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Setlist

Business & Economics Podcasts

SETLIST is the music business podcast from CMU

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Description:

SETLIST is the music business podcast from CMU

Twitter:

@cmu

Language:

English

Contact:

+442080999050


Episodes

US politicians want TikTok to sell up or be banned

3/15/2024
On this week's show we discuss proposals voted through the US House of Representatives this week to force TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the video-sharing app or face a ban in country, and the UK Labour Party's pledge to introduce a cap on ticket resale prices if it wins the next election. SECTION TIMES 01: TikTok ban (00:03:20) 02: News in brief (00:14:21) 03: Ticket resale (00:17:00) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Selling TikTok would be last resort for ByteDance, sources say as House votes through sell-or-be-banned law • TikTok insists it isn't forcing Americans to phone politicians as ban proposal gets fast-tracked in Congress • Labour commits to UK ticket touting price cap, as Ed Sheeran's team welcomes guilty verdict in ticket tout court case NEWS IN BRIEF • EU AI Act “world-first” say music trade bodies as European Parliament votes it into law • Texas governor tells SXSW boycotters “don’t come back” • Joe Rogan is back on Apple and Amazon - so Neil Young is back on Spotify • Bad Bunny sues fan over unofficial concert recordings on YouTube • Glastonbury announces headliners, as UK festival cancellations pass 20 ALSO MENTIONED • Believe x WMG takeover dance warms up as financial regulator is called in

Duration:00:23:33

Apple blames Spotify for €1.8 billion fine

3/8/2024
On this week's show we discuss the €1.8 billion fine Apple has been ordered to pay by the EU following an investigation into claims of anti-competitive behaviour made by Spotify, and Live Nation's explanation of why everyone else in the music industry is to blame for rising ticket prices. SECTION TIMES 01: Apple v Spotify (00:06:26) 02: News in brief (00:20:48) 03: Live Nation (00:25:33) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • EU fines €1.8 billion at end of Spotify initiated competition law investigation • Apple hits out at EU competition ruling that “ignores the realities of a market” • Live Nation says rising ticket prices definitely not its fault NEWS IN BRIEF • WMG is toying with an offer for Believe that would wipe out Warner’s cash reserves - but is it serious, would Believe shareholders sell and can WMG afford to bet the farm? • Hipgnosis Songs Fund takes a haircut - and might have bigger problems to come • New US-wide TikTok ban proposed in Congress • Mean Millennials scrap streaming subscriptions, mail order music is booming - and Apple Music might be making £500 million or more in the UK • Raye wins record-breaking six BRIT Awards ALSO MENTIONED • Tidal phases out HiFi Plus tier, makes higher quality audio part of its standard subscription product • The Truth About Ticket Pries (Live Nation)

Duration:00:33:03

UK music revenues are back to their CD peak (sort of)

3/1/2024
On this week's show we discuss the news that UK music retail revenues are back to where they were at the peak of the CD era in 2001. So long as you imagine that no time has passed in between. Plus, the brewing legal battle of Kanye West’s “shameless” interpolation of a Donna Summer track. SECTION TIMES 01: UK music revenues (00:06:47) 02: News in brief (00:15:20) 03: Kanye West (00:20:38) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • UK music retail revenues reach record high, according to ERA stats • Donna Summer estate sues Kanye West over “shameless” uncleared sample NEWS IN BRIEF • €111 million in TikTok revenue is nothing when you’re Lucian Grainge - but, he says, “my phone is always open” if Shou Zi Chew wants to be friends again • Warner boss teases superfan app that will be "a cross-platform solution" • Spotify vs Apple name-calling kicks off again after EU mega-fine rumours • UK Music again calls for VAT cut on tickets ahead of budget statement • And Finally! Ed Sheeran has let British music down, and now everyone only likes K-pop • Miley Cyrus tops IFPI singles list • Seventeen top IFPI albums list ALSO MENTIONED • Trademark dispute over Earth, Wind & Fire tribute shows back in court

