SoundExchange’s Post

Scam Alert❗ 📣 Did you know the USA (the world's largest music market) is the only developed country which does NOT pay recording artists/performers when their song is played on AM/FM radio? Isn't that nuts? How do they get away with it? Well, lobbyists, for one. But as an industry we can do a better job of applying public pressure, naming and shaming, and supporting those organizations who are on the frontlines of the fight to end this injustice, such as adding your name to the American Music Fairness Act at the link below. On that note, here are the largest commercial radio broadcasting companies in the US along with their recent known annual revenues from from 2023/early 2024: 1. iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel) iHeartMedia - Revenue: ~$3.9 billion - Operates over 850 stations 2. Audacy (formerly Entercom) Audacy, Inc. - Revenue: ~$1.2 billion - Operates over 230 stations 3. Cumulus Media CUMULUS MEDIA - Revenue: ~$900 million - Operates about 400 stations 4. Townsquare Media Townsquare Media - Revenue: ~$450 million - Operates over 320 stations 5. Beasley Broadcast Group Beasley Broadcasting - Revenue: ~$250 million - Operates over 60 stations IF YOU PLAY THE SONG. PAY THE ARTIST. #musicfairnessmonth #radio #fair #musicindustry #radiostation #iheart #musicbusiness #broadcast #broadcasting #scam

Drake vs. The Music Industry: A Battle for Legacy We explore the intriguing implications of Drake's bold moves against the music industry and how this echoes past legends like Michael Jackson. Discover the layers behind his legal challenges and what it means for the future of artists today. #Drake #MusicIndustry #LegalBattle #MichaelJackson #ArtistLegacy #MusicBusiness #CulturalImpact #DrakeVsIndustry #MusicNews #HipHop

I always had to work alongside being a recording artist as making music pay enough for it to become a full time career is hugely challenging. Only a small percentage of musicians and producers go on to “make it” and if you have no financial resilience or safety net, you have no choice but to work alongside trying to launch your music career. I managed a record shop alongside recording and DJing and had a sympathetic employer who was himself a musician (he was in the Darts if that rings a bell for anyone). Working class people struggle to get through the door across all of the arts, not just in music. It’s a societal-wide problem. It does not help that so few of the gatekeepers are from working class backgrounds. It’s the same in charities. 1 in 6 charity CEOs went to private school. Less than 6% of children in the UK are privately educated. So 94% of charity CEOs should come from state schools. Go figure. If you want to read more about elitism in the UK there is a great report from the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Commission here albeit 5 years old https://lnkd.in/em6q3TTg

This latest report from Youth Music makes for an interesting, if slightly depressing read... Social class is found above all else to influence a young person's chances of forging a career in the music industry. Those from lower income backgrounds are significantly less likely to be earning money through music than those from higher income backgrounds - even if they have both studied music at school, college or university. Not a huge surprise - lack of industry contacts, affordability of instruments and private lessons (when music facilities in schools are so severely lacking) and the fact that 86% of internships in music and the arts are unpaid (sorry, but is this even legal?), all contribute to working class kids having a much harder time of breaking through. Here's hoping that whatever happens on 4th July, there is more investment in the arts and more focus on levelling the playing field for everyone who dreams about a career in music. We can't keep expecting amazing charities like Youth Music to shoulder all the responsibility.

Gang Violence in the Music Industry: Breaking the Cycle Discover the truth behind the misconceptions of gang affiliation in the music industry. Join the discussion as we address the impact it has on up-and-coming artists and the importance of unity. Share your thoughts in the comments below. #GangViolenceAwareness #MusicIndustryTruths #UnityOverDivision #BreakingTheCycle #UpAndComingArtists #CommunityBuilding #RapIndustryIssues #StopTheViolence #MusicIndustryUnity #SupportEachOther

The Pitfalls of Black Elitism in the Music Industry Discover the negative effects of black elitism in the music business, as an industry insider reveals the hypocrisy and self-sabotage within. Understand the importance of inclusivity and maintaining relationships for sustainable success. @derrickmc @iambvaughan #MusicIndustry #BlackElitism #InclusivityMatters #IndustryInsights #RelationshipBuilding #SuccessTips #MusicBiz #BusinessHacks #BreakingBarriers #IndustryHypocrisy

The year for the live entertainment industry may not have been as record-breaking as 2023, but it was one filled with milestones for many artists, especially those in the Latin music space, sparking hope for growth in 2025.   Twenty-five tours from Latin artists cracked Pollstar’s Year End Worldwide Top 200, which is seven fewer than the number of acts that made the cut in 2023. Though that figure may seem discouraging, the achievements of high-ranking artists and a growing interest in subgenres under the Latin music umbrella are enough to look ahead with some optimism.   To read full article click link here: https://lnkd.in/ek_tXM-Z #Pollstar

Contracts are the backbone of the music industry and because of that, we think it’s essential for artists to understand the basics! 🔐 Check out our first blog post by music attorney Max Verrelli as he breaks down the basics of agreements! 📝🚀 Read Here: https://lnkd.in/e2iTeuxJ #musicindustryeducation #musicindustrytips #entertainmentlaw #musiclaw #onlinelearning #musicmanagement

The power of independence in the music industry. 🎧💡 In our latest interview, we sat down with June Haze to discuss the importance of owning your catalog and controlling your creative legacy. He shares valuable insights on why independence is crucial for artists looking to build long-term success, and how ownership protects the future for both the artist and their family. Watch the full interview to learn more about the role of independence in shaping the music industry: https://lnkd.in/d_n3mvMA