Independent music community publishes “100 Voices” on why Universal Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings should be blocked 03 Oct 2025
- 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 accounts to illustrate the threat this deal poses to their individual businesses
- 100 Voices is a snapshot of the reason why those affected believe the deal should be blocked, adding further weight to over 200 business leaders who signed a joint letter in July, calling for an in-depth investigation into the acquisition
- Publication follows a meeting held on Thursday with the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, and independent music label CEOs and founders outlining their opposition to the deal
Independent music leaders today published 100 Voices, a campaign with a clear message - Universal Music Group’s proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings should be blocked.
The campaign site (www.blockthedeal.com) and publication showcase personal accounts from more than 100 business leaders in 20 countries, warning that the deal poses a serious threat to competition, diversity and fair access across the music industry.
Downtown Music Holdings operates a number of platforms and services that are relied upon by the independent music community, including world-leading distribution platforms FUGA and CD Baby, one of the world’s biggest royalty accounting services, Curve, and one of the largest independent publishing administration services, Songtrust, among others.
The publication was delivered yesterday in person to the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, where independent label founders and CEOs set out their case against the merger. The European Commission is currently conducting a Phase 2 investigation led by Dombrovskis. A final decision was set for December, but the deadline has now slipped into next year with the exact date still to be confirmed.
Martin Mills, Founder and Chairman, Beggars said: “We are now operating in an industry increasingly shaped by global corporations, whose dominance over digital infrastructure effects everything from artist visibility to revenue. This ongoing consolidation amounts to a systematic weakening of the independent sector's ability to compete on fair terms.”
Bruno Roze, Founder/Artistic Director, I Love You Records said: “If Downtown's services fall under UMG’s control, we fear higher costs, reduced access, and the loss of independence that small labels like ours need to survive. This deal risks creating a music ecosystem where one corporation controls too much of the infrastructure, leaving less room for diversity, innovation, and fair competition. For the long-term health of independent music, it should be blocked.”
Nacho García Vega, President, International Artist Organisation said: “Artists rely on a pluralistic infrastructure that reflects diversity in both ownership and access. Allowing UMG to consolidate control over a major independent player would move the industry further toward a two-tier system, where market dominance—not creative merit—determines visibility and success.”
Francesca Trainini, Vice President, PMI Italia said: “This is a crucial moment for the future of Europe’s music landscape. The Commission’s intervention shows these concerns are being taken seriously. The risks of reinforcing the leader and losing a big competitor are clearer today than ever before. Remedies would be ineffective in today’s music market. We trust the Commission will take the necessary steps to protect competition, access, and diversity across the sector.”
Birte Wiemann, Project Manager, Cargo Records said: “When unchecked growth disrupts an ecosystem, diversity suffers. If UMG acquires Downtown, entire independent structures are absorbed, giving UMG new power over DSPs and data that weakens independents. The result is less diversity, more homogenised output, and a cultural niche increasingly sidelined.”
Business leaders have already spoken out about the deal. In July, an open letter was signed by over 200 founders, CEOs and business leaders at independent music companies and trade associations, alongside a further call from the European Composer Songwriter Alliance. Other groups have also raised concerns including managers, featured artists and independent publishers.
100 Voices showcases a sample of those who object, expressing in their own words why they believe the deal should be blocked. Independent music companies, artists and any other concerned groups who agree that the European Commission should block the deal are welcome to share their experiences and add their voice atwww.blockthedeal.com (either anonymously or attributed to them directly).
Business leaders who have shared contributions opposing the deal (some asking to remain anonymous):
Alan Hauser, Jungle Records
Alexander Hirschenhauser, VTMÖ
Alexander Warnke, CEO, PRO Agency
Alison Wenham, COO, Chrysalis Records
Allen Kovac, Chairman, Better Noise
Andreas Ring Andersen, Legal Counsel, Dansk Artist Forbund
Anthony Cruze, ULX Ultraluxe Group
Anton Teichmann, Founder, Mansions and Millions
ARTNAT
Aymeric Genty, CEO, I.O.T Records
Bantegnie Liza, Artist
Bernd Giezek, SpeedRepeat
Birte Wiemann, Project Manager, Cargo Records
Björn Mathes, Co-Founder / CEO, FerryHouse
Bori Koczka, COO, Zeneszoveg.hu // Songbook
Borja Torres, Co-founder, Lovemonk Discos Buenos
Brigitte Matula, Professional representation in the Austrian film and music industry
Bruno Roze, Founder/Artistic Director, I Love You Records
Calvin Johnson, Proprietor, K Records
Catharina Boutari, Head Of Label, Pussy Empire Recordings
Charles Caldas and team, Exceleration Music
Christian Mueller, Founder, SPOZZ.club
Cristián Elena, COSO Records
Dan Waite, CEO, Better Noise
Dario Draštata, Executive Director, Dallas Records
Darius van Arman, Secretly Distribution CEO and Secretly Group Co-Founder
David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists' Coalition
Dennis Dañobeitia, Manager and Owner, CFA
Diego Monje Coccolo, CEO, Cactus Music
Domino Recording Co.