Duration:00:26:27

The music business in 2024

2/26/2024
In this special edition of Setlist, Andy Malt and Chris Cooke dive into topics covered in CMU's latest series of masterclasses, which look at the music business in 2024. We talk through key trends in streaming, copyright, AI and more. SECTION TIMES 01: The music business in 2024 (00:04:58) 02: Music streaming in 2024 (00:12:51) 03: News in brief (00:19:55) 04: Music copyright in 2024 (00:22:51) 05: Music and AI in 2024 (00:33:01) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) CMU'S 2024 MASTERCLASS SESSIONS Get an expert overview of the topics that will define the music business in 2024, including copyright, streaming and AI, as well as economics of streaming developments. The four sessions discussed on this edition of Setlist are available to watch on demand, with four more still to come. Find out more and book all eight sessions for just £299 including VAT here NEWS IN BRIEF • Apple faces €500 million fine after Spotify-prompted EU competition investigation • EU to investigate TikTok over online safety concerns • Universal splurges almost quarter of a billion dollars to buy KKR out of Chord Music • Music industry’s billion dollar damages win in Cox case overturned • Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics

Duration:00:40:44

When arts funding and politics collide

2/16/2024
On this week's show we discuss questions and potential legal action over the politicisation of arts funding, as Kneecap are denied money by the British government and Arts Council England issues new guidance for anyone thinking of being controversial, plus the legal battle over royalties currently brewing between MLC and Pandora, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Arts funding (00:04:23) 02: News in brief (00:14:54) 03: MLC v Pandora (00:16:46) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch’s decision to block MEGS funding for Kneecap “unlawful” says band as it prepares legal action • Arts Council says free speech and controversy is fine, but please follow a detailed risk assessment first • MLC sues Pandora over unpaid royalties NEWS IN BRIEF • Tributes pour in as BBC radio presenter Steve Wright dies • Musicians' Union reluctantly reaches deal with English National Opera over orchestra cutbacks • NTIA says nightlife faces cultural crisis after 400 club closures since 2020 • As another grassroots venue closes, MVT renews calls for a ticket levy ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry welcomes German ruling holding TikTok liable for unlicensed content

Duration:00:23:11

AI developments cause celebration and concern

2/9/2024
On this week's show we discuss new developments on AI in the EU and UK that have given the music industry cause for both celebration and concern, and the commercial radio industry's anger as BBC Radio looks to give music fans more choice. SECTION TIMES 01: AI regulation (00:05:24) 02: News in brief (00:15:52) 03: BBC Radio (00:19:11) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Music industry welcomes EU member states agreeing AI Act • Planned UK code of practice on copyright and AI shelved • Government needs to "urgently reconsider" approach to copyright and AI, says culture committee Chair • Commercial radio sector calls on OfCom to block BBC's plans for four new radio stations NEWS IN BRIEF • Spotify CEO slams Apple in earnings calls and hints at more job cuts • Warner Music’s Kyncl goes big on importance of major labels and data, says he is confident UMG TikTok dispute will be resolved • Michelle Jubelirer stands down as Capitol CEO as Universal Music restructure goes into effect • Indie labels say Apple's new payment model will take money from their artists to benefit the majors • Megan Thee Stallion marks “beginning of a new chapter” with Warner deal ALSO MENTIONED • Music mogul Irving Azoff and Apple exec Eddy Cue build their ultimate golf course (Golf Digest) • And Finally! Irving Azoff and Eddy Cue’s new golf course is open for business. And no, you can’t join

Duration:00:26:31

Universal and TikTok accuse each other of “bullying” and “greed”

2/2/2024
On this week's show we discuss Universal and TikTok’s big bust up that has seen the major label’s music removed from the social network, the damning report on the “boys’ club” music industry and how it holds women back, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: UMG v TikTok (00:02:49) 02: News in brief (00:13:57) 03: Misogyny In Music report (00:17:20) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Universal Music is going to war with TikTok, accusing the social media giant of bullying and intimidation • TikTok accuses Universal of “greed” and “false narrative”, begins removing tracks • Misogyny remains “endemic” in “boys’ club” music industry says UK parliamentary report NEWS IN BRIEF • Lords committee calls on government to clarify copyright obligations of AI companies • 71% of music creators fear multi-billion dollar music AI business could stop songwriters from earning a living, says new report • Music industry celebrates YouTube passing 100 million premium subscribers • UK government publishes new UK streaming transparency code ALSO MENTIONED • RIAA welcomes US government's latest piracy reports, but urges a "close look" at voice cloning sites • Read the full 'Misogyny In Music' report • The F-List’s Vick Bain on UK Parliament’s Misogyny In Music report and the industry’s next steps

