Data, trends, business insights, and analysis for music professionals.
44 articles
There are six types of music royalties and most artists only collect two. Here's every revenue stream you're owed, who pays it, and how to claim it.
Music contracts are designed to confuse you. Here are the key clauses, red flags, and negotiation points every artist should understand before signing anything.
Playlist placement drives discovery. Here's how editorial, algorithmic, and independent playlists work — and the strategies that actually get you added.
Publishing is where the real money is in music — and most artists don't understand it. Here's the plain-English guide to publishing rights and revenue.
We analysed real payment data from 50 independent artists to reveal what Spotify actually pays per stream — and why the number everyone quotes is wrong.
Sync placements can earn more than a million streams. Here's how UK independent artists can get their music into film, TV, adverts, and games.
We spoke to A&R reps at indie and major labels about what makes them sign an artist. Spoiler: it's not just the music.
Undercharging is an epidemic in the music industry. Here's how to calculate your rates, communicate your value, and stop working for exposure.
35% of UK grassroots music venues have closed since 2020. Here's what's driving the crisis, who's fighting back, and what artists can do about it.
A good manager transforms a career. A bad one can destroy it. Here's when you're ready for management, what to expect, and the red flags to watch for.
The London-centric music industry is a myth that's slowly dying. Here's how artists across the UK are building sustainable careers from Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, and beyond.
Advances, recoupment, mechanicals, neighbouring rights — the music industry loves jargon. Here's every term you need to know, explained without the nonsense.
Sync licensing remains one of the most lucrative revenue streams in music. Here's everything artists and producers need to know about getting their music placed in film, TV, ads, and games.
Club bookings are just one income stream. Here's the complete map of how DJs actually make money in 2025 — and most of it doesn't require a residency.
Getting your music onto streaming platforms is easy. Choosing the right distributor for your career stage is harder. Here's the no-nonsense comparison.
The numbers are devastating. Nearly half of the UK's grassroots music venues have shut their doors since the pandemic. Here's what's happening and what we can do about it.
A&R has evolved from cigar-chomping talent scouts to data-informed artist developers. Here's what modern A&R actually looks like.
Copyright confusion costs artists money. Here's everything you need to know about protecting your music in the UK — no lawyer required (but maybe get one anyway).
Major labels are using AI to predict the next big thing. We investigate what this means for emerging artists and whether the algorithm is the new A&R.
Starting an independent label has never been easier. Running one sustainably has never been harder. Here's the honest guide to making it work.
The music industry is notoriously hard to break into. But it's not impossible — you just need the right strategy and a willingness to graft.
Beyond the shareable graphics, Spotify Wrapped 2024 reveals fascinating trends about how music consumption is changing. We dig into the numbers.
Sony, Universal, and Warner have spent billions acquiring back catalogues. Here's why, and what the catalogue gold rush means for today's emerging artists.
Music industry networking has a terrible reputation because most people do it badly. Here's how to build genuine connections that actually advance your career.
