2025 music industry thoughts

Hi,

Happy new year. I’ve been spending the last week and a half down in sunny Florida recharging and spending time with the family. It’s been an amazing and much needed reset.

That said, we’re officially in 2025 and I anticipate things to pick up quickly. Let’s jump right into it - here’s a few things I’m thinking about for 2025.

This newsletter highlights:

• Things I’m thinking about as we kick off 2025

• 10 music industry job roles

Let’s dive in ⬇️

In no particular order, here are some things I’m thinking about as we officially kick off 2025 and think about the year ahead.

1) A world without TikTok. The looming potential TikTok ban will continue to dominate the conversation over the next 2 weeks and if it actually takes effect, it will no doubt rattle the world and the entertainment industry with it.

The platform is such a huge part of how artists are being discovered today and one of the most high impact marketing levers that exists. A ban would change the landscape overnight as folks everywhere adjust their strategies (myself included).

2) The tug of war between majors & indie. One of the biggest moments in the music industry last year was a buzzer beater - in mid December it was announced that Virgin Music was acquiring Downtown Music. In an effort to keep up with the developing indie sector, will more large independent companies be acquired by majors this year?

Will a Tunecore, Stem, or Distrokid ever be acquired by a major?