News
Coming soon
This is Music Admin Staging, a brand new site by Tiny Ramirez that's just getting started. Things will be up and running here shortly, but you can subscribe in the meantime if you'd like to stay up to date and receive emails when new content is
Spotify’s Top Earners Surge, US Subscriptions Hit 106.5M, and YouTube Doubles Down on AI
How The Music Business Works - Issue #53 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week’s shortlist points to an industry still being reshaped by scale, rights enforcement, and platform control. Spotify’s latest Loud & Clear data sharpens the debate about who benefits most from streaming
Indie Artists Sue Google, GEMA Takes on Suno, and Apple Music Introduces AI Transparency Tags
How The Music Business Works - Issue #52 This week, AI and copyright take center stage as independent musicians sue Google over alleged large-scale theft of copyrighted music, and GEMA faces off against Suno in a landmark German court hearing that could set a precedent for how AI music tools
US Upholds Human Authorship Rule for Copyright, Sony Faces Streaming Royalty Lawsuit, and Spotify Highlights Australian Payout Growth
How The Music Business Works - Issue #51 March 5, 2026 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works. Each week, we look at the structural forces shaping the music industry, from copyright law and royalty accounting to the global economics of streaming. This week’s developments highlight how legal
Willie Colón Dies at 75, SACEM Signs UAE Landmark Agreement, and Isaac Hayes Estate Settles Trump Lawsuit
How The Music Business Works - Issue #50 February 26, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week, tensions around AI music tools intensify as industry leaders publicly call on the sector to distance itself from Suno, raising concerns over copyright, fraud, and the long-term impact on
Court Limits DMCA Subpoenas, Anna’s Archive Defies Order, and EU Approves $775M Music Deal
How The Music Business Works - Issue #49 February 19, 2026 This week, regulators draw new lines around copyright enforcement, piracy battles escalate despite court orders, and streaming platforms spotlight global growth stories amid local market concerns. The European Commission has approved Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown, requiring
Court Rulings Escalate Copyright Battles, Pandora Faces Royalty Challenge, and Anna’s Archive Risks Default Judgment - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #48 February 12, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week, the courts take center stage as copyright disputes intensify across streaming, AI, and film. Default judgments, summary rulings, and jurisdiction challenges are all in play, with cases that could
Publishers Push to Consolidate Anthropic Lawsuits, Impala Urges Indie Protections, and Royalty Dispute Emerges Over Charlie Puth Track - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #47 February 5, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week, AI and enforcement dominate the conversation, with streaming platforms revealing the scale of fraud and stepping up penalties, while rights holders press forward with high-stakes legal action. At the
GEMA Sells Zebralution, IMRO Expands Audoo Partnership, and Chad Hugo Sues Pharrell Williams - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #46 January 29, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week’s stories highlight how questions of ownership, transparency, and fair compensation continue to shape the music business. GEMA’s sale of Zebralution signals further movement in digital distribution, while
AI Songs Pulled From Charts, Termination Rights Debated in US Courts, and TikTok Claims €1.8B Boost for EU Music - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #45 January 22, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week’s stories sit at the intersection of creativity, technology, and control. AI-generated tracks are challenging how charts define eligibility, US court rulings are testing the limits of artists’ termination
Bob Weir Passes at 78, Songwriter Termination Rights Expanded, and Spotify Royalty Dispute Escalates - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #44 January 15, 2026 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works. This week brings a mix of reflection and legal developments that highlight how legacy and rights continue to shape today’s music business. We remember Bob Weir and the enduring influence
PPL Q4 Payouts Rise 19.9%, Spotify Addresses Scraping Incident, and Stability AI Sued Over AI Training - How The Music Business Works
How The Music Business Works - Issue #43 January 8, 2026 Happy New Year and welcome back to How the Music Business Works! We hope you had a restful and inspiring holiday break. As 2026 gets underway, the music industry is already moving fast, with fresh developments across streaming, AI,
