UNLIMITED SUPPLY with Digital Music News Elephant parts, Tim and Max do tech, and ethical AI under the bus?
Jun 10, 2025
Discover the latest in indie music distribution and the surprising moves by major players like The Orchard. Dive into the intriguing world of music acquisitions, spotlighting unique artists and their journeys. Take a closer look at the ethical dilemmas of generative AI in music publishing, as new entities challenge traditional giants. The conversation wraps with industry collaborations aimed at combating streaming fraud, ensuring a fairer playing field for all.
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Brad Navin's Indie Legacy
- Brad Navin has led The Orchard for 20 years, overseeing indie music distribution at Sony Music.
- The Orchard holds nearly 10% of the streaming market, with artists like Bad Bunny building empires on its platform.
Sony's Publishing Power Endures
- Sony Music Publishing acquired parts of the crumbling Hipgnosis Songs Group, showing resilience among ancient titans.
- Despite new publishing companies rising, big established players still hold significant power.
Ethical AI Clash Over Licensing
- Suno and Udio's licensing talks with Universal sparked backlash from ethical AI companies.
- Deals with questionable data sourcing are seen as rewarding bad behavior and undermining ethical AI efforts.