SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Industry veteran Bob Barbiere appointed EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach to expand the coverage, features and functionality of the platform 

 

OpenPlay, the music industry's leading catalog management platform and business engine, announces a further expansion of its capabilities with the addition of OpenPlay Reach. The new service is designed to support the seamless end-to-end delivery, distribution, management and monetization of music and video assets. Industry veteran Bob Barbiere has joined OpenPlay as EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach, bringing decades of expertise in music technology, distribution and rights management. 

OpenPlay Reach further advances OpenPlay's mission to provide labels and publishers with the industry's most advanced and complete music business engine. Reach not only seamlessly unifies the management of music and video for thousands of labels, the platform powers a completely new approach to how assets are distributed, tracked and monetized; particularly important with the increase in music and video services and rise of user-generated content. 

Labels and publishers currently managing millions of assets on OpenPlay can use Reach's advanced digital delivery system selecting the distribution option that fits their objectives best, at a label, artist or even individual release basis. This optionality makes OpenPlay Reach unique in the distribution space offering labels a choice of their own provider or OpenPlay's own direct DSP delivery program. This not only gives labels better control over their assets and data, it reduces costs while optimizing royalty margins and revenues.  

Edward Ginis, Co-Founder and Chief Client Officer of OpenPlay, said: "From our years working in music rights management, we at OpenPlay understood and anticipated the growing complexity of the digitized music industry early on, prompting us to develop a comprehensive solution from the ground up to unify music and video management, distribution and monetization.

"With the addition of OpenPlay Reach to our suite of services, we are progressing our vision to give rights owners the independence to take asset management decisions with complete control. Bob Barbiere's leadership will be key in driving this expansion forward and ensuring that content can be managed, delivered and monetized at scale." 

Barbiere is a recognized leader in music, rights and technology previously in executive roles at Dubset Media Holdings and Pex while also serving as an advisor and board member to companies and industry organizations including the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), Sureel.ai, RoyaltyAmp, and Music Rightz.  He brings deep experience in licensing, digital distribution and rights administration, and as EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach he will oversee strategic growth and global expansion. 

"OpenPlay has absolutely set the standard for music and video asset management and distribution, which is why I am excited to be joining Edward and his team at this inflection point in music," notes the EVP and General Manager of OpenPlay Reach, Bob Barbiere.  "Reach is both well-conceived and uniquely timed. Labels and publishers are not only trying to keep up with the growing use of their catalog and rapidly expanding number of consumer touch points, they are being fiscally challenged to get more accomplished with less. While OpenPlay now powers the back office of thousands of labels and publishers, it's been one of music's best kept secrets... but with the introduction of Reach, it will not be a secret much longer." 

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

BSI Merch Unveils Artist Services Strategy

Company Rebrands as BSI Merch & Artist Services New Division BSI Music Announces Still Pigeon as First Signing   UK-based music merchandise and e-commerce specialist BSI Merch has rebranded as BSI Merch & Artist Services, marking an exciting new chapter for the company...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

New Report Reveals UK Music Industry Contributes Record £8 Billion To UK Economy 

  UK music contribution to the UK economy in 2024 hit a record £8 billion.  UK music exports revenue in 2024 reaches new high of £4.8 billion.  Total UK music industry employment in 2024 rises to record high of 220,000.    UK Music, the collective voice...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

NIC Hike Hammers Jobs: NTIA Slams Government Over Rising Unemployment

  Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association: “The latest ONS figures are deeply concerning. A rise in unemployment to 5%, the highest in four years, is a stark signal that the Government’s current approach is failing to support job - particularly...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Public voting for the European Festival Awards 2025 has begun

TICKETS FOR THE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL AWARDS 2025 GO ON SALE ON NOVEMBER 11th  The public voting for the 15th edition of the European Festival Awards is open until Thursday, November 20th. During this period, the public can vote for their favourite Festival...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Jeremy Vuernick named EVP, Atlantic Music Group

London-based Exec to Work Across UK & US Teams to Sign & Develop Transatlantic Talent Accomplished A&R leader Jeremy Vuernick has been named Executive Vice President, Atlantic Music Group (AMG), joining AMG's global leadership team. In this new post, reporting jointly...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

BPI invites tenders for its member training programme

Proposals to be received by 5th December 2025 deadline   The BPI, the representative voice for the UK’s world-leading record companies and label businesses, is from today inviting tenders from organisations or individuals who would be interested to meet all or part of its...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Rough Trade Announce First Global Edition Of Albums Of The Year For 2025

