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Comment: Henrik Hansen - Business Lead, Rough Bones

Much of the conversation around artificial intelligence in music has centered on its existential threat to human creativity. We've all seen the headlines about AI-generated songs mimicking artists' voices and the looming copyright battles that will inevitably follow. But there's another AI revolution happening quietly behind the scenes that could permanently alter the industry's power dynamics.

What nobody is talking about is how AI will create an even bigger disparity between majors and independents when it comes to data analysis.

Make no mistake, data is the most valuable commodity in the music industry today. With enough data, and the tools and expertise to leverage it effectively, a record label can crunch the numbers to not only validate an A&R approach but illuminate brand new opportunities that were previously under the radar.

At my own independent label, Rough Bones, our recent expansion into Afrobeat was greatly informed by data. Using our own in-house algorithms and a mass of publicly available information, we've been able to create a robust model to determine ROI for each A&R decision we make. This has allowed us to answer critical questions: Is this artist worth signing? What's a fair advance? Are there emerging markets we should be targeting?

AI has greatly enhanced our ability to gather and interpret this data. When an A&R executive brings an artist they believe in, we can now run comprehensive analyses that either validate that "gut feeling" or suggest we look elsewhere. In an industry where margins are increasingly tight, this approach maximises our limited resources.

It's no secret that the major music corporations are investing heavily in AI-powered data analysis. They also have incredible banks of information, based on their own catalogs alone, with which to power that analysis. With their technological resources and financial firepower, they're developing increasingly sophisticated algorithms that provide ever more accurate forecasting and market exploration.

In the music industry and beyond, data is now the biggest weapon for companies competing for the next big thing. When we see major acquisitions like UMG snapping up Downtown and PIAS, we think of them as grabbing market share - perhaps more importantly, however, is the fact that with each new acquisition, they're adding to their data banks. How much invaluable information does the addition of FUGA alone give UMG?

Consider also the potential data advantages that could come from special relationships between majors and DSPs. While we don't know the exact details of deals between the biggest music companies and their streaming equivalents, it's not unreasonable to wonder whether such partnerships might include privileged access to data that indies simply don't have.

The shift is already visible in the majors' strategies. They've largely moved away from developing artists, focusing instead on marketing and acquisition. Why take risks developing unknown talent when data can tell you exactly which established artists and labels to acquire?

On an individual basis, independent labels are sorely lacking when it comes to data and analytical capabilities. Anecdotally speaking, based on conversations I have had with peers, I'm often surprised by how little thought even the bigger independent companies have given to data-driven technologies. Without tech backgrounds, many label heads don't fully appreciate what modern data analysis can accomplish.

So how can indies make sure the distance between themselves and the majors in this great data race doesn't become insurmountable?

We need to come together. Data is no good when it's fragmented. Just as the majors consolidate data through acquisition, we need to consolidate our data through collaboration. The tools are already available to leverage that data set once it is up to scale.

Even a small number of labels with a combined catalogue of, say, one thousand recordings, could create a powerful dataset. With the right anonymised data-sharing framework, independents have the ability to create systems that help them identify market gaps, forecast song performance, and discover emerging talent uniquely positioned for growth.

Such a system could even suggest unexpected collaborations across genres or labels that might generate additional income and new opportunities that individual labels would never have discovered on their own.

There will, of course, be a finer details to work out: finding the right partners of similar size and complementary catalogs for initial proof-of-concept collaborations will be important.

What's certain is that the independent sector needs to act soon. As majors continue to develop their AI capabilities and acquire more data, the gulf will only widen. Without a unified front from independents to leverage collective data power, we risk being left behind in an increasingly data-driven music industry.

The technology exists. The potential benefits are clear. All that remains is for independents to recognise that, in the AI age, collaboration might be our only path to competitiveness.

The question is: Who is willing to share their most precious commodity?

06 Oct 2025 | Press release

Oram Awards Launch UK-Wide ORAM/100 Tour Celebrating Daphne Oram’s Centenary

Honouring Daphne Oram's centenary, throughout late 2025 the Oram Awards, in partnership with Outlands Network, is embarking on a tour to uplift and inspire female and gender-expansive sound artists and musicians in communities and grassroots venues across the UK.   The Oram...more

06 Oct 2025 | Press release

Claimy raises €1.5m to unlock the music industry’s missing royalties

AI-powered platform will help solve the “black box issue”, delivering more money to music creators globally Paris-based startup backed by notable music and tech industry insiders  Every year, an estimated 30% of music rights go missing or are misallocated, representing...more

06 Oct 2025 | Press release

With French court ruling, music companies send strong message to businesses enabling streaming fraud

Decision confirms that intermediaries must stop supporting streaming fraud    In a decision announced yesterday, the Paris Judicial Court ruled that enabling streaming fraud is illegal in France and demonstrated that it would act to stop companies from providing such services to...more

06 Oct 2025 | Press release

TikTok to livestream Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 shows

Continuing its global partnership with Tomorrowland, TikTok announces that it will livestream all shows from the main stage of Tomorrowland Brasil, taking place on October 10th, 11th, and 12th in Itu, São Paulo. Throughout the weekend, audiences will be able to...more