Indie Music Publishing Growth, Global Copyright Hits $47.2bn, and UK Creators Push Back on AI
How The Music Business Works - Issue #42 December 18, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! As the year comes to a close, we want to thank you for being part of our community! Your support and engagement make everything we do possible. Wishing you a warm
CRB Sets 2026 Mechanical Rates, FTC Urged to Review Smaller PRO Practices, and Gene Simmons Pushes Radio Royalty Reform
How The Music Business Works - Issue #41 December 11, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! As the year winds down, the industry is anything but quiet. This week brings major shifts across legislation, rights management, and global policy that could redefine how creators are compensated and
Music Admin at ADEEM Latina 2025, Gene Simmons to Testify Before Senate, ECSA Calls for AI Transparency, and Cash Estate Sues Coca-Cola
How The Music Business Works - Issue #40 December 4, 2025 Welcome to a new edition of How The Music Business Works, and a special one at that! This marks our 40th issue, and we’re celebrating with a spotlight on ADEEM Latina Acapulco 2025, where Music Admin proudly served
Music Industry Shifts in Funding, Legal Battles, and New Tech Partnerships
How The Music Business Works - Issue #39 November 27, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week brought significant developments across the music industry, highlighting rapid financial growth, expanding legal scrutiny, and new alliances between major labels and technology companies. Funding activity surged, with music and
Ticket Caps, Transparency & AI: Key Moves Reshaping Music’s Business Landscape
How The Music Business Works - Issue #38 November 20, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! Recent developments in the music business illustrate how regulation, transparency, and artificial intelligence are converging to reshape the industry. In the UK, new laws may soon outlaw ticket resales above face
Shaping the Music Industry: Law, Technology, and Creativity
How The Music Business Works - Issue #37 November 13, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! The music industry is entering a period of rapid transformation driven by technology, legal reform, and new creative trends. Recent stories highlight several major developments shaping this shift. The U.S.
Innovation, Litigation, and Artist Empowerment Define This Week in Music
How The Music Business Works - Issue #36 November 6, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s leading stories reveal a music industry in the midst of transformation across finance, technology, and creative rights. Spotify’s stock continues to fluctuate as analysts assess its path
Legal Challenges, AI Policies, and Global Oversight: The Music Industry Faces a New Era of Accountability
How The Music Business Works - Issue #35 October 30, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s leading stories highlight a growing convergence between technology, copyright law, and global regulation. Record labels continue their legal campaign against AI music startups accused of unauthorized scraping, while
From AI Lawsuits to Publishing Growth: How Legal Battles and Market Shifts Are Shaping the Music Industry
How The Music Business Works - Issue #34 October 23, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s leading music industry stories center on major legal developments, strategic reforms, and evolving business models across the global landscape. Record labels are pushing back against AI startup Suno
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
MLC Surpassed $3bn in Royalties Distributed, Suno Fights Stream-Ripping Claims, and Songwriters Question PRS
How The Music Business Works - Issue #32 October 9, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s headlines highlight the growing tension between innovation and accountability across the music and tech industries. The MLC has surpassed $3 billion distributed to songwriters and publishers since its
TikTok Classical Music Push, Songview Expands With New Data Integrations, Lawsuit Against Suno Escalates
How The Music Business Works - Issue #31 October 2, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! The music industry this week was shaped by key developments spanning tech, rights management, and recognition initiatives. TikTok deepened its investment in classical music with new partnerships, highlighting social platforms’ growing
Music Reports Acquires Blokur, BMI Expands Spark Program, and IFPI Reports 9.1% Growth in EU Revenues
How The Music Business Works - Issue #30 September 25, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week saw major developments across the music and live entertainment industries. Music Reports acquired Blokur and launched Trakdex to tackle “black box” royalties, aiming to improve accuracy in songwriter payments.