VIAGRA BOYS FIRST SELF-RELEASED ALBUM 'VIAGR ABOYS' TAKES NO.1 SPOT IN THE TOP 30 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR ALSO FEATURINGOKLOU, PULP, TURNSTILE, HAYLEY WILLIAMS, CAMERON WINTER, CMAT, HOTWAX, GEESE, JEHNNY BETH, BON IVER, MATT BERNINGER + MANY MORE LIMITED EDITION VINYL RELEASES EXCLUSIVELY FOR ROUGH...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Kodak Black Pioneers the Future of Fandom: $YAK Coin x Audius

Rap superstar Kodak Black announced today that he has teamed up with the music discovery platform and marketplace, Audius to launch a next generation fanclub powered by his very own Artist Coin, $YAK. $YAK holders will gain exclusive access to...more

12 Nov 2025 | Press release

Cris Lacy Named Chair & President of Newly Rebranded Warner Records Nashville

In the latest move in the expansion of the Warner Records Group, Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the newly rebranded Warner Records Nashville, formerly known as Warner Music Nashville. In this post, she reports to Warner...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sam Fender donates Mercury Prize money to Music Venue Trust

Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of the UK’s grassroots music venues (GMVs), today announces that Sam Fender has donated his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to MVT to support its ongoing work protecting and securing the future...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Ivors Academy launches new commissioning templates for classical composers

Just ahead of The Ivors Classical Awards tonight, The Ivors Academy has launched new commissioning template agreements for composers working in classical music. Clear and practical commissioning agreements help new music be created on fair and equitable terms. Created by legal...more

11 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Sabres of Paradise withdraw music from Spotify over ethical and artistic concerns

  Independent artists The Sabres of Paradise have removed their music from Spotify, citing ongoing concerns surrounding artist compensation, creative independence, and ethical accountability within the platform’s leadership.   “Spotify’s algorithmic business model undervalues artists and underserves fans. Furthermore, its leadership’s financial involvement...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

IMPEL continues growth with five new members

Wings Music Group, Afro Soundtrack, Elite Embassy Publishing, Perfectly Formed Songs and Full Thought Publishing join the IMPEL Collective   IMPEL has recently expanded its membership and global reach by adding five new members, welcoming Afro Soundtrack from Nigeria, Elite Embassy Publishing...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK music promoter diversity database launches

AIP-driven project developed in association with Women In CTRL, LOUDWOMEN, Black Lives In Music, MVT, AIF, AIE, LIVE, FAC, Attitude Is Everything, Tonic Music, UK Music and Come Play With Me. Database can be found on the AIP site. The Association of Independent Promoters...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team expands ‘Sounds of the Future’ programme to the UK

LAUNCHES WITH IMMERSIVE GALLERY HONOURING BLACK CULTURE AND ARTISTRY, CURATED BY DR ALEEMA GRAY PARTNERS WITH THE BLACK MUSIC COALITION ON INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME   Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) Global Impact Team (GIT) has announced the expansion of the company’s Sounds of the Future (SotF) programme...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

UK Music Pays Tribute to “Outstanding” Chair Lord Watson as Peer Announces Decision to Stand Down from Role as Industry Leader

UK Music paid tribute to Lord (Tom) Watson after the peer confirmed he is to stand down as UK Music Chair after six years leading the industry body which champions and campaigns for the sector.   Lord Watson of Wyre Forest...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Catherine Anne Davies (aka The Anchoress), Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) and Rina Sawayama elected to the FAC board

Following an Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) is delighted to announce the election of Catherine Anne Davies (aka The Anchoress), Jess Smyth (aka Biig Piig) and Rina Sawayama as board directors.  All are hugely respected for their...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

“Music To Your Ears” Podcast Explores the Future of Music Marketing and Promotion

  Music To Your Ears  a new music podcast that takes a deep dive into the evolving strategies, tools, and stories shaping modern music promotion has launched it’s first three episodes. The show is produced by Mil3s Entertainment and sponsored by...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

BPI comment: British music hits high note at Grammy nominations

Sophie Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, BPI (British Phonographic Industry) said:“The brilliant showing of British artists in the Grammy nominations, including by a next generation of global breakthrough talent like Olivia Dean, Lola Young, PinkPantheress, Sleep Token, FLO and Yungblud, is a...more

10 Nov 2025 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Appoints Michael Young as Chief Information Officer

Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”) today announced the appointment of Michael Young as Chief Information Officer, effective today. Based in Nashville, Young will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.  As CIO, Young will lead the company’s technology strategy...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Music Ally Connect 2026 announces full agenda and additional speakers, spotlighting AI, gaming, and new global markets

