The Licensing Letter

Music

Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints VP of Brand Partnerships

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wasserman Music has added two new industry experts to their roster of experienced employees, including a new VP of Brand Partnerships. The new hires include Adam Krefman (pictured above right) as the new Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Greg Horbal (above left) as a licensing agent. Wasserman Music is a global brand licensing agency … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints VP of Brand Partnerships

Who’s News: Warner Music Group Appointing New CEO in 2023

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in ChiefYouTube exec Robert Kyncl will be appointed to the post of CEO at Warner Music Group, replacing current CEO Steve Cooper.Kyncl currently serves as the Chief Business Officer at YouTube, where he has been instrumental in its explosive growth across all streaming platforms. “After a thorough search, we’re delighted to be appointing Robert … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Warner Music Group Appointing New CEO in 2023

KIDZ BOP Appoints Bulldog As UK Licensing Agency

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter KIDZ BOP has appointed Bulldog Licensing as its official UK licensing agency, starting at Brand Licensing Europe. KIDZ BOP is a global family music brand that records covers of popular songs sung by kids, for kids. Since its creation in the US in 2001, the KIDZ BOP brand has sold over 23 million albums and generated over 8 billion … [Read more...] about KIDZ BOP Appoints Bulldog As UK Licensing Agency

Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia

Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit

Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

After a Hard Day's Night of talks, Universal Music Group's Bravado division has reacquired merchandise rights for The Beatles. The deal sees the legendary band's merchandise rights coming back to UMG, which is also the longstanding home for its music catalog. Apple Corps Ltd. and brand management company, Bravado, announced today that they have once again partnered to develop … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement

Glass Animals Team Up With Xbox for Pac-Man World Re-PAC Program

It's been quite a year for the breakout band Glass Animals, who have topped the billboard charts, headlined the Glastonbury festival, and now are partnered with Xbox on the latest Pac-Man game release. Glass Animals exploded as a chart-topping band in 2021 with the monster hit Heat Waves, which is so far the third longest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, led by only The … [Read more...] about Glass Animals Team Up With Xbox for Pac-Man World Re-PAC Program

Metaverse Licensing: iHeartMedia Hosting Concerts in Fortnite

iHeartMedia took its first steps in to the metaverse by launching its first virtual world on Fortnite,called iHeartLand. The launch is just the first step in iHeartMedia's ambitious plans for the metaverse, as the company undertakes a campaign to attract younger audiences and to become a leader in the growing Web3 economy. iHeartMedia is a major force in the music and content … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: iHeartMedia Hosting Concerts in Fortnite

Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents

The Wasserman Music agency has hired on veteran agents Andrea Johnson, Emily Yoon and Erika Noguchi. Wasserman says the three new agents add to the agency’s strength in symphonic performances, legendary artists with massive catalogs of hits, and in developing intellectual property for the live performance space. Johnson’s roster includes veteran stars like David Foster, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents