Live Nation has already sold 100m tickets in 2025 so far – compared to 98m sold in all of 2019Live Nation CFO Joe Berchtold talks about pricing, facing a potential economic slowdown, and fixing the company's public relations headaches
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The new soft power and its hidden rulesThroughout the 20th century, particularly the second half, many Western countries – such as the US, UK, and France – increased their global influence through the use of cultural soft power. This was done through tools like Voice of America and the BBC World Service, as well as via movies, TV, journalism, and music. The oft-discussed ‘globalisation’ of culture was, more accurately, a westernisation of global culture. With local-language entertainment growing more popular, audiences fragmenting, and ongoing budget cuts to the World Service as well as (to put it diplomatically) an uncertain future for Radio Free America, the soft power era may appear to be over. It is not. 

Just as the much-heralded end-of-the-gatekeepers was in fact a replacement of human tastemakers with algorithmic ones, so too the human soft power era has been replaced by an algorithmic one. Over the course of the last decade, American tech companies have assumed a dominant cultural and social role in the lives of consumers across the globe. In doing so, the corporate ideologies of these companies (manifested in their algorithms and strategies) now shape the way the world sees itself, just as – if not more than – traditional soft power strategies did. Most pertinently for entertainment, these companies have collectively formulated a new set of rules for cultural success, that stack the deck so that the house always wins.

The leaders of these companies and their investors often have firmly held political beliefs. They often see the companies as tools for furthering their views and agendas – even if those agendas are to manufacture new problems to sell solutions to (which, of course, is part of why the US is so concerned about TikTok). While the old soft power era aimed to propagate (at least in theory) the cultural and political views of entire nations, US tech soft power furthers the worldview of one particular slice of US society.

Sometimes this is done out in the open (e.g., Elon Musk / X) but most often, the implementation is subtler. Because the inner workings of algorithms are closely guarded corporate secrets, not even governments, let alone consumers, are privy to how they are influencing thinking, beliefs, and behaviour. This is unaccountable, social engineering on a literally global scale. The geo-political and social implications are vast, but the impact on entertainment and culture is also profound.

When you are in the midst of change, it can sometimes be hard to understand just how dramatic and significant it actually is. The numbers alone show just how much the influence of US tech companies has increased over the last ten years.

In that time, streaming has come to dominate music and TV revenues, while social has simultaneously given birth to the creator economy and become the collective gatekeeper for entertainment discovery, with often less-than-satisfactory results. It is social’s role that is the most far reaching and that entertainment companies and creators are least able to influence. The result is that entertainment industries have become governed by a new set of rules that they did not write:

Make more content, more quickly

Try fast, fail fast

Chase virality, not longevity

Bring value to ‘discovery’ platforms but extract little or no value in return

Compete with everything and everyone for attention

Accept toxicity as a cost of doing business

What these rules have in common is that the outcomes benefit the platforms more than they do creators and rightsholders. Social and streaming platforms have an insatiable appetite for content, and the burden for meeting that falls on creators and rightsholders. But this appetite is not some unintended consequence, it has been engineered by the platforms in order to meet and increase demand of their users. Pouring gasoline on the viral fire might burn bright, but once the initial flames die down, they often leave behind nothing but scorched earth.

Meanwhile, entertainment companies have been forced to re-engineer their businesses to abide by these new rules. And there are few among them that would argue that the outcome is positive, with a recent quote from WMG’s Elliot Grainge a case in point:

“The whole point of the algorithm is to feed you content that triggers a dopamine response in your brain. It can be really negative and addicting… Those who truly succeed aren’t the loudest; they’re the ones with their heads down, grinding, unsure if it will even work, but going for it anyway… Don’t take the bait and fall for it.”

AI looks set to knock everything up a notch, not least because some of the investors behind the AI companies favour dramatic copyright reform, in some cases even seeing it simply as a hindrance to tech’s future. If you want to take a conspiracy theory approach, you could make the case that one of the reasons the big AI companies have received such massive levels of investment is to provide war chests for fighting precedent-setting copyright cases that will further the ideological ambitions of their investor backers.

So, what can be done? There are two alternatives:

1.    Continue as we are, with tomorrow becoming an even more intense version of today

2.    Begin plotting a different path

Few would want the first option, but the second could seem like a Herculean task. Yet, it might just be that a window of opportunity has presented itself in the shape of the new US tariff regime. More on that in my next blog post! 

