This Week in Music Business: Key Industry Updates (December 20–26, 2024)

This week has been eventful, with impactful moves across partnerships, legal battles, and artist milestones that set the tone for what’s to come in 2025. Let’s dive into the highlights.

Universal Music Group Renews Partnership with Amazon Music

Universal Music Group (UMG) and Amazon Music have extended their global licensing agreement. This collaboration emphasizes innovation under the “Streaming 2.0” model, focusing on better fraud protection and providing new opportunities for artists to share exclusive content.

Why It Matters: As the streaming landscape evolves, this partnership sets a precedent for artist-friendly practices and improved revenue models. It’s a move toward a more sustainable future for creators.

UMG Acquires Downtown Music Holdings for $775 Million

In a major acquisition, UMG, via its Virgin Music Group, purchased Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million. While this reinforces UMG’s dominance in the industry, independent organizations are raising concerns about the impact on competition and opportunities for smaller players.

Key Takeaway: This acquisition reflects the increasing consolidation of power among major players, potentially limiting options for independent artists and labels. The ripple effects will be worth watching in the coming months.

TikTok Heads to the Supreme Court Over U.S. Ban

TikTok has secured a January hearing with the U.S. Supreme Court to challenge a proposed ban in the United States. As a leading platform for music discovery and promotion, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for artists and marketers alike.

What’s at Stake: A U.S. ban could disrupt promotional strategies for emerging artists, forcing the industry to adapt quickly to alternative platforms.

Adele’s "Million Years Ago" Removed from Streaming Platforms

A Brazilian court has ruled against Adele in a plagiarism dispute, leading to a worldwide ban on her song “Million Years Ago.” This legal decision has temporarily halted streaming and physical sales, with Sony and Universal preparing an appeal.

Industry Impact: This case highlights the ongoing importance of intellectual property protection in the music business. Artists and their teams must prioritize thorough legal checks before releasing material.

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Hit Breaks Streaming Records

Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has officially surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first holiday track to achieve this milestone. The song’s enduring popularity continues to generate substantial revenue each year.

Why It’s Significant: This success showcases the value of timeless music in the digital age. Catalog music remains a critical revenue stream for the industry.

Spotify Executives Sell Over $1 Billion in Stock

Spotify executives, including CEO Daniel Ek, sold a combined $1.25 billion in stock during 2024. This development has sparked speculation about the company’s financial strategy and future direction.

What to Watch: As Spotify navigates profitability challenges, these stock sales may signal shifts in their long-term plans. This could influence decisions for labels and artists relying on the platform.

Dom Dolla to Headline Madison Square Garden

Electronic music producer Dom Dolla has secured a headline show at Madison Square Garden in March 2025. Following a sold-out performance at Forest Hills Stadium, this marks a career milestone for the rising DJ.

Industry Insight: This move highlights the growing prominence of electronic music in venues traditionally dominated by mainstream pop and rock acts. A shift in audience preferences is becoming increasingly evident.

Post Malone Announces 2025 Stadium Tour

Post Malone revealed his "Big Ass Stadium Tour," set to kick off in April 2025. Covering major cities across North America, the tour is expected to draw massive crowds and further solidify Post Malone’s dominance in live entertainment.

The Big Picture: Despite the rise of streaming, live performances remain a crucial pillar of the music industry, providing artists with significant revenue and fan engagement opportunities.