Exploding toilet cancels gig - but will the band and fans get their money back?; Is Spotify putting up prices again?; and yet more Baby Shark news

Nov 26, 2025

A gig cancellation due to an exploding toilet raises questions about refunds for the band and fans. The podcast explores Spotify's potential price increase in the U.S. and its implications for artists. AI's growing role in music is discussed, with major labels striking deals with tech companies. Stuart shares insights from his interview regarding a new levy to support grassroots venues in the UK. Meanwhile, the financial success of Baby Shark continues to surprise, showcasing its lasting impact on the music industry.

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INSIGHT

AI Valuations Signal Big Music Ambitions

Suno's $250m funding values the company near $2.45bn and signals investor belief in AI-music futures.
The pitch deck suggests 15% of funds earmarked for 'data', implying licensing or music acquisition plans.

INSIGHT

How A $1 Price Rise Flows To Creators

A $1 US Spotify price rise could add roughly $500m revenue annually, per JP Morgan estimates.
Using DEMA's breakdown, Stuart estimates artists might see ~ $46m and songwriters ~$41m of that increase.

INSIGHT

Labels Are Moving From Lawsuits To Deals

Major-label licensing deals with AI firms are multiplying after initial Universal/Warner agreements.
Deals frame AI services as licensed and give signed artists a choice to participate and be paid.

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Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu unwrap the week's music biz goings-on:

An exploding toilet caused a gig cancellation – but what now for the band, fans and the venue?
Stu’s Big Number is $2.45bn - it’s big, but why might it feel scary to artists and labels?
Spotify might also put their prices by a dollar in the US - who will welcome this (and who won’t?)
Three AI music-making companies have struck deals with major labels - but who and why?
The UK ticket levy to help smaller grassroots venues is taking off – so what's next? Stu's been chatting to an MP to find out.
TPOM’s continued role as your Primary Baby Shark News Resource continues as Stu explains how many millions of dollars it made last year (it was a lot).

And in the special post-show lock-in section just for our Patreon Superfans, Steve and Stu prop themselves at the bar to chat about:

Steve once flew several thousand miles to watch a band, only for them to quit after a mere three songs. But which now-massive band was it?
Who are Steve and Stu's artists of the year? (Including Wet Leg and Self Esteem)
What was the annual Reader's Poll like behind the scenes at the NME for Steve?
More unusual gig cancellation stories - including pigeons pooping on Kings of Leon, Neil Young’s sandwiches, and more
What’s the city of Manchester doing to support local venues and promoters?

As ever, we welcome your feedback, emails and – in particular – any questions you might have about how the music biz works!

Email us: ⁠⁠thepriceofmusicpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

See you next week!

Steve and Stuart

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