Sony Music UK supports the ‘Make It FAIr’ campaign, calling on policymakers to respect UK copyright law and not let Gen AI companies train on music without permission. pic.twitter.com/7CS9iuIM80

— Sony Music UK (@SonyMusicUK) February 25, 2025

In a recent submission to a UK government consultation on copyright laws, Sony Music expressed concerns that potential changes in legislation could exacerbate the problem. Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group, said: “AI is going to change the world, however, there can be no question that creators must be rewarded for being part of this technological revolution. Safeguarding the existing UK copyright model ensures AI developers and content owners can innovate whilst also recognising the value of the works on which their products are based”. Several celebrities have publicly addressed the issue of the proposed copyright law changes, including Elton John, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney, and Jimmy Page. These musicians have actively voiced their concerns regarding the unauthorised use of artists’ works in AI training, advocating for stronger protections within the creative industry.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jimmy Page (@jimmypage)

Executives at Sony believe that the 75,000 identified deepfake recordings are only a fraction of the total AI-generated content circulating online. Unlike traditional copyright enforcement, identifying and removing AI-generated material is a complex and time-consuming process that relies heavily on manual detection methods. Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly powerful tool in music production, enabling users to create hyper-realistic vocal imitations of popular artists. From AI-generated covers to entirely new songs mimicking famous voices, the technology has raised ethical and legal questions about intellectual property in the digital age. For example, here is an AI-generated Amy Winehouse singing Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers‘ in a jazz style:

Sony’s actions reflect broader concerns within the music industry about the implications of AI-generated content. The company has urged policymakers to implement stricter copyright protections, ensuring that artists maintain control over their work and are fairly compensated for their contributions. Several other major record labels have also voiced their concerns, including Universal Music Group (UMG) which is advocating for AI protections in licensing agreements with distributors like TikTok and Meta. The industry is now calling for more advanced content identification tools and clear legal frameworks to protect artists from exploitation.

As the debate over AI deepfakes intensifies, Sony Music’s efforts highlight the urgent need for regulatory action. With technology continuing to evolve rapidly, the music industry faces an ongoing battle to safeguard artistic integrity in an era of artificial intelligence.

Just as rumours were circulating surrounding Pink Floyd’s deal with Sony Music, the Financial Times were the first to report that the sum would be an eye-watering $400 million.

The deal between Sony Music and Pink Floyd comprises recorded-music rights but not songwriting rights, with the rights belonging to the track’s individual writers. It also included rights to name and likeness especially surrounding merchandise, theatrical and similar rights.

Sony Music has reportedly acquired Pink Floyd’s recorded music rights for around $400 million, including name and likeness rights, but excluding song copyrights. pic.twitter.com/5ylhg0mNX0

— Eric Alper (@ThatEricAlper) October 4, 2024

Prior to the deal made between Pink Floyd and Sony Music, Music Business Worldwide reported, the royalties from Pink Floyd’s music went into two companies: Pink Floyd (1987) and Pink Floyd Music Limited. The first company included the music released after Roger Waters’ departure in 1985, while the second included tracks from prior to 1985.

It is certainly one of the biggest deals hashed out over recent years, including Sony’s reported purchase of Queen’s catalogue, which included publishing rights, ‘name and likeness’ rights and recorded music rights outside of North America, for well over $1 billion, earlier this year.

As the reports were flooding in over Pink Floyd’s interest in selling their catalogue, they received heightened attention from many potential buyers including Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, BMG, Hipgnosis, Concord, Primary Wave and Blackstone.

Pink Floyd may have gotten $400m for their catalog, but Roger Waters’ controversial political statements against Israel and Ukraine definitely devalued it, as the original asking price was $500 million. https://t.co/z0FC9qz4OF — Variety (@Variety) October 3, 2024

With no new music on the way and with the odds for a reunion from the legendary rock band being slim to none, as a result of the ongoing feud surrounding the differing socio-political stances between David Gilmour and Roger Walters. The sale of Pink Floyd’s music catalogue further highlights the possible end of Pink Floyd.