04 Oct 2025 | Press release

Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) is a special last minute addition to Tuesday's White Label Auction (7/10)

Rare test pressing of their iconic album - re-issued today to celebrate the landmark anniversary – Donated to raise funds for The BRIT Trust music charity The album joins over 170 other lots including artist-signed white label albums from Coldplay, Chemical...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

I Want to Thank God: Music Award Shows

Music business executive and diversity advocate Andy Edwards highlights some interesting nuances about the intersection of race and religion in attitudes to faith amongst the music industry workforce. This op ed is the personal view of the author.   I have been...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Record Store Day Black Friday: Exclusive releases announced

   Record Store Day Black Friday returns with exclusive releases from Sam Fender & Olivia Dean, Fred again, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and many more Record Store Day UK introduces official new partner of 2025/26: Lägom Studio This year, Record Store Day’s sister...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The Adriatic Sound Festival taps Ticketmaster as the primary ticketing partner

The Adriatic Sound Festival, Europe’s newest electronic music festival in Fano, Italy, has announced a ticketing deal with Ticketmaster, which will serve as the primary ticketing platform for the 2026 edition of the festival. The Adriatic Sound Festival will take...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Wise Music Group signs Gabriel Prokofiev to Chester Music

Chester Music, part of Wise Music Group, has signed an exclusive publishing deal with the British composer and producer, Gabriel Prokofiev. Over the last decade Gabriel has become a significant voice in the contemporary classical music, combining a wide breadth...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Tessy Schulz announced as new Chair of the European Music Managers Alliance

The European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) has announced that highly respected German manager Tessy Schulz will serve as the organisation’s new Chair.   An experienced executive with over 20 years in the music business, including more than a decade  with Sony Music...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Independent music community publishes “100 Voices” on why Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings should be blocked

  More than 100 business leaders and artist groups from across the independent music community have made fresh appeals to the European Commission on why the deal should be blocked Representatives from 20 countries, business leaders and artist groups have shared personal...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

Abbey Road announces the winners of the Music Photography Awards 2025

Abbey Road has announced the winners of the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards 2025 during a thrilling and celebratory evening held across the iconic Studios One and Two. Hosted by the returning Lauren Laverne, the night revealed the winners and...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

21 live music agencies to attend AIF, AIP and MVT Grassroots Networking Day

Creative Wales and City Of Belfast join Arts Council England backing. A total of 21 live music agencies will be present at the recently announced Grassroots Networking Day, alongside members the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association of Independent Promoters...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums on vinyl of 2025 so far revealed 

  Sam Fender scoops the biggest vinyl album of 2025 so far as four British acts make the Top 10      Oasis secure best-selling vinyl single of the year so far with Whatever anniversary reissue  As Chappell Roan lands highest new entry in the Top...more

03 Oct 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy celebrates eight recipients at inaugural honours

RAYE, KAE TEMPEST, SIR RICHARD BRANSON, JON PLATT, KANYA KING CBE, SIR CHRIS BRYANT MP, CATHERINE MANNERS AND JOHN SWEENEY (1959-2025) ARE HONOURED THE HONOURS RECOGNISE ADVOCATES AND INNOVATORS WHO CHAMPION SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS AND SHAPE A FAIRER MUSIC INDUSTRYThe Ivors...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

Mascot Records Celebrates 35 Years with a Bold New Era

 Watch the trailer HERE Listen to the Mascot Records Compilation HERE Check out our brand-new website HERE Mascot Records marks its 35th anniversary in 2025 with a dynamic rebrand and fresh visual identity, reflecting a future-focused A&R strategy that's redefining rock and metal for a new...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

Hail to the city of Oxford as National Album Day research names Radiohead’s birthplace the UK’s top location per capita for launching rock artists

Manchester is runner-up thanks to Oasis, The Smiths and Stone Roses – ahead of Liverpool, Sheffield and Glasgow.  Greater London is the UK’s biggest rock region overall.                           New research for...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

The annual BPI Classical Committee/PPL charity quiz returns

Now into its 11th year, to be held on 13th November 2025 in King’s Cross   The annual BPI Classical Committee/PPL Charity Quiz is back next month for its 11th edition on13th November 2025.  Mark Wilkinson will again expertly compère this popular industry gathering, which this year will be hosted...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard launches Season 4 of acclaimed podcast series

The Red Carpet Treatment - On The Road Presented by MastercardHosted by Luke Hamnett   Sam Ryder kicks off fourth series - episode 1 available to watch in full on @BRITs YouTube or on @BRITs social channels    The BRIT Awards with Mastercard today announces...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

BPI leaders call on UK Government to protect IP and support music industry ecosystem at Labour Party Conference

  BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE calls on UK Government to support music businesses in pursuit of creative industries growth, while BPI Chief Strategy Officer Sophie Jones highlights importance of IP to UK’s world-leading creativity Political names including Lisa Nandy, Bridget...more

