Spotify Wrapped is here (and why is it a big deal?); Why aren't there any matinee gigs?; Olivia Dean takes on Ticketmaster; and Jorja Smith takes on AI clones
Dec 3, 2025
Spotify Wrapped is making waves this year, capturing the spotlight on social media. Why do bands avoid afternoon gigs? The hosts dive into that listener question. Olivia Dean takes a stand against Ticketmaster, raising eyebrows along the way. Jorja Smith finds herself in hot water over AI vocal duplicates. Indie labels have splashed £134 million, but where's the cash going? Plus, Oasis is back with pop-up merch stores for the holidays. The hosts revel in music industry gossip and debates that keep the conversation lively!
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Indie Labels Invest Heavily And Return Value
Orca's report found nine indie labels invested $134m in artists and recouped $1.77 for every $1 invested.
77% of profit from that return went to artists, underscoring indie labels' financial role.
insights INSIGHT
Wrapped Is A Massive Marketing Moment
Spotify Wrapped has become a huge annual marketing moment that drives widespread social sharing and discovery.
Critics raise recurring concerns about meaningfulness, royalties, and corporate controversies that resurface each year.
insights INSIGHT
Regulators Focus On Royalty-Processing Risk
Regulators flagged Universal's planned Downtown buyover concern around access to Curve's royalty-processing data.
The European Commission's narrow objection could be addressed by divesting that division, leaving wider indie fears unresolved.
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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 pull on their Santa hats and get stuck in to:
Spotify Wrapped 2025 has just launched (and has now taken over your social feeds) But why is it such a big deal this year?
Steve answers a great listener question: "why don’t more bands and venues do afternoon gigs for people who can't stay out late?"
Olivia Dean is the breakout British star this year... and is now taking on Ticketmaster – but why?
Is it or isn't it Jorja Smith? (It isn't). She's at the centre of a row about AI technology and vocal soundalikes.
Stu's big number this week is £134 million – and indie labels have spent it... but on what?
Part 654 of the "Universal wants to buy indie firm Downtown Music" story
Last week we predicted that AI music firm Suno might finally sign licensing deals... and two hours after we recorded, they did! So who’s the partner?
Why have Oasis reopened their pop-up merch stores in London and Dublin? (VFX: Sleigh bells jingling)
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:
When bands implode spectacularly: Steve and Stu revel in the story of Portland death metal band Vitriol, who abandoned their frontman at a remote gas station, mid tour
Is Spotify Wrapped a good thing?
Stu accidentally insults all of Australia
Steve and Stu chat more about matinee gigs and weigh up the pros and cons (and their boozing opportunities)
Stu has a news based joke about Johnny Cash, his song ‘A Boy Named Sue’, and the Coca-Cola corporation
Would you like an art print of Amy Winehouse in the bath? (It’s not as creepy as that sounds…)
The Price of Music