Labels Settle Internet Archive Lawsuit, UK Creators Demand Copyright Protections, and Sonos Challenges SoundExchange Case
How The Music Business Works - Issue #29 September 18, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s stories highlight key shifts across copyright, licensing, and market growth. A long-running lawsuit over the Internet Archive’s “Great 78 Project” has been quietly settled, while UK creators
RIAA Mid-Year 2025 report, STIM Launches AI Music License, and SoundExchange Appeals Ruling in SiriusXM Lawsuit
How The Music Business Works - Issue #28 September 11, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s headlines spotlight where the music industry is headed on both sides of the Atlantic. In the U.S., the RIAA reports recorded music revenues hitting $5.6B in
Living Wage for Musicians Act Returns, Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against PRS, and Cox Fights Infringement Liability Ruling
How The Music Business Works - Issue #27 September 4, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! Big policy moves, courtroom battles, and market shifts are shaping the music industry this week. In the U.S., Rep. Rashida Tlaib is reintroducing the Living Wage for Musicians Act to
Sting Faces Bandmates Lawsuit, Missy Elliott Settles Copyright Fight, and SoundExchange Targets Napster
How The Music Business Works - Issue #26 August 28, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s roundup spans high-profile legal battles and settlements shaking up music and tech. From Sting being sued by his former Police bandmates over alleged unpaid royalties, to Missy Elliott
ASCAP & BMI Win Higher Radio Royalties, Court Limits Anti-Piracy Tools, and IFPI Eyes India’s Growth
How The Music Business Works - Issue #25 August 21, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s newsletter dives into big moves shaping music’s future. U.S. PROs secure higher radio royalties with new ASCAP and BMI settlements, courts curb rights holders’ anti-piracy tools,
Anthropic Piracy Claims, USCO Power Struggle, and Global Music Policy Clashes
How The Music Business Works - Issue #24 August 14, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s roundup spans high-stakes copyright battles, policy clashes, and international trade disputes shaping the music and tech landscape. Music publishers have accused Anthropic of pirating lyrics via BitTorrent, while
Salt-N-Pepa Fight UMG, SESAC’s $889M Deal, and Global Copyright Reversion Rights
How The Music Business Works - Issue #23 August 7, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s headlines spotlight major moves in music rights and AI. SESAC closes a record-breaking $889M securitization, and a controversial U.S. ruling could extend copyright termination rights worldwide and
European Union AI Rules Criticized, Anti-Piracy Bill Advances and TRAIN Act Returns
How The Music Business Works - Issue #22 July 31, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s headlines span fierce debates over AI regulation, renewed efforts to curb global piracy, and shifting trends in the recorded music market. As Europe’s creative sector pushes back
Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell, Brazil’s Streaming Fraud Ruling, and UK Songwriter Reforms
How The Music Business Works - Issue #21 July 24, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s roundup marks major shifts in music and policy. Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert set a charity record just weeks before his passing. In Brazil, a court ruling struck
UMG Faces EU Scrutiny, AI Copyright Loophole Questioned, LyricFind Escalates Lawsuit
How The Music Business Works - Issue #20 July 17, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s update spans major moves in EU music policy, legal battles in the lyrics space, and growing scrutiny of AI-generated content. The European Commission is gearing up for a
HITS Act Approved, Indie Execs Speak Out, AI Music Sparks Worry
How The Music Business Works - Issue #19 July 10, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s update spans policy wins, industry pressure, and shifting dynamics in music discovery and global reach. This week’s roundup highlights key turning points for the global music industry.
