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In August 2022 we told you about Sony Music Entertainment Japan’s virtual talent brand called, PRISM Project. At the time, SMEJ launched a global talent audition for real-life creators to work as virtual characters via the Tokyo-based company, described in a press release as a “member of the Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. family of virtual talent brands”. SMEJ doubled down on the virtual […]

Last month, MBW told you that a consortium is looking to take Believe private by acquiring the company via a bid worth around USD $1.65 billion. That consortium is comprised of Swedish investment firm EQT, plus existing Believe investor TCV, and the music company’s founder and CEO, Denis Ladegaillerie. This trio may yet face some competition in the bidding process.

Music streaming app Spotify has made a strategic expansion in the audiobook market with the launch of a $9.99 per month standalone audiobooks tier aimed at its free users.  This comes after the company dipped its toes into the audiobook waters late last year by offering 15 hours of free listening to its existing Premium subscribers. The new ‘Audiobooks Access Tier,’ as it’s

Artist marketing platform un:hurd is rolling out a suite of new tools for artists and labels, after announcing a new six-figure strategic funding round that includes investments from Nigerian artist/record exec Mr Eazi and Dutch DJ/producer Sam Feldt. Also investing in the latest round is Willard Ahdritz, Founder and Chairman of Kobalt. Ahdritz, who led a seven-figure funding

Bucks Music Group, an independent music rights management company, has announced the launch of a new joint venture called Chelsea Songs, bringing together its expertise with the industry experience of music publishing veteran Eddie Levy. Chelsea Songs will operate as an independent company, representing a diverse catalogue of music rights. The venture will initially focus on existing

Music data company Viberate has unveiled new research results focused on the use (and usefulness) of streaming platforms by A&Rs around the world. The findings are based on a survey of 125 music industry professionals. 77% were label managers or label A&Rs, with the remainder consisting of a mixture of artist managers, booking agents, digital marketers and

Warner Music Group-owned Atlantic Music Group is making around two dozen layoffs. The news was announced in a memo sent by Atlantic Music Group Chairman and CEO, Julie Greenwald, to the company’s staff on Monday (February 26), and obtained by MBW. Greenwald explained in the memo that the staff changes will primarily impact the label

Pophouse Entertainment Group, the Swedish entertainment company behind ABBA Voyage and the forthcoming KISS avatar show, has made a significant music rights acquisition. The company has acquired the majority share of American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper’s master recording revenue and publishing. Pophouse notes that the acquisition does not include Lauper’s Broadway music. Today’s (February 29) announcement marks Pophouse’s first

Independent creative music rights company Bella Figura Music has announced two significant appointments: Billy Millar as Senior Vice President of Creative, and Chris Presland as Catalog Project Manager. Millar is a seasoned executive with a rich background in the music industry, having held prominent positions at BMG and Hipgnosis. He brings over a decade of experience and expertise in sync,