Canadian rock star and songwriter Neil Young is out of the blue, and heavily into the black, after selling a 50 per cent interest in his music catalog for an estimated $150 million US. As noted in this week's Special Report from The Licensing Letter, the past four years and 2020 in particular have seen a massive increase in the value and scale of music catalog deals. Sales … [Read more...] about Neil Young to Cash In on Music Catalogs
Music
“Makeup junkie” Halsey Launches Own Beauty Line
Most people, including her fans, aren't aware that hit singer/songwriter Halsey is a self-taught makeup artist, so it makes sense she's launching her own beauty line on Jan. 25 under the brand name about-face. "Makeup is an art and art is about happy accidents, not any one ideal of perfection," said Halsey, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of about-face. "I always feel the … [Read more...] about “Makeup junkie” Halsey Launches Own Beauty Line
Music Licensing Collective Goes Live
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New Year's Day marked a major change in the music licensing industry, as the Mechanical Licensing Collective went live as part of the Music Modernization Act. The bill was passed in 2018 with the goal of bringing in more fair rules for the compensation of musicians and songwriters, and called for the establishment of a body to oversee … [Read more...] about Music Licensing Collective Goes Live
#1 TikTok Star Charli D’Amelio and Family Get Hulu Series
Charli D'Amelio must have one of the fastest arcs to stardom of all time, rocketing to 100 million followers as the top TikTok user, and now getting a series on Hulu with her sister Dixie (also a TikTok star of note), and their parents Heidi and Marc. “The D’Amelio Show” will air on Hulu in 2021 as an eight-episode docuseries that follows “the first family of TikTok” as they … [Read more...] about #1 TikTok Star Charli D’Amelio and Family Get Hulu Series
Spotify Crowns Its Year With Royal Podcast Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Photo by Mark Jones The audio streaming leader Spotify has literally placed a crown on the year 2020, as its burgeoning podcast business signed a multi-year partnership with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The royal couple recently formed Archewell Audio, and that company will now produce regular podcasts … [Read more...] about Spotify Crowns Its Year With Royal Podcast Deal
Who’s News: Big Moves at Henson, Sony, iHeart Media
Sony/ATV Music Publishing Selects New President for Global Digital Sony looked internally to fill the position of President, Global Digital, promoting Antony Bebawi to the position, reporting directly to Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Jon Platt. Throughout his career at Sony/ATV, Antony has spearheaded pivotal digital initiatives and led the negotiation of key deals with the major … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Big Moves at Henson, Sony, iHeart Media
Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Gets Into Book Biz With Random House
Recording artist and producer Jay-Z is getting into the book publishing business, and in a big way, thanks to a deal with Random House. The publishing giant announced this week the launch of a new publishing imprint with Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. Called Roc Lit 101, the imprint will be devoted to publishing books at "... the dynamic … [Read more...] about Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Gets Into Book Biz With Random House
Universal Music Acquires Bob Dylan Catalog in 9-Figure Deal
Bob Dylan must be 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' right about now, after Universal Music Publishing Group announced the acquisition of the singer-songwriter's entire music catalog for a reported nine-figure sum. The exact acquisition cost is still 'Blowin' in the Wind,' but rumors are that it will top Stevie Nicks $100 million deal last week from Primary Wave, and could be one of … [Read more...] about Universal Music Acquires Bob Dylan Catalog in 9-Figure Deal
Super Oops: Why the Snyder Cut of Justice League was Removed from HBO
If you’re a DC Comics fan anxiously awaiting the release of the controversial ‘Snyder Cut’ of Justice League, then you’re likely aware the first epic trailer has been pulled from YouTube and other video or streaming services … and it appears a licensing wrangle serves as the super villain in the plot. While there’s been no official explanation, it appears the trailer was … [Read more...] about Super Oops: Why the Snyder Cut of Justice League was Removed from HBO
TikTok Inks Critical Licensing Deal with Sony Music
Another day, another TikTok licensing deal to report, but in this case, the agreement is critical to the way TikTok operates. TikTok announced this week it has reached a new agreement with Sony Music Entertainment that allows its millions of users to use songs from SME’s vast roster of global music superstars, as well as its many emerging artists. "We are thrilled to enter … [Read more...] about TikTok Inks Critical Licensing Deal with Sony Music