#1. TikTok ends global licensing deal with Merlin
TikTok recently ended its licensing renewal talks with Merlin, an organization representing 15% of global recorded music consumption. Instead of renewing a blanket deal, TikTok is now inviting individual Merlin members to negotiate their own licensing agreements. Concerns over streaming fraud drive this shift, and the quality and legitimacy of some music provided by Merlin members, particularly altered versions (sped-up or slowed-down) of copyrighted content.
TikTok assures that these direct deals will allow for better control over content quality and foster closer relationships with Merlin’s members. As fraud in the music industry continues to grow, TikTok remains committed to ensuring that all content on its platform is legitimate and up to standard.
Merlin members now have until October 25 to sign individual agreements to keep their music on TikTok, before the global licensing deal expires on October 31.
#2. Concert tickets disappear from Ticketmaster accounts
Recently, numerous fans have reported the sudden disappearance of concert tickets from their Ticketmaster accounts, with some losing thousands of dollars. Users have seen their tickets transferred to unknown accounts without their consent. One customer lost over $1,200 worth of tickets for multiple events, while another discovered their P!nk concert tickets had been transferred and put up for resale.
The issue has worsened following a data breach attributed to the hacker group ShinyHunters, which allegedly accessed sensitive Ticketmaster information. This led to a class-action lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, affecting millions of accounts. The company denies that passwords were compromised, instead pointing to individual email hacks.
Meanwhile, Ticketmaster is still facing an antitrust lawsuit led by the Department of Justice, which seeks to break up its monopoly with Live Nation.
#3. Spotify reveals the global rise of francophone content
Spotify has released its first-ever report on Francophone content, highlighting a significant increase in the global consumption of French-language material. Between August 2023 and July 2024, more than 100 million users listened to French music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the platform.
The report attributes this growth to the diversity and quality of French-language content, as well as Spotify's efforts to promote Francophone artists and creators through initiatives like the RADAR program. Since 2019, streams of French-language tracks have surged by 94%, with 39 million users adding at least one French song to their playlists.
Beyond music, Francophone podcasts and educational content for learning French have also gained international popularity. The report also highlights regional preferences: Latin American listeners favor artists like Stromae and Patrick Watson, while audiences in the Asia-Pacific region prefer genres such as R&B and French pop, with artists like Aya Nakamura and GIMS leading the way.
#4. Sony Music acquires Pink Floyd’s music catalog for $400 Million
Pink Floyd finalized a major deal with Sony Music, selling its recorded music catalog, along with neighboring rights and image rights, for approximately $400 million. The agreement, however, does not include publishing rights.
This acquisition follows Sony's recent purchase of Queen's discography rights for over $1 billion. Pink Floyd's catalog, managed by two UK-based companies, generated roughly $50 million in revenue in 2023.
The announcement comes after a lengthy negotiation process. The catalog was first put up for sale in 2022, attracting interest from major music industry players like Warner Music, BMG, and other private investors.
#5. Music as a Voice of Political Resistance
Music has always been a powerful means of political expression, allowing artists, listeners, and politicians to convey ideas and ideologies, particularly the rejection of the establishment. Iconic tracks like “Anarchy in the UK” by the Sex Pistols and “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine perfectly illustrate this ability to resonate with contemporary sociopolitical concerns.
Looking at more recent artists like The Clash, Lady Gaga, and Stormzy, we see that this tradition of engagement continues. Lady Gaga, for example, uses her platform to promote the empowerment of minorities, while Stormzy calls out leaders on sensitive issues, demanding accountability and highlighting injustices.
Thus, the relationship between music and politics remains both intimate and dynamic. Artists who dare to express their beliefs not only maintain their relevance but also inspire new generations around the world.
