This week, we’ll focus on the Asian market, summer hits, and some new developments in the music industry. Let’s dive into the details!
#1. Anime Music Streams on Spotify Surge by 395% Since 2021
Spotify reports a staggering 395% increase in global anime music streams since 2021, reflecting a growing trend in anime’s popularity. The platform now features 6.7 million user-created anime playlists. This surge is bolstered by Spotify’s new partnership with Crunchyroll, which will bring curated playlists and Crunchyroll content to Spotify’s dedicated Anime hub. The hub will also host Crunchyroll’s new podcast, *Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect*, featuring guests like rapper Denzel Curry and J-Pop star LiSA.
In addition, Virgin Music Group, part of Universal Music Group, has teamed up with Tokyo-based Frontier Works to launch new anime music projects. J-Pop artist ADO has also signed with Geffen Records, underscoring anime’s expanding global influence. Kyota Onishi from Spotify expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the Anime hub aims to become a central fixture in anime culture. According to the Association of Japanese Animators (AJA), anime revenue outside Japan grew by 111.1% in 2022, with the domestic market in Japan reaching $20.57 billion.
#2. New Regulations Loom for Streaming Platforms in South Korea
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into the subscription practices of major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Netflix, and other local services. These companies are accused of not allowing users to cancel their subscriptions mid-billing cycle and failing to properly inform them of their refund rights. This investigation is part of a broader effort to strengthen consumer protection against what the FTC views as unfair business practices.
Streaming services have pushed back against the proposed measures, arguing that allowing cancellations at any time could be exploited by users and might lead to higher subscription fees. In response to consumer complaints, the FTC plans to implement even stricter regulations as part of a larger initiative to promote fair competition on digital platforms. The goal is to ensure more equitable practices and better protect consumer rights.
#3. Gender Disparity in the Music Industry Persists
Recent reports reveal a significant gender disparity in the music industry. An analysis of Spotify’s top 1,000 artists shows that only 20% are women, with non-binary artists being even fewer. On the Billboard Hot 100, men outnumber women by a ratio of 3.3 to 1, and the gap is even wider among songwriters.
In technical roles, women and non-binary individuals are severely underrepresented, making up only 5% of producers and 3% of engineers. This disparity spans all genres, with women holding few technical roles in metal, rap, hip-hop, and rock. Record labels like Universal Music Group, Sony, and Warner also contribute to this imbalance, with low percentages of technical credits awarded to women. The classical music sector and the Grammy Awards similarly reflect these inequalities.
Unfortunately, the reports highlight that stereotypes and exclusionary practices continue to hinder the advancement and recognition of women in the music industry.
#4. What Happens to Summer Sounds?
In recent years, the music industry hasn't produced a definitive "song of the summer" as it once did, due to the fragmentation of musical tastes and more diverse listening habits. However, this summer, music was a key presence in many significant pop culture moments. Events like the "BRAT summer," the rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and the Paris Olympics, featuring performances by Lady Gaga and Céline Dion, all had a strong musical component.
Moreover, politics also embraced this cultural shift, with Kamala Harris's campaign drawing inspiration from popular music trends. Meanwhile, artists like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift were less visible in these major cultural moments, with their successes largely confined to streaming platforms. This summer demonstrated that music continues to play a vital role in culture—not just through traditional hits, but as the soundtrack for major events across sports, politics, and beyond.
#5. Sony Unveils Soneium, Its New Blockchain Platform
Sony has introduced Soneium, a new blockchain platform developed in collaboration with Startale Labs through their joint venture, Sony Block Solution Labs. This platform aims to be a key infrastructure for Web3, potentially integrating various sectors, including Sony Music. Soneium will be a public and open blockchain, allowing for global participation.
Sony plans to leverage its extensive network in entertainment, finance, electronics, and gaming to promote blockchain adoption and support creators. This could involve protecting artists' rights and creating new revenue opportunities.
But Soneium goes beyond that—it aims to overcome the current limitations of Web3 by offering comprehensive solutions, from infrastructure to application development. Sony will also invite developers to build applications on the platform, providing them with the tools needed to drive innovation and enhance fan engagement.
Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, emphasized the significance of this initiative for Sony’s mission to blend creativity with technology.
