1pm) • Dissecting The Digital Dollar: What’s changed? (Spot Festival, 4 May, 11.45am) • The new pay-out models: What are the consequences for you as an artist and as a songwriter? (Spot Festival, 4 May, 1.15pm) • The great streaming swindle: That’s how much money is swindled every year in the music industry (Spot Festival, 4 May, 2.15pm)

MPs want to see action on musicians’ income

MPs want to see action on musicians’ income

On this week's show we discuss the warning from UK politicians that there need to be “tangible steps to improve musicians’ remuneration and performer rights” by this time next year, and Blur drummer Dave Rowntree’s class action lawsuit against PRS For Music over songwriter royalties, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Performer remuneration report (00:05:39) 02: News in brief (00:14:53) 03: Dave Rowntree v PRS (00:19:23) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • “Fundamental reform of music streaming” must come soon, say MPs • Blur’s Dave Rowntree leads class action lawsuit against PRS For Music seeking “hundreds of millions of pounds” for songwriters NEWS IN BRIEF • WIN renews shared values of the independent music community • GEMA says German song right income is booming, but digital growth is lacking • Timeline for TikTok law in Senate still to be confirmed, though Minority Leader says its deserves "urgent attention" • Universal relaxes TikTok boycott - but only if your name is Taylor Swift • Have a playlist idea but don’t know what songs to put on it? Spotify’s AI bot can help with that • Spotify planning tools to allow users to remix tracks ALSO MENTIONED • Westway Lab

Make big shows fund grassroots music, politicians told

Make big shows fund grassroots music, politicians told

On this week's show we discuss UK Parliament's Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee's hearing on the grassroots live music crisis, and the Nirvana logo legal battle's return to court. SECTION TIMES 01: Grassroots live music crisis (00:08:13) 02: News in brief (00:17:09) 03: Nirvana logo (00:21:43) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • MPs hear about the crisis in grassroots live music - a ticket levy might help, but how would that work? • Nirvana ‘smiley face’ copyright dispute back in court NEWS IN BRIEF • Rapper ordered to pay $800,000 to Sony over TikTok hit with unlicensed sample • Sean Combs properties raided in federal sex trafficking investigation • Discrimination, lower pay and shorter careers are the norm for female musicians in the UK, study shows • RIAA 2023 Year-End Music Industry Revenue Report ALSO MENTIONED • As BMG’s 2023 numbers show continued growth, could a merger with Warner Music or Believe be on the cards?

Is Manchester's nightlife at risk?

Is Manchester's nightlife at risk?

On this week's show we discuss the ruling in the long-running noise dispute involving Manchester's Night & Day that allows the venue to continue running club nights but potentially puts other nearby venues at risk, plus the BPI’s legal threats against a service that uses AI to create cover versions of songs in seconds. SECTION TIMES 01: Night & Day (00:08:13) 02: News in brief (00:15:15) 03: Voicify (00:19:57) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Night & Day ruling makes it “open season” on Manchester’s night-time economy says Music Venue Trust boss • BPI threatens to sue voice cloning site Voicify NEWS IN BRIEF • More performers seeking specialist health support, says BAPAM • Music and visual arts organisations back new climate change charity Murmur • Black Eyed Peas sued for licensing interpolation but not sample of Scatman • IFPI report shows 10.2% growth in global recorded music market • MIDiA shows $35.1 billion in global recorded music revenues - but what does that number actually mean? ALSO MENTIONED • Spotify publishes new Loud & Clear, says the focus now is artists “dependent on streaming as part of their livelihood” • Thom Yorke calls Spotify 'the last desperate fart of a dying corpse' (The Guardian)

US politicians want TikTok to sell up or be banned

US politicians want TikTok to sell up or be banned

On this week's show we discuss proposals voted through the US House of Representatives this week to force TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the video-sharing app or face a ban in country, and the UK Labour Party's pledge to introduce a cap on ticket resale prices if it wins the next election. SECTION TIMES 01: TikTok ban (00:03:20) 02: News in brief (00:14:21) 03: Ticket resale (00:17:00) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Selling TikTok would be last resort for ByteDance, sources say as House votes through sell-or-be-banned law • TikTok insists it isn't forcing Americans to phone politicians as ban proposal gets fast-tracked in Congress • Labour commits to UK ticket touting price cap, as Ed Sheeran's team welcomes guilty verdict in ticket tout court case NEWS IN BRIEF • EU AI Act “world-first” say music trade bodies as European Parliament votes it into law • Texas governor tells SXSW boycotters “don’t come back” • Joe Rogan is back on Apple and Amazon - so Neil Young is back on Spotify • Bad Bunny sues fan over unofficial concert recordings on YouTube • Glastonbury announces headliners, as UK festival cancellations pass 20 ALSO MENTIONED • Believe x WMG takeover dance warms up as financial regulator is called in