The deal struck out by Pink Floyd proves there is a change in attitude from the music industry. It is evident there is a growing demand for music and entertainment companies to fight for the rights of iconic musicians whose back catalogue spans decades and chart-topping hits.

Besides from the purchase of Queen’s catalogue, Sony (alongside the financial aid of Eldridge Industries) successfully acquired Bruce Springsteen’s publishing and recorded music catalogue in 2021.

At an everyday level, due to the nature of the deal, we should expect to hear some of Pink Floyd’s most iconic tracks in commercials and video games.

Despite its prominence which has grabbed the attention of many media outlets, for instance Variety, NME, Financial Times and Independent, both Pink Floyd and Sony Music are yet to comment on the nature of the deal.

This new direction in the music industry defines a resurgence in iconic and ‘classic’ musicians, it is one method of many to keep musical legacies alive and allow for multi-generations to enjoy the same music.

This would turn over an astronomical profit for the potential buyers, cashing in when any of the lyrics are used in films and adverts and heard on the radio making them an enticing acquisition. If Sony Music acquires the rights then they would secure the royalties from all recorded songs included in the contract, as well as any profit from merchandise and licensing and most importantly, any earnings from the prizewinning biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ which took home 7 BAFTAS, 2 golden Globes and 32 more awards internationally with 81 overall nominations after its release.

The band’s legendary song by the same name (Bohemian Rhapsody) is one of the most streamed rock songs of all time and became the most streamed song of the 20th century in 2018 according to the Guardian. Of course, due to their inconceivable level of success, the remaining members of Queen are requesting an offer of over $1bn from potential investors. If finalised, this sale will be ‘one of the biggest ever deals of its kind’ according to the report by Bloomberg. According to American Songwriter, Queen have sold over 300 million albums and obtained nine top twenty hits in the band’s lifetime so the valuation of the rights seems justified.

This isn’t the first time some of the most revered artists of our time have sold their life’s work, in recent years the greats such as Bob Dylan, Cher, Stevie Nicks, and Blondie have all traded in the licence’s to their songs for cash. Bruce Springsteen even sold his catalog for more than $500 million dollars to Sony Music in 2021. But why do artists split with the right to their music and songs?

It’s hard to escape the buzz surrounding Taylor Swift and more specifically her re-recordings. Famously, she is re-recording her entire discography that was recorded under Big Machine Records (which encompasses albums 1-6) during the former 15 years or of her career. With massive artists like Swift pushing a discourse around the importance of owning your creative work, why are so many of the GOAT’s choosing to cash in on the music that has defined generations?

In an article written by the Rolling Stone in 2021 it is stated that for musicians, selling their discographies  ‘rids artists’ lives of several unpalatable uncertainties’ such as the influx of music making it’s way onto streaming platforms today The article asks, with so many options for what we listen to and how we listen to it, ‘How can today’s veteran singer/songwriters be certain they’re going to remain as resolutely popular in 2031, or 2041, as they are in 2021?’ For older artists such as Bob Dylan, planning for the stability and distribution of wealth to his kin may have come into play, Queen have been an active band for the past 5 decades so it is no jump to assume that this could be a factor in their decision to sell.

All in all, it is an exciting time for the band and lucky for fans, we will still get to relish in the glam-rock of one of the greats in the same capacity as we always have.

Whispers of the move first began when the group’s manager Stephen Taverner hinted at the prospect of a shift, confirming it in an interview with Music Business Worldwide in 2022. Taverner was quoted in the interview in the first person, describing Dirty Hit founder Jamie Obourne as “pissed off” by the decision, but said that ultimately Obourne “does understand” and that the band “were signed to him since their early 20s and they want to see what it’s like elsewhere. It’s nothing personal.” Taverner claimed that Columbia CEO Rob Stringer is a “huge fan”, and that Wolf Alice were eager to “experience something different”.

