Music Weekly Brief: May 6–12, 2025
From Billboard chart analysis highlighting the impact of live performances to a significant executive appointment at Universal Music Group and increased regulatory scrutiny over the live ticketing industry, here’s the most relevant music industry news from the past week:
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Billboard’s Pulse: Chart Dominance and the Power of Live Performance
The latest Billboard chart data reveals Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” holding the top spot on the Hot 100. Fuerza Regida achieved their first top 10 on the Billboard 200 with “111XPANTIA,” showcasing the rise of regional Mexican music. Notably, touring activity appears to significantly boost album consumption, with Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” surging after her tour began.
Published: May 7, 2025
US Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission launch public inquiry into live music business - Music Business Worldwide -
Executive Shift at the Top: Universal Music Group Appoints New CFO
Universal Music Group (UMG) announced Matt Ellis as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 9, 2025. Ellis, former CFO at Verizon Communications, brings extensive financial and operational experience. He succeeds Boyd Muir, who has been promoted to COO. This strategic move aims to bolster UMG’s financial strategy in the evolving music landscape.
Published: May 12, 2025
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS MATT ELLIS AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER -
Harman’s Amplified Reach: Acquisition of Sound United Finalized
Harman International, a Samsung subsidiary, has finalized its acquisition of Sound United for $350 million. This deal expands Harman’s audio brand portfolio with the addition of Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz. The acquisition aims to strengthen Harman’s position in the global audio market, projected for significant growth.
Published: May 7, 2025
Samsung’s Harman expands audio empire with $350M Masimo deal - Music Business Worldwide
Tools & Tips
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AI-Powered Music Video Creation with LTX Studio
LTX Studio offers an innovative AI platform for musicians to easily create high-quality music videos with customizable cinematic visuals.
10 Best AI Tools for Musicians (May 2025) - Unite.AI -
AI-Enhanced Audio Processing with Moises
Moises is an intelligent audio processing tool that uses AI for audio separation, chord detection, pitch modification, tempo analysis, and lyrics transcription.
10 Best AI Tools for Musicians (May 2025) - Unite.AI
Fun Fact
Did you know? Virginia’s Luray Caverns is home to the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument, which produces sound by tapping on natural stalactites.
10 fun facts about music that are surprising and rarely talked about
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any music events or utilized new music tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.