Why the TikTok and Universal disputes matter | Music News

It looks like you won't be hearing songs by Taylor Swift, Drake, Billie Eilish and more of the world's biggest artists on TikTok.

The app has drawn millions of users through the creation and sharing of music content, but one of the world's biggest record labels is pulling its artists from TikTok.

Universal Music Group (UMG) is pulling its catalogue of millions of songs — by everyone from Lady Gaga to Post Malone — after failing to come to terms with the hugely popular social media platform on a new licensing agreement, which expired on January 31.

Locally, Universal Music Australia represents the likes of Tame Impala, Missy Higgins, Baker Boy, Matt Corby, Tkay Maidza, and Peach PRC, who was one of a handful of homegrown acts that topped the ARIA Album Charts in 2023.

ikTok users would no longer have access to recordings controlled by UMG (estimated at 3 million works) or to songs whose rights are represented by its publishing arm (around 4 million songs).

Last June, Tik Tok announced it was connected with 8.5 million Australians, and more than 300,000 domestic businesses.

Universal says that Tik Tok accounts for 1% of its total revenue

UMG released an open letter following the breakdown in negotiations

Claiming they faced "bully" tactics and "intimidation" during negotiations.

They accuse TikTok of offering royalty payments that are "a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay".

TikTok meanwhile, say that "It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters," TikTok wrote in a brief statement addressing UMG's claims and decision to cut ties.

"Despite Universal's false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.""

The platform adds that they have been "able to reach 'artist-first' agreements with every other label and publisher.

"Clearly, Universal's self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans."

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe for more content.

Like Homebrewed on ⁠Facebook⁠

Follow Homebrewed on ⁠Instagram⁠

Watch our content on ⁠YouTube⁠

Check out our Spotify Playlists ⁠here⁠

Catch up on everything ⁠Homebrewed⁠

Homebrewed is a radio program and podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.

Source: https://www.homebrewed.au

---

Homebrewed PodcastInterview