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Tech startup Nebula partners with EMPIRE’s Supply Chain to launch what it calls an ‘earn-before-you-stream’ music distro service
The new service lets fans invest in artists' music via Nebula's marketplace Source...

Believe and TuneCore are blocking distribution of Generative AI tracks made on ‘pirate studios’ like Suno – while inking new partnerships with ElevenLabs and Udio
Denis Ladegaillerie walks MBW through company's new policy – and gives his thoughts on AI, Ackman, and more Source...

Symphonic targets catalog acquisitions and indie artist financing deals with launch of Symphonic NEXT
Michelle Garramone, who recently joined Symphonic as Head of Strategic Partnerships, will lead the new initiative. Source...

India’s Times Music buys Punjabi record label Catrack Entertainment — in third acquisition since striking $100m JV with Primary Wave
Punjabi specialist Catrack was founded in 1990, with a catalog that spans what the company describes as a 'golden era' of the genre. Source...

Sorry, AI artists. Spotify’s not letting you become ‘verified’ on its platform.
Spotify is introducing a new verification badge for artist profiles. Source...

The UK’s PRS for Music paid out $1.41B to songwriters, composers and publishers in 2025
Royalty collections at UK collection society grew 7.7% YoY to $1.63B Source...

Dirty Hit opens first continental European office in Berlin, led by EU Label Manager Noura Labbani
Labbani will lead Dirty Hit's European operations for its full roster Source...

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 Source...

3 Observations On… BMG x Concord
This article orginally appeared in Tim Ingham’s latest ‘Tim’s Take’ email, issued exclusively to MBW+ subscribers. Source...

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) Source...

December

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