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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." 

13 Oct 2025 | Press release

LIVE, NAA, MVT, BACH urge Government rethink on tax hike ahead of critical Autumn Budget

  The live music sector has written to Government calling for an exemption for live music venues from the new higher business rates multiplier for large properties. The Government's new business rates policy will raise business rates for buildings with a rateable...more

10 Oct 2025 | Press release

Long-Overdue Licensing Reform Offers Hope for a Modern, Balanced System Says NTIA

Statement from Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association on the Government’s “Cheers to Change” Licensing Consultation Announcement “We are pleased to see the Government’s announcement of an expedited consultation period following the Licensing Taskforce’s recent recommendations, as part...more

10 Oct 2025 | Press release

AWAL promotes Arif Mahmud to General Counsel & SVP of Global Business Affairs

  Arif Mahmud has been promoted to the role of General Counsel and SVP of Global Business Affairs at AWAL. Arif is based in AWAL’s London office and will continue to report to Lonny Olinick, the company’s CEO.  Arif started his career...more

10 Oct 2025 | Press release

Nina Protocol Launches Revenue Share System That Pays Fans for Music Discovery

Music platform Nina Protocol today launched Community Revenue Share, a system that pays fans directly when they help artists sell music. For the first time, listeners, curators, and tastemakers can earn money for the music discovery and sharing they already...more

10 Oct 2025 | Press release

Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Elton John and Adele named the most influential artists for brand partnerships

Luminate – the entertainment industry’s leading data partner – have released a new report - Matching Marketers with Music Talent.    The report reveals how brands can apply a “moneyball” approach to music partnerships – using data, not just instinct, to identify artists who align...more

10 Oct 2025 | Press release

Black Lives in Music Presents: Classically Black, 2025

Kings Place, London 18th October The one day symposium classical event returns for a second year Featuring Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, Pete Letanka, Simmy Singh, Sabi Ensemble, The Jollof House Party Opera, Paulette Bayley and DJ Spoony & Friends and more ‘New...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

LOLA. ARTISTS launches as new independent live music agency led by Jamie Wade

Today marks the official launch of LOLA. ARTISTS, a new independent live music agency founded by UK agent Jamie Wade.  LOLA.ARTISTS will introduce a new agency model rooted in trust, creativity, and long-term vision. Dedicated to representing artists across live touring,...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

Kid Harpoon announced as the first ever ‘Producer in Residence’ at Abbey Road Studios

Grammy & BRIT award winning producer, songwriter, and musician Kid Harpoon announced as the first ever ‘Producer in Residence’ at Abbey Road Studios ABBEY ROAD’S ANNUAL AMPLIFY PROGRAMME EXPANDS TO MANCHESTER FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS NOVEMBER   Today, (Thursday 9 October) GRAMMY...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

Warner Chappell Music signs global publishing deal with Sam Hales

Today, Warner Chappell Music is proud to announce the signing of a global publishing deal with one of Australia’s most acclaimed songwriters, Sam Hales. The agreement will encompass Sam’s entire catalogue and future works.   Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

BMG and Spotify sign new US direct licensing agreement

Spotify and global music company BMG have entered into a direct, multiyear US publishing licensing agreement designed to deliver greater value to songwriters and their teams. This agreement reflects BMG and Spotify’s shared interest in building a direct relationship that ensures songwriters...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

The Live Trust appoints Antonia Lines as Senior Programmes Manager

LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment), which represents 15 live music industry organisations, has announced the appointment of Antonia Lines to the position of Senior Programmes Manager, LIVE Trust.They will be based in London and will report to Jon...more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

EcoRecord Marks New Era of Sustainable LP Production, Enabled by Sonopress Innovation and Material Support from Indorama Ventures

Sonopress, a global leader in media manufacturing and entertainment services, has started the production of EcoRecord® — the world’s first long-playing (LP) record made from recyclable PET — for the US market, marking a major advance in sustainable music production....more

09 Oct 2025 | Press release

Isabel Garvey to leave WMG

Extracts from Isabel Garvey's note to all UK WMG employees Hi everyone,I have some personal news to share with you today.  I've decided...to step down from my role and leave the company at the end of December. I'm excited by the prospect...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

AI-generated music TV presenters coming to TV in broadcasting revolution

  AI-generated TV presenters will host ROXi music TV channel   Launching today on Sky Q, Sky Stream and Sky Glass in the UK and Ireland Launching today on NEXTGEN TV in the US, including Sinclair and Gray markets   FastStream Interactive announces the introduction of...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 6 Music presents New Music Fix Live in Sheffield this November