Apple blames Spotify for €1.8 billion fine

Apple blames Spotify for €1.8 billion fine

On this week's show we discuss the €1.8 billion fine Apple has been ordered to pay by the EU following an investigation into claims of anti-competitive behaviour made by Spotify, and Live Nation's explanation of why everyone else in the music industry is to blame for rising ticket prices. SECTION TIMES 01: Apple v Spotify (00:06:26) 02: News in brief (00:20:48) 03: Live Nation (00:25:33) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • EU fines €1.8 billion at end of Spotify initiated competition law investigation • Apple hits out at EU competition ruling that “ignores the realities of a market” • Live Nation says rising ticket prices definitely not its fault NEWS IN BRIEF • WMG is toying with an offer for Believe that would wipe out Warner’s cash reserves - but is it serious, would Believe shareholders sell and can WMG afford to bet the farm? • Hipgnosis Songs Fund takes a haircut - and might have bigger problems to come • New US-wide TikTok ban proposed in Congress • Mean Millennials scrap streaming subscriptions, mail order music is booming - and Apple Music might be making £500 million or more in the UK • Raye wins record-breaking six BRIT Awards ALSO MENTIONED • Tidal phases out HiFi Plus tier, makes higher quality audio part of its standard subscription product • The Truth About Ticket Pries (Live Nation)

UK music revenues are back to their CD peak (sort of)

UK music revenues are back to their CD peak (sort of)

On this week's show we discuss the news that UK music retail revenues are back to where they were at the peak of the CD era in 2001. So long as you imagine that no time has passed in between. Plus, the brewing legal battle of Kanye West’s “shameless” interpolation of a Donna Summer track. SECTION TIMES 01: UK music revenues (00:06:47) 02: News in brief (00:15:20) 03: Kanye West (00:20:38) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • UK music retail revenues reach record high, according to ERA stats • Donna Summer estate sues Kanye West over “shameless” uncleared sample NEWS IN BRIEF • €111 million in TikTok revenue is nothing when you’re Lucian Grainge - but, he says, “my phone is always open” if Shou Zi Chew wants to be friends again • Warner boss teases superfan app that will be "a cross-platform solution" • Spotify vs Apple name-calling kicks off again after EU mega-fine rumours • UK Music again calls for VAT cut on tickets ahead of budget statement • And Finally! Ed Sheeran has let British music down, and now everyone only likes K-pop • Miley Cyrus tops IFPI singles list • Seventeen top IFPI albums list ALSO MENTIONED • Trademark dispute over Earth, Wind & Fire tribute shows back in court

The music business in 2024

The music business in 2024

In this special edition of Setlist, Andy Malt and Chris Cooke dive into topics covered in CMU's latest series of masterclasses, which look at the music business in 2024. We talk through key trends in streaming, copyright, AI and more. SECTION TIMES 01: The music business in 2024 (00:04:58) 02: Music streaming in 2024 (00:12:51) 03: News in brief (00:19:55) 04: Music copyright in 2024 (00:22:51) 05: Music and AI in 2024 (00:33:01) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) CMU'S 2024 MASTERCLASS SESSIONS Get an expert overview of the topics that will define the music business in 2024, including copyright, streaming and AI, as well as economics of streaming developments. The four sessions discussed on this edition of Setlist are available to watch on demand, with four more still to come. Find out more and book all eight sessions for just £299 including VAT here NEWS IN BRIEF • Apple faces €500 million fine after Spotify-prompted EU competition investigation • EU to investigate TikTok over online safety concerns • Universal splurges almost quarter of a billion dollars to buy KKR out of Chord Music • Music industry’s billion dollar damages win in Cox case overturned • Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics

When arts funding and politics collide

When arts funding and politics collide

On this week's show we discuss questions and potential legal action over the politicisation of arts funding, as Kneecap are denied money by the British government and Arts Council England issues new guidance for anyone thinking of being controversial, plus the legal battle over royalties currently brewing between MLC and Pandora, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Arts funding (00:04:23) 02: News in brief (00:14:54) 03: MLC v Pandora (00:16:46) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch’s decision to block MEGS funding for Kneecap “unlawful” says band as it prepares legal action • Arts Council says free speech and controversy is fine, but please follow a detailed risk assessment first • MLC sues Pandora over unpaid royalties NEWS IN BRIEF • Tributes pour in as BBC radio presenter Steve Wright dies • Musicians' Union reluctantly reaches deal with English National Opera over orchestra cutbacks • NTIA says nightlife faces cultural crisis after 400 club closures since 2020 • As another grassroots venue closes, MVT renews calls for a ticket levy ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry welcomes German ruling holding TikTok liable for unlicensed content

AI developments cause celebration and concern

AI developments cause celebration and concern

On this week's show we discuss new developments on AI in the EU and UK that have given the music industry cause for both celebration and concern, and the commercial radio industry's anger as BBC Radio looks to give music fans more choice. SECTION TIMES 01: AI regulation (00:05:24) 02: News in brief (00:15:52) 03: BBC Radio (00:19:11) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Music industry welcomes EU member states agreeing AI Act • Planned UK code of practice on copyright and AI shelved • Government needs to "urgently reconsider" approach to copyright and AI, says culture committee Chair • Commercial radio sector calls on OfCom to block BBC's plans for four new radio stations NEWS IN BRIEF • Spotify CEO slams Apple in earnings calls and hints at more job cuts • Warner Music’s Kyncl goes big on importance of major labels and data, says he is confident UMG TikTok dispute will be resolved • Michelle Jubelirer stands down as Capitol CEO as Universal Music restructure goes into effect • Indie labels say Apple's new payment model will take money from their artists to benefit the majors • Megan Thee Stallion marks “beginning of a new chapter” with Warner deal ALSO MENTIONED • Music mogul Irving Azoff and Apple exec Eddy Cue build their ultimate golf course (Golf Digest) • And Finally! Irving Azoff and Eddy Cue’s new golf course is open for business. And no, you can’t join

Universal and TikTok accuse each other of “bullying” and “greed”

Universal and TikTok accuse each other of “bullying” and “greed”

On this week's show we discuss Universal and TikTok’s big bust up that has seen the major label’s music removed from the social network, the damning report on the “boys’ club” music industry and how it holds women back, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: UMG v TikTok (00:02:49) 02: News in brief (00:13:57) 03: Misogyny In Music report (00:17:20) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Universal Music is going to war with TikTok, accusing the social media giant of bullying and intimidation • TikTok accuses Universal of “greed” and “false narrative”, begins removing tracks • Misogyny remains “endemic” in “boys’ club” music industry says UK parliamentary report NEWS IN BRIEF • Lords committee calls on government to clarify copyright obligations of AI companies • 71% of music creators fear multi-billion dollar music AI business could stop songwriters from earning a living, says new report • Music industry celebrates YouTube passing 100 million premium subscribers • UK government publishes new UK streaming transparency code ALSO MENTIONED • RIAA welcomes US government's latest piracy reports, but urges a "close look" at voice cloning sites • Read the full 'Misogyny In Music' report • The F-List’s Vick Bain on UK Parliament’s Misogyny In Music report and the industry’s next steps

Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” favours major labels

Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” favours major labels

On this week's show we discuss how Apple Music's "spatial audio bonus" will benefit major labels to the detriment of independent labels and creators, the report finding that on average two grassroots music venues per week closed down in the UK in 2023, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Apple Music (00:04:23) 02: News in brief (00:11:43) 03: Music Venue Trust report (00:14:26) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” will favour major labels at the expense of small labels and creators • Two grassroots venues close down every week, according to new report from Music Venue Trust NEWS IN BRIEF • Madonna and Live Nation will "vigorously" defend late show start lawsuit • American musicians' union begins talks over AI and streaming with the Hollywood studios • Spotify uses EU Digital Market Act blog post to take potshots at Apple, announces superfan clubs • Publishers hit back at Anthropic's claim that AI copyright cases should be filed in "its Silicon Valley backyard" • Hipgnosis Song Management “cherry picked assets” for proposed sale to Blackstone says latest briefing from Hipgnosis Songs Fund ALSO MENTIONED • BRIT Awards nominations finally balance gender, genre and independence • MVT Annual Report