New Trending Touring Artists Chart powered by BandsintownToday we unveil Hypebot's new Trending Touring Artists Chart powered by Bandsintown led in May by emerging artists Sombr, Will Wood and James Marriott.
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How to Use Short Form Video to Promote Music on Social MediaLearn how to use short form video to promote music across social media. It's easier than you think to create scroll-stopping clips that get noticed without fancy gear or endless editing.
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Loaded Dice Entertainment & Amaze Partner in Strategic Merchandise DealAmaze Holdings Inc. has announced that it has been selected by Loaded Dice Entertainment as its official merchandise partner.  "Loaded Dice empowers independent musicians through artist development programs, transparent revenue-sharing, robust music distribution, and innovative marketing strategies," reads a statement. "As part of the partnership, Amaze will host both Loaded Dice branded merchandise and artist-specific items that will be appreciated by fans worldwide. The first Loaded Dice artist featured on the Amaze storefront is Hudson Thames, whose debut album BAMBINO was recently released and whose storefront includes artist designed sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats."“Partnering with Loaded Dice provides the brand and its artists with unparalleled opportunities for new exposure amongst Amaze’s users,” said Aaron Day, CEO of Amaze. “As Loaded Dice helps artists with their music, Amaze will help artists reach new audiences and easily create and sell merchandise on their own. Merchandise revenue can be a significant support for artists, and we look forward to empowering artists to create and sell items that represent their art and resonate with their fans.”“From day one, Loaded Dice has been committed to creating a distinctive environment where artists can thrive creatively and professionally. As we continue to grow, it’s essential that we align with partners who share our values and vision. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Amaze. Together, we’re empowering our artists to express their authentic style, reach new audiences, and offer fans innovative merchandise experiences that go far beyond the traditional. We’re excited to collaborate with the Amaze team as we redefine what fan engagement and artist support can look like,” said Jeff Z (Zuchowski) and Chad Doher, Co-Founders of Loaded Dice.Find out more at amaze.com.The post Loaded Dice Entertainment & Amaze Partner in Strategic Merchandise Deal first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Maarten Steinkamp appointed Interim President of Armada Music GroupSteinkamp has worked closely with Armada as an interim board consultant for the past several months
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Has music hit peak fandom? [MIDiA’s Mark Mulligan]"(You) cannot harvest fandom if you are not also nurturing it," writes MIDiA's Mark Mulligan. Superfans are seen as music's financial lifeline, but 2024 showed signs they’re being stretched to the limit. Have we hit peak fandom?
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Learn How To Book Live Shows: Free Touring 101 Online CourseIncome from live shows accounts for 80% and more of most musicians' income. Learn how to book live shows with this free self-guided online course for musicians and all of us who work with them.
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Position Music Signs Songwriter, Producer & Musician Dave Cohen To A Global Publishing Deal(L-R): Mark Chipello (Partner and Head of A&R, Position Music), Hannah Babitt (President and Founder, BABZ), Dave Cohen, Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Tyler Bacon (Founder and CEO, Position Music)Tyler Bacon, President and CEO of Position Music, released a statement on Tursday to announce that "Dave Cohen has signed a global publishing deal with the company. The writer, producer,and musician has credits with high-profile artists such as Elle King, Shaboozey (feat. BigXThaPlug), Chris Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, and Alli Walker.""Dave Cohen is a Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and four-time Academy of Country Music winner for Keyboard Player of the Year," they said. "Originally from Canada, Dave has built an impressive career working with some of the biggest names in music. As a highly sought-after session musician, he has played on records for Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Old Dominion, HARDY, and Ella Langley, among many others."“I’m grateful to be surrounded by a team of people who believe in the work I pursue. Chandler Thurston (Position) in partnership with Hannah Babitt (BABZ Management), is the obvious fit—the right creative family to work alongside in this new season and next chapter, within Nashville, Los Angeles, and beyond,” says Cohen."Cohen joins a Position Music publishing roster that includes Tinashe, Cannons, Audien, Polyphia, Steve Solomon, Khal Yassein, Sam Tinnez, John “Feldy” Feldmann, Jack LaFrantz, Zach Skelton, Maya K, Joe Kearns, Peter Thomas, Austin Powerz, Brandyn Burnette, Layto, Dru “Falconry” DeCaro, Judah & the Lion, KANNER, No Love For The Middle Child, Erik Ron, NoMBe, RJ Pasin, and more," they added."You'd be hard pressed to find a person in Nashville who doesn't already love and respect Dave Cohen,” says Chandler Thurston, A&R at Position Music. “I am excited to have him as our first signing out of our Nashville office. Dave is a diverse writer and producer whose talent allows him to work across many genres. I can't wait for the future as we've already hit the ground running."Cohen is managed by