SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

The .MUSIC registry announces the global launch of the community-based .MUSIC top-level domain name extension and its verified MusicID.

 

Today, the global music industry and community takes a transformative step forward with the official launch of the .MUSIC domain name. All members of the music community can now register.MUSIC on a first come, first serve basis. Designed to provide verified digital identities for music artists, creators, songwriters, industry professionals, organizations and brands, .MUSIC will provide a trusted, vetted and secure digital space and safe haven for legal music consumption.

The registration and use of .MUSIC is exclusive to verified members of the global music community, enabling them to protect, control and oversee their music identities across the Internet. In a time of increasing concern about non-consensual AI deepfakes, voice cloning, and the unauthorized use of the music community's intellectual property, .MUSIC offers a credible solution to these challenging problems. The .MUSIC domain fosters a more trustworthy and transparent global music ecosystem by helping fans and platforms easily identify music (or content) created by real, authenticated humans and music (or content) entirely generated by unaccountable AI or bots.

“For the first time in music history, the global music industry will be able to register their unique .MUSIC name and verified digital music identity. The .MUSIC domain and its connected MusicID will provide a trusted, secure, and authentic music-centric Internet where the global music community can safely connect, engage, transact and thrive,” says Constantine Roussos, the Greek-Cypriot Founder and CEO of .MUSIC.

“The .MUSIC launch marks a pivotal moment for the music industry to reclaim control of their digital footprint. By offering verified MusicIDs, we are giving the global music community the ability to secure their digital identity, protect their creative works, and ensure that their presence online is authentic and safeguarded from impersonation, fraud, and AI misuse,” says Marina Roussou, the Executive Director of id.MUSIC, the exclusive music identity provider for .MUSIC.

“As a domain for the global music community, available only to verified artists, companies and organisations active in the music ecosystem, .MUSIC will be a valuable tool, strengthening trust and assuring authenticity. IFPI have been longstanding supporters of this initiative,” says Victoria Oakley, the CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) representing the recording industry worldwide.

“The launch of .MUSIC verified digital identities is an important step forward in the effort to deliver a safe, trustworthy space for artists, fans, and the global music community. Congratulations to the entire .MUSIC team!” says Mitch Glazier, the Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) representing labels that collectively create 90% of recorded music sold in the United States.

“We are pleased to see the launch of .MUSIC, a project that we believe will strengthen the global music community by creating a new level of trust, connection and reliability between all the players involved and, most importantly, with music consumers. CISAC has been a longstanding supporter of the .MUSIC initiative and we are delighted to see this ambitious project reaching the finishing line and coming to fruition,” says Gadi Oron, the Director General of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), the world's largest network in the creative sector with 227 societies in 116 countries.

“On behalf of the International Music Council, I extend our warmest congratulations on the occasion of .MUSIC going live on October 8. We celebrate this monumental achievement aimed at offering dependable and secure digital domains for music globally. This is perfectly in line with the Five Music Rights and we are delighted to be part of it,” says Dr. Sheila C. Woodward, the President of the International Music Council (IMC), the world's largest network of music organizations and institutions in 150 countries with direct access to over 1,000 organizations and 600 million persons through its members.

“Today’s music industry is global and digitised. ICMP is pleased to partner .MUSIC. The newly launched .MUSIC online domain name provides a global gateway for music creators and businesses around the world,” says John Phelan, the Director General of the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) representing the music publishing industry worldwide.

“The .MUSIC domain is launching at a vital time for the music industry. The NMPA applauds this ambitious initiative and the protections it offers creators who face evolving threats to authenticity from AI,” says David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners.

“With the music industry currently at a pivotal moment in time when it comes to protecting human creation in the face of AI and other disruptive technologies, the launch of the .MUSIC domain is another welcome tool that will help ensure authenticity and trust between artists, businesses and consumers alike. IMPF has been an active supporter of the community-based .MUSIC top-level domain for over a decade, so we're incredibly aware of and grateful for the hard work that has got us to this point,” says Ger Hatton, the Counsel to the Board of Directors of the Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF) representing independent music publishing companies worldwide.

“.MUSIC places security, respect for rights, and innovation at the heart of its approach. The FIM is proud to have contributed to the success of this project through its continuous support. Beyond a mere domain name, .MUSIC offers a high value-added service to professional musicians,” says Benoît Machuel, the General Secretary of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) representing musicians’ trade unions, guilds and associations worldwide.