The new certification for “respectful” AI companies

The new certification for “respectful” AI companies

On this week's show we discuss the new certification for "respectful" generative AI companies that get permission before training their models on copyrighted content, redundancies at Pitchfork as its team is merged with men's magazine GQ, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: AI certification (00:05:15) 02: News in brief (00:15:16) 03: Pitchfork (00:18:29) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Former Stability exec Ed Newton Rex launches Fairly Trained AI certification • Job cuts at Pitchfork as its team is merged in with GQ NEWS IN BRIEF • Council Of Music Makers sets out its five key priorities ahead of ministerial review of economics of streaming work • Council Of Music Makers memo • UK’s IPO to look at neighbouring rights and reciprocal payments to foreign performers • UK's largest nightclub operator heading into administration • Universal Music to lay off hundreds says Bloomberg: company responds and says it will create “efficiencies” • Apple changes App Store rules following Supreme Court announcement, but Epic vows more legal action • Spotify hits out at Apple's "outrageous" new App Store rules ALSO MENTIONED • Music data white paper

Major label bosses put the spotlight on superfans

Major label bosses put the spotlight on superfans

On this week's show we discuss the start-of-year memos from the bosses of Universal Music and Warner Music, both of whom put the spotlight in super-serving superfans, plus the ASA ruling against Viagogo's advertorial pieces in the NME, and lots of stats about the music market in 2023. SECTION TIMES 01: New year memos (00:04:45) 02: News in brief (00:18:37) 03: Viagogo (00:25:01) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Universal “most successful company in the history of the music industry” hoots Grainge in 2024 memo • Lucian Grainge's 2024 memo to Universal Music Group staff • Warner Music boss talks streaming model and super-fans in start-of-year memo • UK’s Advertising Standards Authority raps Viagogo over NME paid editorial NEWS IN BRIEF • Vinyl sales grow, cassettes slump; streaming now 87.7% of UK music consumption • UK music retail brought in £2.2 billion in 2023 says ERA • India’s streaming growth explodes to hit over one trillion streams, Gen Z pull back on streaming subscription spend ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry welcomes proposed new laws to help performers protect their voices and likeness from AI clones • Artificial Intelligence and the music industry in 2023 • CMU's 2024 Masterclass Sessions • Sony Music chief talks streaming, short-form, gaming and AI in investor presentation (May 2023)

Spotify’s about-turn on threats to quit Uruguay

Spotify’s about-turn on threats to quit Uruguay

On this week's show we discuss Spotify’s change of heart on shutting down in Uruguay, the latest easyJet lawsuit against a musician - this time PC Music-signed producer Easyfun - and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:04:45) 02: News in brief (00:13:37) 03: Easyfun (00:18:29) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Spotify won't exit Uruguay following clarification to new ER rule in copyright • easyGroup sues PC Music producer Easyfun NEWS IN BRIEF • Music consumption at an all time high, IFPI reports, though "unlicensed music is still an issue" • Music industry cautiously welcomes outcome of last week's EU AI Act talks • European Commission set to force changes to Apple's rules around in-app payments • Hipgnosis Songs Fund confirms sale of catalogue of "non-core songs" • Vinyl sales of two 1980s classics may decide who is Christmas number one in 2023 ALSO MENTIONED • Taylor Swift's record breaking tour topped a billion dollars

Grassroots venues need ticket levy to survive

Grassroots venues need ticket levy to survive

On this week's show we look at calls for government support for the grassroots live music industry following the closure of music venue Moles and the announcement that the Nozstock festival will shut down after its 2024 edition, plus the next evolution of Kiss as superhero holograms. SECTION TIMES 01: Grassroots live music (00:03:13) 02: News in brief (00:10:44) 03: Kiss (00:14:53) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Music Venue Trust calls for law forcing live industry support for grassroots venues, as Bath Moles closes after 45 years • Nozstock festival to end after 2024 edition, prompting new call for government support for festival sector • Kiss preview new avatar show at final human performance NEWS IN BRIEF • Spotify confirms the cost of its dramatic downsizing, cancels two in-house podcasts • Indie labels suggest delaying Spotify’s royalty payout revamp to allow proper consultation • CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus calls on EU to keep clear transparency obligations in AI Act • Record industry tells US Copyright Office training AI with existing music is “rarely, if ever, fair use” • BBC Sound Of 2024 longlist revealed ALSO MENTIONED • Blackpink renew deal with YG, but uncertainty over group’s future remains • IMPALA’s questions for Spotify over the changes it is making to its model

