BeatBread CEO and Co-Founder Peter Sinclair Dies Aged 50
Music fintech company BeatBread has lost its CEO and co-founder Peter Sinclair, who passed away Saturday (August 23) surrounded by family in Los Angeles. Sinclair was instrumental in building BeatBread’s innovative artist funding platform that provided advances to independent musicians based on streaming data analytics.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/beatbread-ceo-and-co-founder-peter-sinclair-dies-aged-50/
Independent Rapper LaRussell Makes Millions with Fan-Pricing Model
Bay Area rapper LaRussell has generated millions in revenue through an innovative business model that allows fans to set their own prices for music and merchandise. The approach has created a community-driven economy around his music, with fans paying anywhere from $1 to thousands of dollars for the same content based on their personal connection and financial means.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/independent-rapper-larussell-made-millions-allowing-fans-set-prices-rcna227322
I don't have anything free to bribe you with.
SoundExchange Distributions Top $242.5M in Q2 2025
The performing rights organization SoundExchange distributed over $242.5 million to artists and rightsholders in the second quarter of 2025, marking a significant increase in digital performance royalties. The growth reflects continued expansion in digital radio, satellite radio, and streaming platform usage across the U.S.
https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2025/08/top-music-business-news-last-week-7.html
Bandcamp Warns of Tariff Troubles for Music Sales
Music platform Bandcamp has issued warnings to thousands of artists and independent labels about potential disruptions to global sales and shipping due to escalating international tariff battles. The platform cites increasing complications in cross-border transactions and fulfillment as trade tensions impact the music merchandise and physical media markets.
https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2025/08/bandcamp-warns-tariffs-mean-trouble-for-music-and-merch-sales.html
Spotify’s Discovery Mode Accounts for 10% of Label Payouts
New data reveals that Spotify’s Discovery Mode feature, which promotes tracks in exchange for discounted royalty rates, now represents approximately 10% of major label payouts from the platform. One unnamed label executive reported the feature peaked at 15% of their Spotify revenue last year, highlighting its significant impact on streaming economics.
https://musically.com/2025/08/26/spotify-roundup-new-tier-tensions-price-rises-discovery-mode/
Spotify’s New Superfan Tier Faces Development Challenges
Bloomberg reports that Spotify’s highly anticipated superfan subscription tier remains in development limbo due to disagreements over features and ongoing negotiations with rightsholders. Major record labels are reportedly pushing for premium pricing structures around early access to new releases, while concert promoter discussions about ticket presales continue.
https://musically.com/2025/08/26/spotify-roundup-new-tier-tensions-price-rises-discovery-mode/
Music Marketing Shifts to Sound-On Formats in 2025
Industry performance marketers report a significant pivot toward immersive sound-on advertising formats as traditional Facebook and Instagram feed ads show sound-off rates between 20-50%. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Connected TV are seeing increased music marketing investment due to higher sound-on engagement rates and more efficient CPMs.
https://www.guptamedia.com/music-marketing
Holodigm Academy Launches Artist Management Course
A new academic program specifically designed for aspiring artist managers has launched through Holodigm Academy, addressing the knowledge gap in professional music management education. The course aims to provide structured learning for those entering the artist management field without prior industry experience.
https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/random-music-news-for-saturday-august-30-2025/
Music Industry Jobs Market Shows Continued Growth
Multiple high-level positions have opened across major music companies this week, including roles at Universal Music Group, BMG, Epitaph Records, and peermusic. Notable openings include Director of New Digital Business & Innovation at UMG and Head of Northern European Administration at peermusic, indicating continued expansion in digital and international markets.
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/
Garrett Mickley
Garrett Mickley is a dedicated music copywriter who has skillfully combined his two true passions—music and writing—into a fulfilling career. Drawing on years of experience as a musician and writer, Garrett has developed a unique ability to craft compelling content that resonates with both fans and industry professionals. Whether it's writing engaging press releases, captivating lyrics, or impactful marketing campaigns, Garrett thrives on helping artists connect with their audience on a deeper level. His expertise and genuine love for both music and communication make him a trusted partner for musicians looking to elevate their careers through the power of words.
I don't have anything free to bribe you with.