Duration:00:23:12

Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” favours major labels

1/26/2024
On this week's show we discuss how Apple Music's "spatial audio bonus" will benefit major labels to the detriment of independent labels and creators, the report finding that on average two grassroots music venues per week closed down in the UK in 2023, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Apple Music (00:04:23) 02: News in brief (00:11:43) 03: Music Venue Trust report (00:14:26) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” will favour major labels at the expense of small labels and creators • Two grassroots venues close down every week, according to new report from Music Venue Trust NEWS IN BRIEF • Madonna and Live Nation will "vigorously" defend late show start lawsuit • American musicians' union begins talks over AI and streaming with the Hollywood studios • Spotify uses EU Digital Market Act blog post to take potshots at Apple, announces superfan clubs • Publishers hit back at Anthropic's claim that AI copyright cases should be filed in "its Silicon Valley backyard" • Hipgnosis Song Management “cherry picked assets” for proposed sale to Blackstone says latest briefing from Hipgnosis Songs Fund ALSO MENTIONED • BRIT Awards nominations finally balance gender, genre and independence • MVT Annual Report

Duration:00:18:51

The new certification for “respectful” AI companies

1/19/2024
On this week's show we discuss the new certification for "respectful" generative AI companies that get permission before training their models on copyrighted content, redundancies at Pitchfork as its team is merged with men's magazine GQ, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: AI certification (00:05:15) 02: News in brief (00:15:16) 03: Pitchfork (00:18:29) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Former Stability exec Ed Newton Rex launches Fairly Trained AI certification • Job cuts at Pitchfork as its team is merged in with GQ NEWS IN BRIEF • Council Of Music Makers sets out its five key priorities ahead of ministerial review of economics of streaming work • Council Of Music Makers memo • UK’s IPO to look at neighbouring rights and reciprocal payments to foreign performers • UK's largest nightclub operator heading into administration • Universal Music to lay off hundreds says Bloomberg: company responds and says it will create “efficiencies” • Apple changes App Store rules following Supreme Court announcement, but Epic vows more legal action • Spotify hits out at Apple's "outrageous" new App Store rules ALSO MENTIONED • Music data white paper

Duration:00:22:55

Major label bosses put the spotlight on superfans

1/12/2024
On this week's show we discuss the start-of-year memos from the bosses of Universal Music and Warner Music, both of whom put the spotlight in super-serving superfans, plus the ASA ruling against Viagogo's advertorial pieces in the NME, and lots of stats about the music market in 2023. SECTION TIMES 01: New year memos (00:04:45) 02: News in brief (00:18:37) 03: Viagogo (00:25:01) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Universal “most successful company in the history of the music industry” hoots Grainge in 2024 memo • Lucian Grainge's 2024 memo to Universal Music Group staff • Warner Music boss talks streaming model and super-fans in start-of-year memo • UK’s Advertising Standards Authority raps Viagogo over NME paid editorial NEWS IN BRIEF • Vinyl sales grow, cassettes slump; streaming now 87.7% of UK music consumption • UK music retail brought in £2.2 billion in 2023 says ERA • India’s streaming growth explodes to hit over one trillion streams, Gen Z pull back on streaming subscription spend ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry welcomes proposed new laws to help performers protect their voices and likeness from AI clones • Artificial Intelligence and the music industry in 2023 • CMU's 2024 Masterclass Sessions • Sony Music chief talks streaming, short-form, gaming and AI in investor presentation (May 2023)

