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View AllAre Smaller Vinyl Companies Crashing Amid Sales Slowdown?
Are Smaller Vinyl Companies Crashing Amid Sales Slowdown?. Vinyl sales saw a 13.7% increase in 2025, while CD sales surged 16% in the first half of 2026, driven by K-pop. Global music revenues exceeded $30 billion in 2025, with streaming as the primary revenue driver. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a […]
Tidal, Universal Music Partner On New Streaming Payout Model
Tidal, Universal Music Partner On New Streaming Payout Model. Spotify is changing its royalty model to focus on paying more to working artists, introducing a minimum stream threshold, and cracking down on streaming fraud. The music streaming industry faces scrutiny over low royalties for most artists, with major labels benefiting disproportionately. New models aim to […]
Catalog/Rights Management
Catalog/Rights Management. In 2026, Iron Maiden sold its music catalog and rights to Pophouse Entertainment. Warner Music Group and Suno announced changes to licensing and download policies. T.I. signed a publishing deal with Reservoir. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on launch day. It is whether the story […]
Iron Maiden Sells Music Catalog, Other Rights to Pophouse
Iron Maiden Sells Music Catalog, Other Rights to Pophouse. In 2026, Iron Maiden sold its music catalog and rights to Pophouse Entertainment. Warner Music Group and Suno announced changes to licensing and download policies. T.I. signed a publishing deal with Reservoir. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on […]
Universal Music Group, Boomplay Unveil Expanded Licensing Agreement
Universal Music Group, Boomplay Unveil Expanded Licensing Agreement. In 2026, music catalog rights licensing deals focus on AI innovation and sync licensing, with significant changes in AI music generation and streaming platform agreements. Warner Music Group’s licensing deal with Suno includes advanced models and download restrictions. Universal Music Group expanded its licensing deal For hitboard-music […]
Music streaming platforms now host quarter of a BILLION tracks.
Music streaming platforms now host quarter of a BILLION tracks.. In 2026, music streaming revenues hit $31.7 billion globally, with Spotify paying over $11 billion to artists. Streaming fraud is rising, impacting artist earnings. AI-generated content poses a threat to music platforms. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy […]
Warner Music Group Unveils ‘Landmark’ Suno Licensing Deal
Warner Music Group Unveils ‘Landmark’ Suno Licensing Deal. Sony acquired Recognition Music Group in 2026, and Universal and Warner settled AI licensing disputes. Major labels are increasingly partnering with AI companies for new music platforms. AI licensing deals continue to rise, with nearly 300 agreements by early 2026. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is […]
Beats + Bytes: The Trends Defining Music, Culture & Brand Marketing in 2026
Beats + Bytes: The Trends Defining Music, Culture & Brand Marketing in 2026. In 2026, the music industry saw significant growth in independent distribution platforms and a shift towards DIY models, with major revenue increases from streaming services. Global music revenues reached $31.7 billion, driven by paid streaming and new distribution partnerships. Streaming fraud remains […]
46 companies shaping the music industry in 2026
46 companies shaping the music industry in 2026. Sony Music Publishing acquired Recognition Music Group in 2026. Warner Music and Bain Capital formed a $1.2 billion fund for catalog acquisitions. Artists are advocating for their rights in AI deals. For hitboard-music readers, the useful question is not whether a campaign sounds busy on launch day. […]
Rumored 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 […]