“The Recording Academy is thrilled to continue our support of the .MUSIC initiative, especially during a time of such immense evolution of our industry where it has never been more important to protect human creativity. From its inception, the project has sought to provide a safe and reliable digital domain for music creators, and it will foster more trust and security for our entire music ecosystem,” says Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy/GRAMMYS.

“A2IM has supported the .MUSIC initiative from the outset, and we’re thrilled to see it become a reality. This domain fosters trust, connection, and reliability within the global music community. It will create a safe, innovative ecosystem that benefits artists, labels, and music consumers alike, fulfilling our shared vision for a stronger, more unified industry,” says Dr. Richard James Burgess, the President and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) representing the collective voice of independent music.

“IMPALA’s aims include effectively tackling infringement and giving music consumers the best digital infrastructure based on trust and security. A community run .MUSIC system with commitments prevailed with support from IMPALA and others in the sector. It’s great that the .MUSIC domains are now available and will be administered in a way that achieves our mutual objectives and creates a safe and innovative ecosystem. This is part of our mission of growing the independent music sector in Europe,” says Helen Smith, the Executive Chair of the Independent Music Companies Association (IMPALA) representing prominent independent music companies and national trade associations in Europe.

“The International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) and Music Managers Forum – US (MMF-US) congratulate .MUSIC on their launch. This development offers artists and their teams access to a new top-level domain name extension and opportunities to verify digital identities as AI and deep fakes escalate the long-standing issues of trust and veracity online. Representing artists and managers worldwide, IMMF and MMF-US are always interested in connecting our communities with innovation and tools to build a more trustworthy online ecosystem for artists and fans,” says Neeta Ragoowansi, the President of International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) and Music Managers Forum - US (MMF-US) representing national and regional associations of self-managed artists and managers from over 50 countries.

21 Dec 2024 | Press release

Christmas break news 2024

Record of the Day's daily email will return on 6 January. This page will be updated daily with news and features.---------------------------------------------BUSINESS---------------------------------------------NEWSDrake claims Spotify helped UMG boost Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us', but Spotify now says the action is a "subversion"...more

20 Dec 2024 | Press release

Ticketmaster Makes £60,000 Donation to Music Venue Trust

Fan Donation & Matching Initiative Has Raised £150,000 Over Two Years Music Venue Trust (MVT), the UK charity which represents hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues has welcomed a donation of over £60,000 from Ticketmaster. This contribution comes from Ticketmaster’s optional fan donation,...more

20 Dec 2024 | Press release

European Talent Exchange presents final 2024 results

  European Talent Exchange, previously ESNS Exchange, the renowned European music Exchange programme, is proud to reveal the final 2024 results. The programme was established in 2003 to overcome the significant challenges faced by the European pop music industry in international...more

20 Dec 2024 | Press release

Mercury Studios announces Def Jam Recordings 40th anniversary Fast channel

Available to U.S. fans through Tubi, Def Jam 40 is Tubi's first-ever music focused FAST channel where it will showcase Def Jam artists' live content    Def Jam Recordings will cap 2024, its 40th anniversary year, with the first-ever music-focused FAST channel on Tubi. The...more

20 Dec 2024 | Press release

TikTok celebrates #Christmasmusic

  TikTok's festive in-app experience offers exclusive content, profile frames and playlists Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You is the #1 track for Christmas 2024   With Christmas just around the corner, TikTok invites users to search for #Christmasmusic and #Holidaymusic for the very best Christmas music on...more

19 Dec 2024 | Press release

New Black music incubator launches to empower Northern creatives in music industry

  The OPEN SAUCE x Generator - Black Music Incubator Project is created to support Black industry professionals by giving them practical industry experience outside London A viable industry model designed and led by Yaw Owusu, in partnership with Generator, who eye...more

19 Dec 2024 | Press release

European World Music scene – in the new UPBEAT platform – steps ahead in future of talent booking: gigmit as biggest European talent platform and technology leader joins the party

  The largest music booking and discovery platform in Europe, gigmit, has teamed up with the leading Hungarian world music festival promoter HangvetÅ‘ who developed and leads the UPBEAT platform with 33 international music festivals. The partnership with gigmit is set to develop the new artist...more

19 Dec 2024 | Press release

The independent label behind Ndotz's global hit 'Embrace It' launches with bold ambitions