Sony Music tells US politicians to act on AI loopholes

Sony Music tells US politicians to act on AI loopholes

On this week's show we have a good old chat about Sony Music exec Dennis Kooker's call for a US-wide publicity right through which artists can protect their voices and identity in order to stop the unauthorised cloning of their vocals by AI, plus the big bust up between Hall & Oates over “the ultimate partnership betrayal” and more. SECTION TIMES 01: AI loopholes (00:06:54) 02: News in brief (00:16:53) 03: Hall & Oates (00:20:14) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Sony Music digital chief asks Congress to close “legal loopholes” to ensure artists can stop authorised AI voice clones • Hall & Oates both make court filing as the legal dispute over their joint venture company continues NEWS IN BRIEF • Shane MacGowan dies • UK government pauses the blocking of the proposed London MSG Sphere - even though MSG has given up on the plan • BMG announces restructure to “future proof” the business • European Parliament committee calls for new EU rules to regulate streaming • Caity Baser, The Last Dinner Party and Sekou named BRITs Rising Stars ALSO MENTIONED • Spotify unwraps Wrapped - assigns everyone a Sound Town

Spotify insists royalty changes will help emerging artists

Spotify insists royalty changes will help emerging artists

On this week's show we've got a big round-up of Spotify news, in particular the company's confirmation of changes to the way it pays out (or doesn't pay out) royalties. We also discuss plans for an MSG Sphere venue like the one recently opened in Las Vegas being bounced out of London. Oh, and we've spruced up the format of the show a little, including the introduction of a news in brief section to bring you even more music industry news. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:03:30) 02: News in brief (00:16:37) 03: MSG Sphere (00:20:35) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Spotify confirms changes to its payment process - including the 1000 plays a year threshold • Specifics of Spotify’s deal with Google on in-app payments revealed in Epic court case • Spotify says it will exit Uruguay next year because of new performer ER right in copyright law • London mayor blocks MSG’s grand plan to build a Sphere venue next to the Olympic Park NEWS IN BRIEF • BMI confirms deal to sell to New Mountain Capital • US Senate committee subpoenas Live Nation to access documents for its investigation into “abusive consumer practices” • Council Of Music Makers criticises lack of music-maker representation at government roundtable on AI and the creative industries • Shakira strikes deal with Spanish prosecutors to avoid €14.5m tax fraud trial • LadBaby bow out of Christmas number one race ALSO MENTIONED • Monkey Week • O. - ATM

Stability AI exec resigns over fair use claim

Stability AI exec resigns over fair use claim

CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, the resignation of Stability AI's VP Of Audio Ed Newton-Rex over the tech company's position that the training of generative AI models constitutes fair use under American copyright law, and YouTube’s plans to get AI generated clones both off and onto its platform. SECTION TIMES 01: Stability AI (00:06:04) 02: YouTube (00:14:08) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Stability AI's VP Of Audio resigns over its position that training AI with copyright works is 'fair use' • YouTube to allow labels to remove AI-generated voice clones • YouTube begins piloting voice cloning tool to provide AI-generated vocals for creator videos ALSO MENTIONED • Edith Piaf to narrate her own life story through AI

Competition law concerns over Spotify’s royalty plans

Competition law concerns over Spotify’s royalty plans

CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, competition law expert (as well as musician and label owner) Amelia Fletcher's letter to Spotify boss Daniel Ek about the streaming service's plan for a two-tier royalty system, and the rickrolling takedown battle between two stream-ripping platforms. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:04:27) 02: Stream-ripping (00:19:56) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Spotify two-tier payment “discriminatory and exploitative” says competition law expert • Stream-ripper gets court order to identify who is behind rick-rolling Google takedown notices ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry contributes £6.7 billion GVA to British economy • Download the UK Music This Is Music 2023 report • Amelia Fletcher's full letter to Daniel Ek