2022 saw a huge series of shows for the group, including global tour dates, supporting Harry Styles on his European tour and electric performances at Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds Festival. Their frontwoman and lead vocalist Ellie Rowsell also appeared alongside Spice Girls star Mel C and musician and actor Self Esteem on the single ‘Call Me A Lioness’, which was recorded for the England Women’s World Cup team and celebrated their historic win at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Since then, the group appear to be flying under the radar, and despite going cold on their social media channels, they still remain at the epicentre of online hype and TikTok edits.

Their last known performance was in September last year at a charity gig at the Sebright Arms in East London in aid of Barnfest, an all-day fundraiser for the children’s cancer charity Flynne’s Barn. The intimate performance included the band’s take on classics like The Pogues’ ‘I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday’, Johnny Flynn’s ‘The Water’, and the American folk song ‘Plastic Jesus’, as well as acoustic versions of their own discography. The four-piece also delivered a haunting cover of Alex G’s ‘Bobby,’ which is featured on the deluxe edition of Blue Weekend. Rumoured to be working on new music, Wolf Alice’s move marks a significant shift for the coming-of-age quartet as they embark on an exciting new chapter with Columbia Records.

Wolf Alice live at Sebright Arms in support of @flynnesbarn [9/9/23] pic.twitter.com/PRQwDYdKbI

— gherkin rowsell (@gherkinrowsell) September 11, 2023

A source has spoken to The Sun newspaper concerning the recent reports, “Olly was with RCA for 12 years which is a really long time. It felt like it was time to move on and try something new. He had a discussion with them and ultimately decided he wanted to shake things up a bit. He has been in the studio working on music for months now and wants to get it out soon. As things stand, loads of labels have expressed their interest and now it’s just a case of finding the best deal which will work for him. Olly is really excited about the next chapter. He has had some time out and is raring to get going again now with a new team behind him.”

The former X-Factor contestant has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity due to his new hosting job on ITV. Murs was recruited to be a part of the network’s new Saturday night show Starstruck. The programme follows the traditional talent show format except the performers are superfans who must embody their idol to win a cash prize. The winner is determined by a panel full of impressive talent, Queen Frontman Adam Lambert, comedian and actor Jason Manford, celebrated actress Sheridan Smith and music legend Beverley Knight. Murs took to Instagram last month to celebrate the premiere of the new show.

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A post shared by Olly Murs (@ollymurs)

Murs first gained popularity through his appearance on The X Factor; the singer was part of the sixth series aired in 2009. Murs made it to the finals and performed “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus as the winner’s song, despite being a viewer favourite he lost the competition to Joe McElderry. The Essex born singer was swiftly signed to a record deal and his self-titled debut album was released in 2010, the release sired great commercial success and placed at number two within the UK album charts. The debut album’s lead single, “Please Don’t Let Me Go”, was also successful and reached number one with the singles charts and received a BRIT nomination for Best British Single in 2011.

Rumours recently began to circulate that Murs was working on new material for his new album. The release would be the singer’s seventh studio album and would follow his most recent album You Know I Know. The album dropped on 9th November 2018 and was released as a double album, acting as a greatest hits compilation as well as the incorporation of new songs.

The You Know I Know Tour kicked off in 2019 and marked his fifth concert tour, the Summer Tour was due to start in 2020 but was postponed due to COVID restrictions. Murs is set to continue the tour with many dates scheduled for this Summer, and will kick off with a performance on 10th June 2022 at Belfast’s Botanic Gardens.

Olly Murs UK Tour Dates

10/06/2022 – Botanic Gardens – Belfast
11/06 – The Marquee – Cork
17/06 – Royal Chelsea Hospital – London
25/06 – Cinch Stadium Franklin’s Gardens – Northampton
01/07 – The Wyldes – Cornwall
08/07 – Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh
09/07 – Harewood House – Leeds
12/07 – Blickling Estate – Norwich
13/07 – Chewton Glen – Old Milton
14/07 – Royal Crescent – Bath
16/07 – Warwick Castle – Warwick
21/07 – Cardiff Castle – Cardiff
22/07 – Bitts Park – Carlisle
23/07 – Racecourse – Newcastle
27/07 – Powderham Castle – Exeter
05/08 – Racecourse – Haydock Park
12/08 – Stadiwm Zipworld – Colwyn Bay
13/08 – Northern Meeting Park – Inverness
26/08 – Vivara Park (Live at Somerset) – Taunton
04/09 – Trentham Gardens – Stoke On Trent

The song has made a massive global impact, having entered the US hot 100 earlier this month and number 20 on Billboard’s global 200 chart. It has also charted high in other countries such as Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Croatia and Australia.

