Global Music Industry Sees Major Shifts in Power, Policy, and Performance
How The Music Business Works - Issue #33
October 16, 2025
Welcome back to How The Music Business Works!
This week’s top music industry stories highlight sweeping changes across creative, corporate, and legal fronts.
Independent music continues to reshape the business landscape, proving that artist-led models can rival major labels in scale and success. In Asia, Japan is driving premium streaming growth, signaling a major digital transition for the region.
Meanwhile, Ticketmaster faces mounting scrutiny from regulators as it restructures leadership to address antitrust and consumer concerns. On the legal stage, Rod Wave has filed a counterclaim in a $27 million touring dispute, pushing back against claims of breach while planning a new tour.
Together, these developments reflect an industry in motion, balancing innovation, accountability, and artistic independence.
Here’s what’s making headlines.
IFPI Shuts Down Major Stream-Ripping Sites in Vietnam
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has successfully shut down Y2mate.com and 11 other stream-ripping sites operating out of Vietnam. Together, these platforms attracted more than 620 million visits in the past year, making them some of the most significant piracy hubs worldwide. The enforcement action marks the first of its kind in Vietnam, with domain ownership now transferred to IFPI. CEO Victoria Oakley said the move demonstrates growing international cooperation to curb music piracy and protect artists, adding that the organization will continue targeting similar operations globally. The shutdown also highlights Vietnam’s increasing collaboration with global rights bodies as its digital music market expands. Industry leaders view this as a strong precedent for tackling illegal download networks that continue to undercut legitimate streaming revenue.
Independent Music Is Powering the Future
Independent artists, labels, and distributors are transforming the music industry, proving that creative control and innovation can rival the influence of major labels. A new report highlights how independents are driving growth through data transparency, automation, and direct fan engagement. In 2024, independent releases collectively surpassed Universal Music Group in market share, signaling a shift toward decentralized control. This surge reflects artists’ growing preference for flexible partnerships and ownership over their masters. Industry experts say the independent movement is reshaping revenue models and redefining what it means to succeed in today’s global music economy.
Rod Wave Fires Back with Counterclaim in $27M Touring Dispute
Rod Wave has filed a counterclaim against Grizzly Touring in response to a $27 million lawsuit that accuses him of breaching his touring contract. His legal team argues that the promoter’s logistical and production failures made it impossible to complete the tour as planned. The rapper’s counterclaim seeks to void his existing contract and recover damages for lost revenue and reputational harm. He also alleges that Grizzly’s mismanagement caused unnecessary cancellations and strained his relationship with fans. In the meantime, Rod Wave is moving forward with plans for a new headlining run, The Redemption Experience, set to launch this December.
Japan Drives Premium Streaming Growth in APAC
A new Luminate report shows that Japan is at the forefront of paid streaming adoption across the Asia-Pacific region, even as other markets lag behind global averages. Japan accounted for nearly one-third of all premium streams in APAC during the first half of 2025, driven largely by Gen Z consumers shifting from physical to digital formats. The country’s streaming growth marks a major cultural transition for a market once dominated by CDs and downloads. Other regions, including Australia and India, are seeing gradual increases as subscription models take hold. Analysts view Japan’s progress as a sign that APAC’s digital music economy is maturing and poised for long-term expansion.
Ticketmaster Shuffles Top Ranks As FTC, DOJ, CMA & Supreme Court Battles Linger
Ticketmaster is undergoing major internal changes as global regulators intensify their scrutiny of the live entertainment giant. Amid ongoing investigations from the FTC, DOJ, and UK’s CMA, the company has restructured its leadership team to strengthen oversight and transparency. Saumil Mehta has stepped into the role of Global President, while former president Mark Yovich now serves as Chairman. The leadership transition is seen as a strategic effort to stabilize operations and address growing antitrust concerns. Observers believe the shakeup could influence how Ticketmaster handles pricing, ticket resale, and consumer protection in the months ahead.