  Tonight, on their New Music Fix Daily show on BBC Radio 6 Music (Mondays – Thursdays, 7-9pm), Deb Grant and Nathan Shepherd announced that this year's New Music Fix Live will take place in Sheffield from Monday 24th – Thursday 27th November. For...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Believe announces the launch of Believe Music Publishing, expanding its ability to serve and empower independent songwriters and publishers

Believe, one of the world's leading music companies, announces today the launch of Believe Music Publishing, a key milestone in Believe’s ambition to be one global artist development company. This innovative digital-first music publishing offering expands Believe’s ability to serve...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Lila releases the South Asian soundcheck

  First comprehensive study into the South Asian experience reveals a fundamental lack of support and representation is holding back progress Clear need identified for mentorship, representation and investment   Results indicate: ● Only 28% are able to rely on music as their full-time source...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

“Big Swagger Energy” - The Brand Winners of Oasis’ Reunion

The Oasis reunion wasn’t just a cultural moment for fans; it was an opportunity for brands to get involved and capture the irreverent energy synonymous with the band. But who piggybacked off Oasis the best? With the UK leg of the...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Focaldata to power UK entertainment industry’s benchmark consumer tracking study

Focaldata, the UK’s fastest-growing research company, will power the entertainment industry’s benchmark consumer tracking study. Using its proprietary AI technology, Focaldata will conduct the twice-yearly study into the entertainment preferences and behaviours of 2,000 UK consumers on behalf of the digital entertainment...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Beatport Next 2026: Applications Now Open

Beatport Next 2026: Applications Now Open Championing breakthrough artists at the forefront of electronic music  Breaking into the music world has never been more competitive. Thousands of DJs and producers release tracks every day, but only a few break through. Beatport Next was created to...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Queen crowned the most played rock act of the 21st century on UK radio and TV

David Bowie, U2, Oasis and Fleetwood Mac complete the Top 5, as new PPL data reveals the nation’s enduring love of rock – to celebrate National Album Day                     Queen have been named the UK’s most played rock act of the 21st...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

White Label Auction in aid of The BRIT Trust

Rare 1975 test pressing of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody 7" single goes for £8,800 in the White Label Auction in aid of The BRIT Trust – contributing to a £44,620 total                                ...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

UK Music Conservative Party Conference Panel

Leading figures from across politics and the music industry gathered at the Conservative Party Conference to explore how backing British music can drive growth, creativity, and innovation in the years ahead.   Hosted by UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl, the panel –...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

Pulse Music Group forms publishing partnership with Mark Ronson’s Zelig Music

First Collaborative Signing to the JV is Becky and the Birds    PULSE Music Group has formed a music publishing joint venture with artist/songwriter/producer/composer Mark Ronson as announced today by PULSE Music Group co-CEOs Josh Abrahamand Scott Cutler; PULSE Music Group President, Ashley Calhoun; and Senior Vice President/Head of...more

08 Oct 2025 | Press release

The South Asian Soundcheck: first ever study reveals fundamental lack of support for South Asian music creators and professionals

LILA RELEASES THE SOUTH ASIAN SOUNDCHECK First comprehensive study into the South Asian experience in UK music reveals a fundamental lack of support and representation is holding back progress Clear need identified for mentorship, representation and investment   Results indicate: ●      Only 28% are able to...more

07 Oct 2025 | Press release

Killabop: new label launched by UK music exec Nav Sidhu, signs worldwide deal with Virgin Music Group

Killabop is an exciting new label venture from Hopeless Records UK executive Nav Sidhu. The label will primarily focus on signing UK alternative-rock artists and developing them across the globe via an exclusive worldwide distribution deal with Virgin Music Group....more

07 Oct 2025 | Press release

Amsterdam Dance Event completes 2025 program with final names as lineup grows larger and more diverse than ever

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the world's largest festival and business gathering for electronic music, has just completed the lineup for its 2025 edition. The total program spans over 3.300 artists performing at 1.200 events in nearly 250 venues across its...more

07 Oct 2025 | Press release

Don Leisure wins Welsh Music Prize 2025 for album Tyrchu Sain

Don Leisure has won the Welsh Music Prize as album Tyrchu Sain picked up the £10,000 prize for the best album made in Wales or by Welsh people around the world this past year in a ceremony at the Wales Millennium...more

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

13 Oct 2025

  • Sam Altman: the man who stole the rights from copyright. If he’s the future, can we go backwards? (see Features)

10 Oct 2025

  • Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl discusses the company's “tremendous catalogue” (see Features)

  • There’s a £1 idea that could save small music venues. Is Live Nation holding it back? (see Features)

  • Breaking down the arguments around VMG’s Downtown Music acquisition (see Analysis)

09 Oct 2025

  • Vevo report shows how fandom turns passion into impact and purchasing power (see Reports)

08 Oct 2025

  • The music industry must plan for the day when AI music-generation tools produce humanlike music in bulk (see Features)

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)