Welcome to the Music Business Worldwide weekly review—where we highlight the five biggest stories that made headlines over the past week. The MBW review is supported Center
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Streaming Insights and Investment Updates
France, home to the streaming service Deezer, has released data showing that approximately 18% of music tracks uploaded to its platform daily—around 20,000 tracks—are now being generated entirely by AI systems.
In investment news, veteran music executive Charles Goldshtok announced significant developments: his company, Goldstate, has secured 500 million dollars to acquire musical assets.
Corporate Changes and Regulatory Matters
This week, Warner Music Group named Armin Graze as its new Chief Financial Officer, replacing Brian Castellani effective May 5.
Meanwhile, a consortium led by Denis Ladegaillerie, founder and CEO of Believe, revealed intentions to take the company private by purchasing the remaining shares they do not already own.
Lastly, the U.S. Copyright Office is reviewing regulations concerning the rising number of publishing organizations to ensure efficient operations. Publishers such as Sony, Warner Chappell, and Concord have called for reduced regulations for professionals, a sentiment echoed by many industry insiders.
1) Music Invasion doubles at Deezer: 20,000 AI-generated tracks uploaded daily
Deezer reported that roughly 18% of tracks uploaded to their platform are now entirely generated by artificial intelligence.
The company announced on April 16 that over 20,000 AI-generated tracks are added daily, a significant increase from the 10,000 daily tracks reported in January.
“AI-generated content continues to flood the streaming market, and we do not see signs of slowing down,” stated Aurelien Hero, Chief Innovation Officer at Deezer.
Deezer launched an AI detection tool in January after filing two patent applications for the technology in December…
2) Goldstate’s Charles Goldshtok raises $500 million for music rights acquisition
Founded in 2022, Goldstate Music, led by Charles Goldstuk, has successfully raised 500 million US dollars to expand its music acquisitions.
According to an announcement on April 17, the capital raise involves a “structured capital institution” under the oversight of Northleaf Capital Partners and Ares Management.
3) Sony, Warner Chappell, Concord, Reservoir push for less regulation of professionals in response to US Copyright Office
Leading music publishers, including Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Concord, and Reservoir, submitted responses to the U.S. Copyright Office’s inquiry regarding efficiency in rights management for professionals.
All parties advocated for a reduction in regulation within the sector.
The U.S. Copyright Office began its investigation in February, examining issues related to the increase in professionals and revenue distribution practices.
Industry professionals also responded, generally supporting a softening of regulations and urging the Copyright Office to let market forces shape the professional landscape…
4) Armin Graze, pivotal in the $69 billion Activision Blizzard sale to Microsoft, joins Warner Music Group as CFO
Warner Music Group has appointed Armin Graze as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Graze will join WMG as Executive Vice President and CFO, effective May 5, reporting directly to CEO Robert Kinkead. He steps in for Brian Castellani, who became part of the WMG executive team in October 2023.
Graze previously held a C-suite position at gaming giant Activision Blizzard during its sale to NASDAQ.
Over his decade at Activision Blizzard, he served as both CFO and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and was instrumental in the company’s $68.7 billion acquisition by Microsoft, which concluded in 2023…
5) Denis Ladegaillerie, backed by EQT and TCV, moves to fully acquire Believe
A consortium led by Believe founder and CEO Denis Ladegaillerie has announced plans to purchase the remaining shares of the music company from public shareholders.
The consortium, which includes EQT X fund and consultants from TCV, currently owns 96.65% of Believe’s active capital; the remaining estimated 4% belongs to public shareholders.
Ladegaillerie’s consortium is proceeding with the delicacy of the company registered in Paris, thanks to a public ransom proposal that values the company at €1.54 billion ($1.75 billion).
This proposal, at €15.30 per share, represents a 2.9% premium over the 30-day average volume…
The MBW weekly review is supported by Centrip, which helps more than 500 best-selling artists in the world to maximize their income and reduce their touring expenses.
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