MusicWeek has reported Sony/ATV UK president and co-MD David Ventura to of said, “I remember our first meeting when they played us some incredible songs, and it was evident that they have the absolute ‘full set’ as writers, topliners, producers and singers. Collaborations and opportunities for them are limitless and they have incredible music coming as both artists and songwriters. We couldn’t be happier and there is a true feeling of euphoria to welcome them at Sony/ATV!”

Newley appointed head of A&R for Sony/ATV UK commented on the duo in an interview with MusicWeek, “Dan and Johnny have an endless supply of creative energy and their hard work and versatility has deservedly paid off with Head & Heart. This is just the beginning and I am excited we are a part of their next chapter and beyond.”

. @sonyatvpubuk signs @KOLIDESCOPES to global dealhttps://t.co/rEuSe0EIai pic.twitter.com/qyhNcBCZoH

— Music Week (@MusicWeek) November 24, 2020

Courtidis, from Melbourne Australia, had his first hit with the single with ‘Can’t Get Better Than This.’ The song made Number 1 in nine countries, with more than 50 million streams which earnt him platinum sales. Dan Dare from London has also had success as a song writer, having collaborated with artists such as Charlie XCX, Marina & The Diamonds and Giggs amongst others.

The duo have recently released their much anticipated debut single ‘Torn,’ in the UK under the major label Atlantic Records. They spoke to Variance Magazine about the making of the video saying, “We wanted the music video to feel really British, inspired by the movies ‘Snatch and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. We shot the video the week when everyone was able to come out of lockdown and so we got together a load of our friends to take part. The story plays on the idea of love lost and being ‘Torn’ between two different lives. We hope our fans will enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed shooting it.”

The powerhouse team have recently collaborated with artists such as Sigala, MNEK and Raye. There is no doubt that following the success of their latest hit, many more will be cueing up to work with them. They said to Music Week on their signing to Sony/ATV, “We are beyond excited to begin this new chapter with David, Daniel, Sarah and the entire team at Sony/ATV. They are the kind of music publisher every songwriter would be proud to have in their corner and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

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#TheShowMustBePaused

A post shared by Universal Music UK (@umusicuk) on Jun 1, 2020 at 1:11am PDT

The three major labels, Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music, along with their subsidiaries, announced their partaking through social media today. Universal Music Group made a statement which reads “This Tuesday, June 2, the Universal Music Group family will observe “Black Out Tuesday” – a day to contemplate, connect, and organise,” using the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused.

Universal UK will also be showing their support, saying “Universal Music UK stands proudly alongside the black community against all forms of racism, bigotry and injustice.” Further statements were made by Sony, as well as Columbia Records, Apple Music, and Interscope Records, who will be spending the rest of the week “taking long-term action”.

 

 

 

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  A post shared by Interscope Records (@interscope) on May 31, 2020 at 10:57am PDT

‘Black Out Tuesday’ will allow employees to reflect, connect, and take action. Whether the time is spent protesting, donating, or spreading the word, the music industry has shown that racism and injustice will not be tolerated. Artists who have joined the fight include Yungblud, Sam Fender, Mahalia, Ariana Grande, Halsey, and Beyoncé.

#TheShowMustBePaused is an initiative that is perfectly explained by Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang of Atlantic Records, the two women who created it. In their statement, they wrote “The music industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. An industry that has profited prominently from Black art,” continuing, “This is not just a 24-hour initiative. We are and will be in this fight for the long haul.”

 

 

 

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#TheShowMustPause tomorrow. A post shared by Kojo Ebro Odogwu (@oldmanebro) on Jun 1, 2020 at 7:28am PDT