The new label backed by Broke Records makes its mark with viral successes and a new vision for artist development. Isekai Records, a new joint venture with Broke Records (owned by Create Music Group), has officially launched with the vision of...more

19 Dec 2024 | Press release

Festival Congress announces programme and extends event as fight for independent festivals takes next step

Registration and information at festivalcongress.co.uk After one of the most turbulent years for the independent festival sector - with some of the fastest sellouts for some shows but also a record number of cancellations - the first wave of sessions for the...more

19 Dec 2024 | Press release

Global Independent Music Community Warns of Consolidation Risks as UMG Expands

  Independent music organizations worldwide are raising the alarm about the potential negative consequences that UMG-Virgin Music's acquisition of Downtown would have on the music ecosystem. The operation combines Downtown’s extensive portfolio—comprising services like FUGA, CD Baby, Songtrust, and others, collectively serving over...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

IMPF comment on the potential sale of Downtown Music to Virgin Music Group

"IMPF is both saddened and concerned by news of a potential sale of Downtown Music to Universal-owned Virgin Music Group. Downtown Music Publishing and Sheer Publishing Africa are valued members of the independent music publishing community and indeed of IMPF....more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Warner Chappell Music Benelux has signed Australian DJ CYRIL

Warner Chappell Music Benelux has signed superstar Australian DJ CYRIL. Born and raised in rural Australia, CYRIL is undoubtedly one of the hottest names in electronic music. Bursting onto the scene back in 2023 with 'Stumblin' In', which has almost 570...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Sam Ryder Joins mtheory Under New Management Deal

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Ryder has announced a signing with mtheory, a leading management services company with a reputation for supporting world-class artists. Lewis Allen, who has been a key part of Sam’s previous setup over the last few years, is collaborating with Derek...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

PPL distributes £45.3 million to over 137,000 performers and recording rightsholders in Q4 payment

Today PPL has paid out £45.3 million to over 137,000 performers and recording rightsholders either as direct members of PPL or indirectly through other collective management organisations (CMOs). Over 9,400 members are receiving payment from PPL for the first time.  Today's...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Inspired by Voices: Amped Studio Lets Producers Transform Vocals with New Voice Changer Feature

  Amped Studio wants to give music makers a new voice. Thanks to the power of AI, Amped’s latest creativity-boosting tool, Voice Changer, now lets producers, artists, and audio creators modify or completely transform their voice. Voice Changer expands Amped’s existing suite...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Cooking Vinyl Publishing sign Korean R&B songstress Jacqui to worldwide admin agreement

Cooking Vinyl Publishing is delighted to announce the signing of Korean alt-R&B artist Jacqui to a long-term worldwide administration agreement.  Born in South Korea, Jacqui spent her childhood in China before moving to the U.S. in her teens, where a friend...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Electric Feel Sign Eddie Eberle to Global Deal

Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced it has partnered with Electric Feel to sign Eddie Eberle of the band Eddie and The Getaway to a global publishing agreement.Eddie Eberle is a 24-year-old artist, songwriter, and producer who has achieved significant...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Council Of Music Makers statement on the UK government's consultation on copyright and AI

  This consultation provides a unique moment for the government to protect individual creators' rights and facilitate a dynamic licensing market for the use of music and other creative works in building generative AI. This is the only way that the...more

18 Dec 2024 | Press release

Kylie Minogue, Pulp, Michael Kiwanuka, Bad Gyal, and Raye headline the first lineup announcement for Bilbao BBK Live 2025

Bicep present CHROMA (AV DJ set) | L’Impératrice | Nathy Peluso | Orbital | The Blessed Madonna presents WE STILL BELIEVE | Amyl and The Sniffers | Amaia | Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso | Carolina Durante  | English Teacher |...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list

Alessi Rose, Amble, Aziya KiLLOWEN, LYVIA, Myles Smith, Orla Gartland, Sammy Virji, Sienna Spiro, swim school   Ticketmaster has revealed their ten Breakthrough acts set to dominate the live scene in 2025.  Alessi Rose - UK's next pop girlie  Amble - Irish folk trio TikTok stars Aziya -...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Creative Rights In AI Coalition Calls On Government To Protect Copyright As GAI Policy Develops

A new coalition of rights holders including publishers, authors, artists, music businesses, specialist interest publications, unions, and photographers has called on government to spur growth in the creative and tech sectors by protecting copyright ahead of an imminent consultation. Launching today,...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Artist One Entertainment Group x Tata Communications announce Arena One: The first globally connected arena

EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH WITH AMC THEATRES SET FOR EARLY 2025  Artist One Entertainment Group in partnership with Tata Communications, supported by a deep bench of the most revered live production companies, have collaborated to revolutionize live entertainment - unveiling the first Globally Connected Arena.  Exclusively...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Bootleg.live Launches Apps for Live Concert Audio

New collectible audio merch unlocks added revenue for touring artists Bootleg.live, the company that helps artists sell high-quality concert recordings to fans, has launched its official web and iPhone app. Touring is a major revenue contributor for artists, but going on...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Merlin's Position on AI

  Merlin is the independents' digital licensing partner. Merlin's primary function is to enable innovative and properly-compensated uses of its members' music. This is clearly demonstrated by the partnerships Merlin has in place with so many of the world's leading digital...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Global Independent Music Publisher Third Side Music Appoints Melanie Santa Rosa as Head of Copyright

    Global Independent Music Publisher Third Side Music (TSM) announces the appointment of industry veteran Melanie Santa Rosa as its new Head of Copyright based in New York.   Santa Rosa is one of the most respected executives across the industry, with over 20 years of experience...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

Virgin Music Group set to acquire Downtown Music - comment from Gee Davy, CEO of the Association of Independent Music (AIM)

Gee Davy, CEO of AIM, commented: "The potential sale of Downtown Music - including FUGA, a longstanding favourite with independents - to Universal's Virgin Music Group is more concerning news for the global independent music community. Following on from the recent...more

17 Dec 2024 | Press release

IMPALA warns of serious regulatory barriers to UMG's acquisition strategy as Virgin moves to buy Downtown hot on the heels of [PIAS]

Following the announcement that UMG-owned Virgin Group has struck a deal to buy Downtown, European independent trade association IMPALA raises concerns about concentration and reducing independent routes to market. The move is hot on the heels of UMG acquiring control...more

16 Dec 2024 | Press release

Inside Out launches new publicity offering for events and special projects

AGENCY EXPANDS INTO RADIO FOR INTEGRATED PUBLICITY AND PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS   Today, inside out announces the launch of a new offering from its award-winning communications agency, specialising in publicity for Events and Special Projects.  Rebecca Mason is promoted to Head of Publicity for...more

16 Dec 2024 | Press release

Participants from 2024's Accelerator Programme for Music Managers reveal future plans - while the MMF and YouTube Music confirm the programme's return in 2025

  18 more independent music managers complete the MMF and YouTube Music's groundbreaking funding and training programme at a final two-day retreat in Rye Over 135 individuals from around the UK have benefitted from Accelerator's unique approach to business development and future...more

16 Dec 2024 | Press release

Drew Hill comment: DP World acquires assets of Utopia Distribution Services Ltd

Drew Hill, Managing Director at Proper Music Group, said: "Following the bankruptcy of the Swiss entity, I had hoped to keep UDS and Proper Music Group together. Whilst it's disappointing to see the companies part ways, clients and customers of UDS...more

20 Dec 2024

  • The "ugly truth" about Spotify is finally revealed (see News)

19 Dec 2024

  • WMG CEO Robert Kyncl addresses staff: ‘The industry is at a pivot point’ (see News)

18 Dec 2024

  • Concerns raised over Virgin Music Group acquisition of Downtown (see News)

17 Dec 2024

  • Creative Rights In AI Coalition calls on government to protect copyright as GAI policy develops (see News)

  • Virgin Music Group to acquire Downtown Music (see Business)

16 Dec 2024

  • Majors labels' primary physical distributor Utopia Distribution Services collapses (see Business)

  • General Product Safety Regulation comes in to effect (see News)

  • End of year tours report: Coldplay recorded the most tickets sold by any artist on a single tour (see Analysis)

13 Dec 2024

  • US media groups warn UK over AI content-scraping rules (see News)

  • Spotify’s music editors pick their songs of the year (see Digital)

12 Dec 2024

  • For anyone who values music - know your enemy (see Comment)

11 Dec 2024

  • Paul McCartney warns AI ‘could take over’ as UK debates copyright laws (see News)

10 Dec 2024

  • Taylor Swift’s Eras tour smashes touring revenue record (see News)

  • Sony Music pulls catalogue from Boomplay over non-payment issues (see Digital)

09 Dec 2024

  • What will Taylor Swift do next? (see Features)