UNLIMITED SUPPLY with Digital Music News Spotify challengers from all sides, BMG drops 2.5 rods, an unlimited supply of thieves and pimps.
Sep 19, 2025
Get ready for a wild ride through the music industry! Discover how Spotify is facing challenges from new contenders like AirBuds and Coda, both shaking things up with innovative social features. Meanwhile, BMG makes waves by acquiring Jason Aldean's catalog for a whopping $250 million. The drama continues as Calvin Harris grapples with a legal dispute over a $10 million loan. Plus, find out how the RIAA's shift to wholesale reporting impacts the industry landscape!
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Spotify And Sony Renewal Covers Publishing
- Spotify re-signed with Sony covering masters and a direct publishing deal for Sony Music Publishing.
- The deal may address Sony publishing payout issues while independents remain excluded.
Social-First Rivals Target Spotify’s Weakness
- Multiple new services are positioning social/community as core to challenge Spotify's model.
- Dislodging Spotify will require network effects and deep pockets despite modern tech stacks advantages.
AirBuds’ $5M Raise And Early Traction
- AirBuds raised $5 million and reports 5 million monthly active users, roughly $1 per MAU.
- TechCrunch gave a positive review but the service still lacks true network effects.