Senate Blocks AI Moratorium, PPL Distributes Millions, and UMG’s Downtown Deal Faces Opposition
How The Music Business Works - Issue #18 July 3, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s newsletter highlights key developments shaping the future of music rights and regulation. In the U.S., the Senate blocked an AI moratorium, preserving state protections for creators. A
Publishing Breaks Records, UK Invests in Music, and Budweiser Sparks Backlash
How The Music Business Works - Issue #17 June 19, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s roundup spans major moves in music policy, legal battles, and industry milestones. U.S. publishing revenue hit a new high in 2024, with the NMPA pushing for stronger
SoundExchange Sues Sonos, NMPA and X Pause Lawsuit, and Indie Musician Sues AI Music Startups
How The Music Business Works - Issue #16 June 19, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! This week’s roundup highlights growing legal pressure across the music and tech industries. Disputes over unpaid royalties, copyright infringement, and AI training practices are making headlines, with major players, including
Iceland Joins ICMP, ISPs Under Fire, and Indie Creators Push Back on AI
How The Music Business Works - Issue #15 June 12, 2025 Welcome back to How The Music Business Works! Want to know what Music Admin’s been up to this past week? From welcoming new hires and gearing up for an exciting upcoming project, to digging into finances and evaluating
Music Publishing Hits New Highs, PRS Breaks Records, and the Radio Royalties Debate Heats Up
How The Music Business Works - Issue #14 June 5, 2025 Welcome to this week’s edition of How the Music Business Works. Brought to you by Music Admin, where we help creators and rightsholders navigate the ins and outs of publishing, distribution, and royalties. If you’re looking for
NYC Supports Streaming Reform, AI Consent Rules Called ‘Unrealistic’, and YouTube Royalty Payouts Hit $12B
How The Music Business Works - Issue #13 May 29, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your weekly briefing on the forces shaping the global music industry. Before we dive in, a quick reminder: if you’re working with raw YouTube, BMI or MLC royalty data, don’
Artists Rally for AI Protections, Music Groups Defend Copyright, and Anthropic Admits Citation Error
How The Music Business Works - Issue #12 May 22, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your weekly briefing on the policies, platforms, and pressures shaping today’s industry. From legal missteps involving Anthropic’s chatbot Claude, to growing artist support for the No Fakes Act, to
YouTube Nears $9B in Ad Revenue, Labels Fight Canadian Levy, and Apple and Meta Face Fines
How The Music Business Works - Issue #9 May 1, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, where we break down what’s happening behind the headlines. This week, the music and tech worlds are colliding in a big way. From Spotify’s record-setting quarter to the EU
PROs Speak Out, Brazil Cracks Down on Streaming Fraud, and SoundExchange Reaches Royalty Deal
How The Music Business Works - Issue #8 April 24, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works! This week’s headlines dive into some major developments shaping the future of rights management, streaming regulation, and global enforcement. U.S. PROs have weighed in on the Copyright Office’s
Indie Publishing Growth, Music Funding Surge, and the Return of the No Fakes Act
How The Music Business Works - Issue #7 April 10, 2025 Welcome to another edition of How the Music Business Works—your weekly look at what’s shaping the industry behind the scenes. Last week, we introduced the Royalty Compressor—a tool built by Music Admin to take the headache
Latin Music Revenue, SOCAN’s Big Year, and KOMCA’s AI Copyright Restrictions
How The Music Business Works - Issue #6 April 3, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your trusted source for the trends and moves shaping the music biz. Before we dive into this edition, we’ve got some exciting news to share… Say goodbye to messy YouTube
AI Copyright Ruling, Anthropic Lawsuit, and PPL Revenue Milestone
How The Music Business Works - Issue #5 March 27, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your go-to source for the latest insights shaping the music industry! In this edition, we’re diving into major developments at the intersection of music, law, and technology. The U.S.
US & Global Revenue Growth, Music Market Shifts, and New Piracy Legal Battles
How The Music Business Works - Issue #4 March 20, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your trusted source for the latest music industry insights! In this edition, we explore key industry updates: global recorded music revenues reached $29.6 billion in 2024, while U.S. streaming
Recognition Music Group, UK Recorded Music Breaks £1 billion Barrier and UBEM Antitrust Concerns
How The Music Business Works - Issue #3 March 13, 2025 Welcome to How the Music Business Works, your go-to source for the latest trends and developments shaping the music industry! This week’s edition is brimming with fresh updates, from major rebrands and market milestones to groundbreaking tech and
YouTube Music Hits 125M Subs, ASCAP Record-Breaking Revenue, and A2IM Sync Up 2025 Returns
How The Music Business Works - Issue #2 March 7, 2025 Welcome back to How the Music Business Works, your ultimate guide to staying ahead in the music industry! This edition is packed with exciting updates from the worlds of music, tech, and entertainment. YouTube Music and Premium have hit
Industry Payouts, AI Controversy, and Radio Royalties
How The Music Business Works - Issue #1 February 27, 2025 Welcome to the very first issue of How the Music Business Works, your go-to source for the latest insights and developments in the music industry! Whether you’re an artist, songwriter, or industry professional, staying informed is key to
Welcome to Music Admin!
Welcome to Music Admin! We are looking forward to making a difference where it counts…there is a lot to unpack there and we are keen to share all of the details in the not so distant future…but for now, it’s nice to have the lights on and