Duration:00:30:43

Spotify’s about-turn on threats to quit Uruguay

12/15/2023
On this week's show we discuss Spotify’s change of heart on shutting down in Uruguay, the latest easyJet lawsuit against a musician - this time PC Music-signed producer Easyfun - and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:04:45) 02: News in brief (00:13:37) 03: Easyfun (00:18:29) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Spotify won't exit Uruguay following clarification to new ER rule in copyright • easyGroup sues PC Music producer Easyfun NEWS IN BRIEF • Music consumption at an all time high, IFPI reports, though "unlicensed music is still an issue" • Music industry cautiously welcomes outcome of last week's EU AI Act talks • European Commission set to force changes to Apple's rules around in-app payments • Hipgnosis Songs Fund confirms sale of catalogue of "non-core songs" • Vinyl sales of two 1980s classics may decide who is Christmas number one in 2023 ALSO MENTIONED • Taylor Swift's record breaking tour topped a billion dollars

Duration:00:23:19

Grassroots venues need ticket levy to survive

12/8/2023
On this week's show we look at calls for government support for the grassroots live music industry following the closure of music venue Moles and the announcement that the Nozstock festival will shut down after its 2024 edition, plus the next evolution of Kiss as superhero holograms. SECTION TIMES 01: Grassroots live music (00:03:13) 02: News in brief (00:10:44) 03: Kiss (00:14:53) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Music Venue Trust calls for law forcing live industry support for grassroots venues, as Bath Moles closes after 45 years • Nozstock festival to end after 2024 edition, prompting new call for government support for festival sector • Kiss preview new avatar show at final human performance NEWS IN BRIEF • Spotify confirms the cost of its dramatic downsizing, cancels two in-house podcasts • Indie labels suggest delaying Spotify’s royalty payout revamp to allow proper consultation • CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus calls on EU to keep clear transparency obligations in AI Act • Record industry tells US Copyright Office training AI with existing music is “rarely, if ever, fair use” • BBC Sound Of 2024 longlist revealed ALSO MENTIONED • Blackpink renew deal with YG, but uncertainty over group’s future remains • IMPALA’s questions for Spotify over the changes it is making to its model

Duration:00:20:33

Sony Music tells US politicians to act on AI loopholes

12/1/2023
On this week's show we have a good old chat about Sony Music exec Dennis Kooker's call for a US-wide publicity right through which artists can protect their voices and identity in order to stop the unauthorised cloning of their vocals by AI, plus the big bust up between Hall & Oates over “the ultimate partnership betrayal” and more. SECTION TIMES 01: AI loopholes (00:06:54) 02: News in brief (00:16:53) 03: Hall & Oates (00:20:14) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Sony Music digital chief asks Congress to close “legal loopholes” to ensure artists can stop authorised AI voice clones • Hall & Oates both make court filing as the legal dispute over their joint venture company continues NEWS IN BRIEF • Shane MacGowan dies • UK government pauses the blocking of the proposed London MSG Sphere - even though MSG has given up on the plan • BMG announces restructure to “future proof” the business • European Parliament committee calls for new EU rules to regulate streaming • Caity Baser, The Last Dinner Party and Sekou named BRITs Rising Stars ALSO MENTIONED • Spotify unwraps Wrapped - assigns everyone a Sound Town

Duration:00:24:54

Spotify insists royalty changes will help emerging artists

11/24/2023
On this week's show we've got a big round-up of Spotify news, in particular the company's confirmation of changes to the way it pays out (or doesn't pay out) royalties. We also discuss plans for an MSG Sphere venue like the one recently opened in Las Vegas being bounced out of London. Oh, and we've spruced up the format of the show a little, including the introduction of a news in brief section to bring you even more music industry news. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:03:30) 02: News in brief (00:16:37) 03: MSG Sphere (00:20:35) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Spotify confirms changes to its payment process - including the 1000 plays a year threshold • Specifics of Spotify’s deal with Google on in-app payments revealed in Epic court case • Spotify says it will exit Uruguay next year because of new performer ER right in copyright law • London mayor blocks MSG’s grand plan to build a Sphere venue next to the Olympic Park NEWS IN BRIEF • BMI confirms deal to sell to New Mountain Capital • US Senate committee subpoenas Live Nation to access documents for its investigation into “abusive consumer practices” • Council Of Music Makers criticises lack of music-maker representation at government roundtable on AI and the creative industries • Shakira strikes deal with Spanish prosecutors to avoid €14.5m tax fraud trial • LadBaby bow out of Christmas number one race ALSO MENTIONED • Monkey Week • O. - ATM

