Steve Stoute talks independence, emerging markets and how UnitedMasters artist FloyyMenor scored TikTok’s biggest song of 2024Gata Only, released independently via UnitedMasters, was the most popular track globally on the platform this year
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Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Laufey and More Light Up the Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs ChartWith the holidays in full swing, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), a professional membership organization of songwriters, composers and music publishers, unwraps the ultimate soundtrack for the season. Celebrating the songwriters behind the latest trending tinsel tunes and cherished seasonal standards alike, ASCAP announces the Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs and the Top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs for 2024. For the second year in a row, Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree,” co-written with acclaimed hitmaker Greg Kurstin, takes the top spot on ASCAP’s New Classic Holiday Songs chart, which comprises songs released in the last 20 years. Grammy-winning and genre-defying singer-songwriter Laufey’s “Christmas Magic” sparkles as the newest addition to the New Classic chart, captivating holiday listeners alongside Katy Perry’s “Cozy Little Christmas” and Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe.” ASCAP’s seasonal standards continue to delight listeners with "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by acclaimed Broadway composer Meredith Willson coming in at #1 on ASCAP’s Top 25 Holiday Songs chart. No holiday would be complete without Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The now classic song, co-written by acclaimed songwriter-producer Walter Afanasieff, turns 30 this year and returns at #8. Another familiar tune on the ASCAP chart, beloved bilingual singalong “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano, continues to shine in the holiday canon at #17.Johnny Marks’s fireside favorites “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” take three of the top 25 spots – a feat that defines Marks as the ultimate holiday hitmaker. Originally written between 1949 and 1962, his timeless songs have been covered by countless artists including Kacey Musgraves, Meghan Trainor, DMX, Ingrid Michaelson and Dan + Shay to name a few.Below are the top 10 most-played ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs of 2024* and the top 25 most-played ASCAP Holiday Songs of 2024**, all written, co-written or arranged by ASCAP songwriters and composers. Each song is listed with ASCAP-licensed songwriter credits and copyright date.Listen to the top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs here: https://bit.ly/49sygfK THE TOP 10 ASCAP NEW CLASSIC HOLIDAY SONGS OF 2024:“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin (2013)

“Santa Tell Me” by Savan Kotecha and Ilya Salmanzadeh (2013)

“Snowman” by Greg Kurstin and Sia (2017)

“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber and Adam Messinger (2011)

“Like It's Christmas” by Gian Stone (2019)

“Cozy Little Christmas” by Ferras Alqaisi, Katy Perry and Greg Wells (2018)

“Santa, Can't You Hear Me” by Kelly Clarkson (2021)

“Believe” by Glen Ballard (2004)

“Christmas Magic” by Laufey (2024)

“Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri (2010)Listen to the top 25 ASCAP Holiday Songs here: https://bit.ly/4f3swdC THE TOP 25 ASCAP HOLIDAY SONGS OF 2024:“It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Meredith Willson (1951)

“Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish (1948)

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe (1958)

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Johnny Marks (1962)

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Johnny Marks (1958)

“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne (1945)

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie (1934)

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Walter Afanasieff and Mariah Carey (1994)

“Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith (1934)

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Edward Pola and George Wyle (1963)

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin (1944)

“White Christmas” by Irving Berlin (1941)

“Frosty the Snowman” by Steve Nelson and Walter E. Rollins (1950)

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks (1949)

“The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells (1946)

“Jingle Bells” (Frank Sinatra version), arranged by Gordon Jenkins (1958)

“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970)

“Santa Baby” by Joan Javits, Anthony Springer and Philip Springer (1953)

“Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)” by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman (1947)

“Silver Bells” by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston (1950)

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Dr. Seuss and Albert Hague (1966)

“This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway and Nadine McKinnor (1970)

“Deck the Halls” (Nat King Cole version), arranged by Nat King Cole and Leland Gillette (1960)

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin (2013)