Dylan Pellett, General Manager, Independent Music New Zealand
Engin Akinci, Zoom Music & Management
Eric Longley, Principal, 25 Hour Convenience Store
Ester Petri, Carus-Verlag
Eszter Décsy, Corner Art Management & Records
Fabienne Schmuki, Irascible Music
Fabio Besomi, Label manager, il domani
Flavian Graber, Spectacular Spectacular
Francesca Trainini, Vice President PMI Italia
Francisca Sandoval, IMICHILE
Gee Davy, CEO, AIM
Geert De Blaere, N.E.W.S., BIMA
Hannes Tschürtz, Ink Music
Harvey Saward, Director, Remote Control Records
Helen Smith, Executive Chair, IMPALA
Henrietta Bauer, Bretford Records
Henrik Augustin, Co-founder, Villa Management
Joachim Irmler, Musician
Jonas Sjöström, Chairman, Playground Music Scandinavia AB
Jörg Heidemann, CEO, VUT
Julian Scheufler, Südpark Studio
Katja Vauhkonen, Executive Director, Indieco
Kees van Weijen, Managing Director, HIT4US Entertainment
Kimberly Balthasar
Larry Bringsjord, CEO, FONO
Lee Jones, The New Church Records
Lee Jones, The New Church Records
Lio Kanine, Co-owner, Kanine Records
Manuel Francis Nunes, Stilleto Records
Marciano Cordeiro da Silva, mARCIANO
Maria Inés Collarte Centeno, General Manager, Entrebotones
Mario Rossori. ROSSORI Promotion & Music
Mark Chung, VUT board member and musician
Mark Kitcatt,Everlasting, Popstock
Markus Rennhack, Kick The Flame Publishing
Marlon McNeill, Founder, A Tree in a Field Music
Martin Goldschmidt, Cooking Vinyl
Martin Mills, Chair, Beggars Group
Mats Hammerman, Massproduktion
Matthias Möbius, Viamas
Montse Pratdesaba, Vice President, Musicat
Nacho García Vega, President, International Artist Organisation
Neil Grant, Neil Grant Media & Promotion
Nicki Refstrup Bladt, Label Manager, Celebration Records
Nicky Bomba, Transmitter Records
Noemí Planas, CEO, WIN - Worldwide Independent Network
Nuno Manuel da Silva Faria, BeDuet
Nuno Saraiva, Mermaids & Albatrosses Lda.
Patrick Tilg, MA, Feber Wolle Records
Paulo Brissos, Artist, Paulo Brissos
Peter Bonne, CEO, Chayell
PJ Wassermann, Owner, HyperMusic
Rainer Scheerer, CEO, Springstoff
Rebecca Knight, Founder, Audiofunk
Reimer Bustorff, CEO, Grand Hotel van Cleef Musik
Ricardo Frutuoso, Musician and producer
Riku Pääkkönen, Owner, Ranka Kustannus
Robby Beyer, Supreme Chaos Records
Robi Maurer, MD, Intermusic Network
Roland Zoltan CSIPAI, CEO & Founder, Zeneszoveg.hu // Songbook
Salvo Voucher, Label Manager. Escudero Records
Samuel Martins Coelho, Samuel Martins Coelho
Stephan Bourdoiseau President, Wagram Stories
Thomas Franke, T3 Records
Thomas Zimmermann, Board member & Treasurer, VUT
Tim Clark, Director, Ferva Music
Toby Egekwu, Manager & Co-founder, Finesse Foreva
Tomas Rimeika Karlsson, Rimeika retorik
Volker Sonntag, TAG-7
Xavier Collin, Directeur Général, Haute Fidélité
Yannick Matray, Director, InFiné
Zsolt Jeges, President, Mamazone Records
Austrian music company
Austrian music company
British music company
British music company
British record label
CEO of Finnish record label
CEO of German music company
CEO of German music company
CEO of independent Bulgarian music company
CEO of Swedish music company
CFO of Dutch music company
Co-founder of Scottish music company
French record label
General Manager of Danish music company
German music company
German musician
German record label
German record label
German record label
Ghanaian musician
Independent Bulgarian music company
Independent German artist
Independent German music company owner
Independent German record label
Independent Portuguese musician
MD of British record label
Polish music company
Portuguese musician
Swiss music producer
Swiss record label
NEWS & PRESS
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
THE HEADLINES
Raye and Sony’s Jon Platt speak out for songwriters at Ivors Academy Honours Ceremony (see News)
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)
Universal and Warner said to be close to landmark AI licensing deals (see News)
Industry leaders outline challenges to Creative Industries Minister (see News)
Spotify isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as intended (see Comment)
Spotify is completely unserious about combating AI music (see Comment)
Hw British and American musical tastes remain distinct (see Analysis)
Oliver Schusser on Apple’s strategy in music (see Features)
Europe’s music sector call for a comprehensive policy strategy and an ambitious budget for Europe’s music sector within AgoraEU (see News)
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)
IFPI publishes Music in the EU report (see Reports)
AI music - is it time to explore a blanket approach? (see Opinion)