Duration:00:25:44

Stability AI exec resigns over fair use claim

11/17/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, the resignation of Stability AI's VP Of Audio Ed Newton-Rex over the tech company's position that the training of generative AI models constitutes fair use under American copyright law, and YouTube’s plans to get AI generated clones both off and onto its platform. SECTION TIMES 01: Stability AI (00:06:04) 02: YouTube (00:14:08) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Stability AI's VP Of Audio resigns over its position that training AI with copyright works is 'fair use' • YouTube to allow labels to remove AI-generated voice clones • YouTube begins piloting voice cloning tool to provide AI-generated vocals for creator videos ALSO MENTIONED • Edith Piaf to narrate her own life story through AI

Duration:00:24:40

Competition law concerns over Spotify’s royalty plans

11/10/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, competition law expert (as well as musician and label owner) Amelia Fletcher's letter to Spotify boss Daniel Ek about the streaming service's plan for a two-tier royalty system, and the rickrolling takedown battle between two stream-ripping platforms. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:04:27) 02: Stream-ripping (00:19:56) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Spotify two-tier payment “discriminatory and exploitative” says competition law expert • Stream-ripper gets court order to identify who is behind rick-rolling Google takedown notices ALSO MENTIONED • Music industry contributes £6.7 billion GVA to British economy • Download the UK Music This Is Music 2023 report • Amelia Fletcher's full letter to Daniel Ek

Duration:00:26:09

Tech companies say fair use trumps copyright in AI

11/3/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, big tech companies' insistence that training AI on existing content constitutes fair use under US copyright law, and the Grammy Awards' insistence that Christians do not swear. SECTION TIMES 01: AI fair use (00:03:55) 02: Grammy Awards (00:15:02) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Tech companies insist training AI models with existing content is fair use in Copyright Office submissions • There is no swearing in Christian music, says Grammys ALSO MENTIONED • Eminem launches Mom's Spaghetti pasta sauce

Duration:00:22:23

Spotify plots changes to the way it pays out royalties

10/27/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, Spotify's plans to change the way it allocates revenues to individual tracks and catalogues each month, and the confirmation that digital is now the biggest driver of revenue for the song rights collecting societies. SECTION TIMES 01: Spotify (00:04:35) 02: CISAC (00:18:27) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Spotify also in talks with industry to change track allocation process • Digital now biggest revenue generator for song right collecting societies, CISAC confirms ALSO MENTIONED • Hipgnosis vote shock: 83.2% of shareholders vote against continuation • Read CISAC's Global Collections Report 2023

Duration:00:28:08

Managers criticise Universal's Pandora royalty switch

10/20/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, artist managers criticise Universal Music over a change it made to the way it pays Pandora royalties to artists, and new Bandcamp owner Songtradr making 50% of the direct-to-fan platform's staff redundant. PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded before the settlement between Megan Thee Stallion and her former label 1501 Certified Entertainment was announced. SECTION TIMES 01: Universal (00:05:13) 02: Bandcamp (00:21:35) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Universal Music criticised over unannounced change to Pandora payments • Half of Bandcamp’s staff made redundant as Songtradr acquisition is completed ALSO MENTIONED • Megan Thee Stallion has "no label right now" and that's how she wants it

Duration:00:30:26

Easy Life agree to change their name for an easyLife

10/14/2023
CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week. On this edition, British band Easy Life agree to change their name following legal action from owner of the easyJet airline easyGroup, and Coldplay’s ongoing legal battle with their former manager Dave Holmes. SECTION TIMES 01: Easy Life (00:05:32) 02: Coldplay (00:20:08) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Easy Life concede defeat in EasyGroup battle, will change name • Coldplay countersue former manager Dave Holmes in £14 million lawsuit

Duration:00:29:27