02 Oct 2025 | Press release

2025 Mercury Prize 'Albums Of The Year' performances announced for awards show

THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER AT NEWCASTLE'S UTILITA ARENA LAST REMAINING TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE   2024 MERCURY PRIZE WINNER ENGLISH TEACHER'S LILY FONTAINE CONFIRMED FOR MERCURY FRINGE PANEL The 2025 Mercury Prize has today announced the artists who will perform at this year's Awards Show. Those...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Songtrust Introduces 'Songtrust Amplified' - A New Rewards Program Designed to Elevate and Empower Songwriters

Songtrust, a Downtown company and global music publishing administration service, announces the launch of Songtrust Amplified, a new rewards program designed to elevate career opportunities for music creators at every stage of their journey. Available to all active clients, Songtrust Amplified...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Merlin and Spotify Extend Multi-Year Global Licensing Partnership

Spotify and Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independents, today announced the renewal of their global, multi-year licensing partnership. This agreement reinforces the vital role of independent music on Spotify and provides Merlin members continued access...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Southbank Centre and TikTok launch 'Crescendo': a new accelerator programme to discover the next generation of classical music talent

  Violinist and TikTok star Esther Abrami joins judging panel to select 10 standout UK based creators for the Crescendo cohort    The Southbank Centre (@southbank.centre) and TikTok have today announced the launch of Crescendo, a pioneering new accelerator programme aimed at spotlighting emerging classical music content creators in the UK, bringing...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing ANZ signs The Belair Lip Bombs

  Concord Music Publishing ANZ is thrilled to announce the signing of acclaimed Australian indie-rock band The Belair Lip Bombs to a global publishing agreement.  The announcement comes as the band prepare to release their highly anticipated sophomore album Again, out 31 October via Third Man...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Norman Cook’s first book It Ain't Over... 'Til The Fatboy Sings to be released on 16 October

LAUNCH EVENT TAKES PLACE AT THEATRE ROYAL IN BRIGHTON ON 14TH OCTOBERTICKETS HERE BRITISH ARTIST MARK VESSEY IMMORTALISES FATBOY SLIM’S ICONIC RECORD BOX IN NEW PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLABORATIONVIEW HERE   Legendary DJ and producer Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, announces his debut book, It Ain’t Over......more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

BBC Pop Music Television to explore David Bowie’s Berlin years as never before with Bowie in Berlin

  BBC Two and BBC iPlayer will celebrate David Bowie in autumn 2026 with Bowie in Berlin (w/t, 1 x 90”), a documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Bowie’s arrival in the German capital. A Mindhouse / Blackstar Films co-production, with Executive Producers Louis Theroux...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Youth Music begins search for next CEO as Matt Griffiths announces departure

Youth Music today announces that it is seeking its next CEO, following Matt Griffiths’ decision to step down after 13 outstanding years at the helm.  Since joining in 2012, Matt has redefined Youth Music’s mission to break down barriers to music-making for young...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Nordoff and Robbins appoints three new Trustees to Board

  Selina Emeny (Live Nation Entertainment), Kate Reilly (PPL) and Giles Wilmore (Manchester Camerata) all join Board of Trustees New strategy aims to establish music therapy as a recognised, integrated and accessible form of health care Suzie Power and Prof Norma Daykin appointed...more

01 Oct 2025 | Press release

Bridging the Gap: New Report Exposes Systemic Exclusion of South-East European Artists from the EU Music Ecosystem

Geographical Underrepresentation and Diversity within the EU Music Ecosystem by SoAlive Music Conference/Flat Line Collective. Download the full report - https://musicequality.org/    A new report by Bulgaria’s SoAlive Music Conference and Flat Line Collective, the record label by artist Ruth Koleva, sheds light...more

07 Oct 2025

  • Price cap on ticket resales set to be introduced (see News)

06 Oct 2025

  • Raye and Sony’s Jon Platt speak out for songwriters at Ivors Academy Honours Ceremony (see News)

03 Oct 2025

  • Does Daniel Ek deserve to be the richest ever man in music? (see Comment)

  • Independent music community publishes '100 Voices' on why Universal’s acquisition of Downtown should be blocked (see News)

02 Oct 2025

  • Universal and Warner said to be close to landmark AI licensing deals (see News)

01 Oct 2025

  • Industry leaders outline challenges to Creative Industries Minister (see News)

30 Sep 2025

  • Spotify isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as intended (see Comment)

29 Sep 2025

  • Spotify is completely unserious about combating AI music (see Comment)

26 Sep 2025

  • Hw British and American musical tastes remain distinct (see Analysis)

  • Oliver Schusser on Apple’s strategy in music (see Features)

25 Sep 2025

  • Europe’s music sector call for a comprehensive policy strategy and an ambitious budget for Europe’s music sector within AgoraEU (see News)

24 Sep 2025

  • Artist-led lawsuit against Suno introduces stream-ripping claims (see Digital)

  • Music Tech has historically been a difficult bet. So why are investors still showing up? (see Comment)