Buckle up, music lovers, because the legal landscape of the industry just got a whole lot more interesting!
This weekâs headlines are packed with major shakeups, from Miley Cyrusâ chart-topping anthem âFlowersâ sparking a copyright controversy to a heated battle between Drake and Universal Music Group. And letâs not forget Mariah Carey, whoâs taking on the music industry giants in a high-stakes legal battle.
The Show Must Be Paused Movement
Origins and Impact
Flo Ngala The day a multibillion-dollar industry stood still: Thatâs how June 2, 2020, will always be remembered by those in the music business, thanks to the fearless impulse of two young Black female executives. After Minneapolis police suffocated George Floyd in late May, protests against racial injustice erupted nationwide, and friends Brianna Agyemang, 32, and Jamila Thomas, 35, considered taking a day away from work to vent their own frustration and anger. Instead, the New York natives turned their proposed time off into a movement. Calling for a day of widespread reckoning â dubbed Blackout Tuesday by some supporters â Agyemang, who is the senior artist campaign manager at Appleâs Platoon division, and Thomas, the senior director of marketing at Atlantic Records, took the entire industry to task for fostering systemic bias while historically profiting from Black music. #TheShowMustBePaused was launched.
âOnce we sent our graphic out through social media [on May 31] and it went viral, we didnât flinch,â recalls Agyemang. âWe knew what we had to do. And it was time to get it done.â
Shared over 700,000 times on Instagram, their hashtag appeared at the bottom of a black square against which the duoâs mission was explained in stark white letters: âTo hold the music industry accountable and transparent in its practices across representation, social responsibility and holistic compensation as it pertains to its Black artists, partners and staff.â
The Show Must Go On
As companies established in-house task forces to address diversity, inclusion and equity issues and created funds to donate millions of dollars in support of racial justice organizations, Agyemang and Thomas spent the next 90 days galvanizing their organizationâs membership and developing an action plan. On Sept. 2, #TheShowMustBePaused shifted into phase two as its founders wrote an op-ed for Morningpicker with a list of demands for music companies, calling for âradical activism [in] restructuring the organization within music industry companies to gain more room for growth opportunities for Black people.â
Read the full profile on Agyemang and Thomas here.
Music Health Alliance
Mission and Impact
Tatum Hauck Allsep Founder/CEO, Music Health Alliance Shelia Shipley Biddy COO/certified senior adviser, Music Health Alliance The Nashville nonprofit Music Health Alliance marked its seventh anniversary in January âsurpassing $50 million in health care cost savings for 11,000 music industry professionals,â says Allsep, 46. When the pandemic hit, Allsep and Biddy, 68, sought to give their clients a âsliver of hopeâ as they launched âa COVID-19 plan based on the immediate needs of the music community,â says Allsep.
Music Health Alliance helped with reducing medical bills and even âproviding gift cards to buy groceries and other essentialsâ for those affected by the pandemic, says Allsep.
COVID-19 Response
As the music industry continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, Music Health Alliance remains committed to supporting its clients, says Allsep.
âWeâre constantly evolving and adapting to the changing landscape, providing critical support to those who need it most,â she says.
Conclusion
A Challenging Year for Music Industry Giants: Recap and Forward-Looking Insights
In a year marked by unprecedented lawsuits and controversies, the music industry has been put to the test. The latest Billboard report highlights the ongoing drama surrounding Drake and UMG, Miley Cyrusâs landmark ruling on âFlowers,â and the high-profile case of Mariah Carey. At the core of these stories lies the ever-evolving landscape of music law, with key battles being fought over ownership, royalties, and artistic control. The article sheds light on how these developments are shaping the industry, with far-reaching implications for artists, labels, and streaming platforms.
The significance of these events cannot be overstated. The music industry is at a crossroads, with the rise of streaming and social media creating new opportunities and challenges for creators. As the stakes grow higher, so do the stakes for those who seek to protect their intellectual property and artistic vision. The articleâs coverage of the Mariah Carey case, for instance, underscores the importance of clarity and transparency in contract negotiations. Meanwhile, the Drake-UMG drama serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of exclusivity agreements and the need for artists to prioritize their own interests. As the music industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: those who adapt and navigate these complex waters will be well-positioned for success.
As we look to the future, itâs clear that the music industry will only become more litigious and competitive. The battles being fought today will set the stage for a new era of music law, one that will require artists, labels, and streaming platforms to be more proactive and strategic in their negotiations. As the industry hurtles forward, one thing is certain: the next big battle will be just around the corner. Will you be ready? The music industry will never be the same again â the question is, will you be part of the revolution or the relic of the past?