Hannah Babitt of BABZ Management."We are thrilled to partner with our friends at Position Music as Dave Cohen enters this next chapter of his career. As BABZ Management continues to grow our presence in the global market, we remain focused on aligning top-tier talent with the industry’s most respected publishing partners. Dave’s exceptional artistry, combined with Chandler Thurston’s impeccable reputation in Nashville and Position Music’s existing global presence, sets the stage for a powerful, multi-genre, multi-market trajectory; one that we are proud to support and help shape," says Babitt.Visit positionmusic.com for more.The post Position Music Signs Songwriter, Producer & Musician Dave Cohen To A Global Publishing Deal first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Music publishers file amended lawsuit against AI firm Anthropic, which they say ‘bolsters the case’ over company’s ‘unauthorized use of song lyrics’Music publishers have refiled their legal complaint against Anthropic, and the AI company has once again moved to have the case dismissed
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How To Upgrade A Spotify Artist ProfileYour Spotify artist profile is more than just a page, it's a powerful tool to convert casual listeners into loyal fans and boost your income. Learn how to upgrade a Spotify Artist profile to increase streams, sell more merch, and fill more seats at your shows.
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Live Music Hotel Takeovers go global with HOTEL EDC ThailandLive music hotel takeovers to create a festival experience minus the porta potties is not a new thing in Las Vegas. But now the most popular of them all - Electronic Daisy Carnival’s (EDC) immersive hotel experience is going global with a Thailand edition.
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Equi=Tech Partners with Sound Vision Works to Launch Model 1RFor over three decades, Equi=Tech has been a quiet force—literally—in the world of professional audio. Founded in 1992 by the late Martin Glasband, the southern Oregon-based company has led the charge in symmetrical power technology, helping studios large and small eliminate electrical noise and interference at the source. From wall-mount to rack-mount systems, Equi=Tech’s offerings have long been trusted by top-tier recording and post-production facilities. Now, with a strategic new partnership and a product aimed at more compact setups, the company is preparing to bring balanced power to a broader audience.Equi=Tech has announced a new collaboration with Sound Vision Works, a sales, marketing, and distribution firm with deep roots in the professional audio industry. A statement from the company discloses that the partnership “aims to champion Equi=Tech’s three decades of innovation and support new product releases, beginning with the Model 1R Balanced Power System.”The Model 1R is the first product launched under this new partnership, and it’s designed with boutique studios and smaller-scale operations in mind. This 1U rackmount unit delivers 1000 watts of balanced power and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. Inside, a bifilar-wound isolation transformer generates a 60Hz sine wave based on Martin Glasband’s original specifications from 1992—technology that has not only stood the test of time, but continues to be more relevant than ever.“Equi=Tech is eager to introduce Martin’s legacy to a new generation of users,” said Jan Glasband, CEO of Equi=Tech. A statement from the company continues, “Martin conducted his groundbreaking research on the safe-use and nationwide standard of balanced power applications over thirty years ago, and yet the technology is more relevant than ever.”The 1R is aimed at users who want the benefits of Equi=Tech’s larger systems in a more accessible format. “The Model 1R is a fantastic entry point for engineers and studios curious about the benefits of symmetrical power,” Jan Glasband added. “It’s an easily integrable version of our larger wall-mount units that clients like Blackbird and Ardent Studios have come to rely on.”For Sound Vision Works Managing Director Will Kahn, the proof is in the performance. “Plugging in my Equi=Tech at the studio was mind-blowing,” Kahn shared. A statement from Kahn adds, “During my A/B test against wall power, I thought I'd made a mistake—the instant improvement seemed impossible. Beyond just reducing noise, I gained depth, width, and stability... I’ve heard converter shootouts with less dramatic differences.”The Model 1R includes a front panel with standby and power switches, two unswitched outlets, and ten filtered outlets on the back, making it flexible for a range of studio configurations. It can be rack-mounted or used on a desktop and, like all Equi=Tech products, is hand-assembled in Grants Pass, Oregon.Retailing at $1,990 USD, the Model 1R is now available through select retailers. For studios looking to minimize noise and maximize clarity without overhauling their entire power infrastructure, this new unit may be just the right fit.The post Equi=Tech Partners with Sound Vision Works to Launch Model 1R first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Ed Newton-Rex: Why I’m deleting my SoundCloud account.This MBW Views op/ed comes from Ed Newton-Rex (pictured), CEO of the ethical generative AI non-profit, Fairly Trained.  
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Ticketmaster launches all in pricing, other changes in U.S.Ticketmaster launches all in pricing in the U.S. All ticketing, facility and other fees expect taxes will now be displayed upfront when the consumer sees the initial ticket price. Ticketmaster. Continue reading
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