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Frank Loesser (1944)*Based on an analysis of ASCAP streaming and terrestrial radio data and continued ASCAP membership for songs with a copyright date after 2004.**Based on an analysis of ASCAP streaming and terrestrial radio data and continued membership in ASCAP.The post Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Laufey and More Light Up the Top 10 ASCAP New Classic Holiday Songs Chart first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Music and tech veterans Deborah Mannis-Gardner and Pär Almqvist launch AYO Music GroupAYO is described as 'an active copyright administrator offering global administration of publishing, neighboring rights, and recordings'
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Pitchfork Album Of The Year is Not On Spotify: Trend or Anomaly?You can’t listen to “Diamond Jubilee,” Pitchfork’s Album Of The Year on Spotify or any other streaming service. In addition to Pitchfork, other outlets swooned,. Uproxx called the album the. Continue reading
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Essential Website Tips For MusiciansTransform an artist website into a powerful tool for fan engagement and career growth. From collecting email addresses to selling merch and optimizing your design, learn these essential website tips. Continue reading
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Music Industry Predictions 2025: Michael Brandvold & Jay GilbertMichael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert share three predictions for the music industry in 2025 on a new episode of the Music Biz Weekly Podcast.
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The Blues Foundation Salutes The 2025 Keeping The Blues Alive Recipients During International Blues Challenge WeekThe Blues Foundation launches its 40th year by saluting the 2025 Keeping The Blues Alive (KBA) honorees during International Blues Challenge week, Tuesday, January 7 through Saturday, January 11. This year's KBA recipients are The Rhythm Room; Blues Blast Magazine; Charlie Hussey; Big Ed's Blues Jam; Little Steven's Blues School; Cincy Blues Society; Jefferson Street Sound Museum; and Ryszard Gloger.Keeping The Blues Alive Awards are chosen annually by a select panel of blues professionals, honoring those who have played crucial roles in advancing the art and commerce of blues. This year’s esteemed honorees will be recognized for their achievements at the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards brunch, taking place Friday, January 10 at 10:30AM, at the Hyatt Centric Hotel on Beale Street. Tickets are $80. and available on the blues.org website.The KBA ceremony is part of the Blues Foundation’s 40th Annual International Blues Challenge. This year's IBC Week kicks off Tuesday, January 7, 2025, with International Showcase performances on historic Beale Street, concluding with the Finals at Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre Saturday, January 11. Over a thousand musicians will converge in Memphis from across the globe, competing with their blues peers for the honor of winning — along with prizes and bookings — the International Blues Challenge, the world’s largest and most renowned blues music competition. Showcases, jams, panels, workshops, and master classes take place throughout Beale Street; spontaneous live music jams continue into the early-morning hours after the IBC performances conclude each evening, including unannounced appearances by well-known artists.This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Rhythm Room, a cornerstone of the blues community in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the past three decades, the Rhythm Room has hosted thousands of performances by blues artists and has become a vital hub for the genre. In a city as large as Phoenix—the fifth largest in the U.S.—it remains the only venue offering weekly blues performances, making its role indispensable to the local music scene.Owned and operated by blues musician and advocate Bob Corritore, the Rhythm Room has faced numerous challenges in its mission to keep blues music alive in the Southwest. At a time when many blues venues are shutting their doors, Bob’s dedication and personal sacrifices have ensured that the Rhythm Room remains a sanctuary for blues fans and musicians alike.The Rhythm Room’s importance extends beyond its role as a live music venue. It attracts blues enthusiasts from across the country, providing local audiences with opportunities to see national and international blues acts, not just local talent. Moreover, the venue offers a unique benefit to musicians: many performers who play at the Rhythm Room are invited to stay an extra day to record in Bob Corritore’s world-class recording studio. These sessions often result in music that is distributed at no cost to the artists, providing additional income and exposure. This model of support is unparalleled among music venues globally.In addition to its contributions to blues music, the Rhythm Room is a steadfast supporter of the broader blues community. It has hosted the Phoenix Blues Society’s International Blues Challenge competition and has been a longtime advocate for the Blues Foundation’s HART Fund, organizing an annual benefit where all proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the fund’s mission of helping blues musicians in need.While the Rhythm Room welcomes artists across various genres, its unwavering commitment to blues music is what sets it apart. Few venues can claim such a strong and enduring dedication to preserving and promoting the blues. Through its exceptional efforts, the Rhythm Room has solidified its place as an essential institution for the blues community and beyond.The post The Blues Foundation Salutes The 2025 Keeping The Blues Alive Recipients During International Blues Challenge Week first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Stingray’s karaoke app is becoming a common feature in electric cars. Now the company has secured an expanded $352m credit facilityMontreal-headquartered music, media, and tech company is involved in numerous businesses, from advertising to streaming and conventional broadcast TV and radio
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100+ indie distributors in 20 countries have now signed up for The MLC’s data portal for unmatched royaltiesThe MLC says "millions of dollars" in royalties have been paid out thanks to its portal for indie distributors
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Layoffs at CD Baby as DIY & Indie Music Distributors struggleThere are layoffs at CD Baby, one of the largest DIY and independent music distribution services.
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Singer-Songwriter Cape May Conference returnsAfter a five-year hiatus, the Singer-Songwriter Cape May conference returns on March 28-29, 2025. Singer-Songwriter Cape May Conference returns Helmed by music industry veteran John Harris, the Singer-Songwriter Cape May conference will. Continue reading
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Christmas Music Dominates Streaming: The Ever-Expanding Holiday SeasonLearn how Christmas music dominates streaming in the ever-expanding holiday season as its influence on pop culture grows.
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Matt Gorman Signs with Wide Open Music And Jaron BoyerSongwriter and artist Matt Gorman has signed a joint venture with Wide Open Music and Jaron Boyer’s Open Door Apostolic Publishing, BMI. A native of South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gorman moved to Nashville in 2019 to finish his education and play baseball at Lipscomb University. When not in class or at practice, he filled his days co-writing songs and playing shows throughout Nashville.“It has been such a gift to watch Matt grow as a songwriter and artist,” said 2024 SESAC Songwriter of the Year Jaron Boyer. “I know God has big plans for him and I’m so excited to see it all come to fruition. I’m so lucky to be a part of this venture with Matt Gorman and Wide Open.”In a short period of time, Gorman has generated millions of streams with his own songs like “Little Things,” “I Pray,” “Lakehouse,” and more. Baseball had been his life before moving to Nashville to attend Lipsomb, his dream school for his love of sport but also the proximity to music and songwriting. He spent days in class and on the field and nights writing, playing rounds and hitting Lower Broad. He pours all of his life experiences and observations into his music, which is now his sole focus.“I’m thankful to be in a place with some of the best people I know,” said Gorman. “From Jaron Boyer, Ash Bowers, Paul Compton and every writer on this roster I am so proud to call this place home. Being surrounded by people that are so talented is extremely inspiring, but also being surrounded by people that put God first makes this place what it is. I’m excited for what’s to come for this company and there is absolutely no other place I’d want to be.”Learn more:https://www.wideopenmusic.comThe post Matt Gorman Signs with Wide Open Music And Jaron Boyer first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Sony Music pulls catalog from Africa-focused music streaming service BoomplaySources tell MBW that concerns have been growing at other rightsholders over late royalty payments from the platform
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AEG Presents strikes strategic partnership with, takes stake in, Germany’s MCT AgenturAEG Presents acquires "partnership stake" in Germany-based concert promoter MCT Agentur
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