  Building on the legacy of NY:LON Connect, Music Ally Connect has established itself as the world’s leading high-level music executive conference, bringing together international decision makers from across the industry to connect and discuss the key issues shaping the business. This...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Molotovs sign global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music

The Molotovs have signed a global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, as they aim for a third No.1 in a row in the physical singles charts. The deal will see the company manage the fast-rising stars' catalogue, with debut album...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

More Than 100 Emerging Artists Added To ESNS Festival Line Up

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) announces a major batch of 110 acts from all over Europe. The music showcase festival celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, taking place from January 14 to 17 in Groningen. The big line-up expansion brings the number...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Action Required: Stop the spin, put music-makers first in AI deals

Music industry must guarantee music-maker consent, control and compensation   The Council Of Music Makers is calling out the music industry as it starts signing major AI deals: now is the moment to genuinely put human creators at the centre of the AI opportunity.  Universal Music says its deal...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Cantilever, “the MUBI of music streaming”, now live on iOS

Cantilever, the highly-curated antidote to music streaming’s content deluge, has launched for iPhone users in the UK. A brand new music streaming app, Cantilever operates on a completely different model to market leaders Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, offering subscribers...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Leda Chang joins Warner Music Group as SVP, Global Brand & Audience, Catalog

Seasoned Executive to Drive “Always On” Artist & Fan-Focused Marketing Latest Move in Amplifying Company’s Global Catalog Strategy Leda Chang has been appointed to the newly created role of SVP, Global Brand & Audience for Warner Music Group’s Global Catalog division. In this...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

Impala urges shared climate action and fair access to transition pathways ahead of COP30

Ahead of next week’s COP30 in Brazil, IMPALA calls on the independent music sector and governments alike to prioritise collective climate action, embed culture into climate policy, and ensure a level playing field in the transition to a low-carbon future. With...more

07 Nov 2025 | Press release

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu and KT Tunstall picks up Modern Scottish Classic Award

GLASGOW BASED BAND AWARDED £20,000 AT NATIONAL MUSIC PRIZE CEREMONY IN DUNDEE  KT TUNSTALL PERFORMS LIVE ON THE NIGHT AS 2025'S MODERN SCOTTISH CLASSIC WINNER AND ALICE FAYE WINS THE SOUND OF YOUNG SCOTLAND     Kai Reesu's 'KOMPROMAT vol.i' was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

Catalog Reclaims Billion-Dollar Music Licensing Industry for Culturally Vital Artists

Proven in private BETA with Hermès and Dior, the platform ends the impossible choice between artistry and the brutal deadlines of visual media !K7, Beggars Group, City Slang, Domino, Erased Tapes, Kompakt, Mute Song, Ninja Tune, Partisan Records, Warp& more form...more

06 Nov 2025 | Press release

The Joiners and The Croft bought by 'Own Our Venues' Community Ownership Scheme

Music Venue Properties (MVP), the pioneering Charitable Community Benefit Society, announce the purchase of The Joiners in Southampton and The Croft in Bristol under its Own Our Venues initiative with support from Arts Council England.  The two grassroots venues, where artists...more

12 Nov 2025

  • Report reveals UK music industry contributes record £8bn to UK economy. (see Reports)

  • Deezer publishes survey on AI music (see Reports)

11 Nov 2025

  • Songs are going viral faster than ever — but fewer are becoming streaming hits (see Analysis)

10 Nov 2025

  • The music we should save is the music AI needs the most (see Comment)

07 Nov 2025

  • The Council Of Music Makers: Put music-makers first in AI deals (see News)

06 Nov 2025

  • The future of music marketing is no marketing at all (see Features)

05 Nov 2025

  • AIM states that the independents’ voice is now louder, clearer and impossible to ignore (see News)

  • Secondary price caps and figuring out fact vs. fiction (see Comment)

04 Nov 2025

  • Spotify responds to RBX lawsuit over ‘fake’ Drake streams (see Digital)

03 Nov 2025

  • Spotify perfected the business of distraction — and now we’re paying the price (see Features)

  • Remasters, deluxe editions and greatest hits show back catalogues are a goldmine (see Features)

31 Oct 2025

  • Universal Music Group and Stability AI announce strategic alliance to co-develop professional AI music creation tools (see News)

30 Oct 2025

  • UMG and Udio settle lawsuit; announce agreement for new licensed AI music creation platform (see News)

  • The last days of Utopia (see News)