As we’re reaching very close to June and the Summer season, we are getting to the time for recaps of S1, Live experiences, and now, the new wave of complaints over US policies. Strong week for the music industry, let’s get into it!
#1. Trump Sued by Former U.S. Copyright Office Director
You may have already heard about Trump and the Copyright Office from last week; in an unprecedented legal twist, former U.S. Copyright Office Director Shira Perlmutter is now officially suing Donald Trump over what she calls a “blatantly unlawful” firing during his presidency. The suit adds fuel to an already fiery conversation about political interference in copyright regulation, and highlights the increased pressure on the U.S. government to keep creative rights insulated from partisanship.
#2. Inside the U.S. Copyright Office’s “Total Chaos”
From there, it’s no surprise that things are getting messy at the U.S. Copyright Office. An internal report describes it as in a state of “total chaos,” plagued by leadership instability, legal uncertainty, and ongoing structural challenges. For the music industry, already navigating AI, streaming, and rights management, it’s a concerning sign that one of the most important regulatory bodies is struggling just when clarity is most needed.
#3. EU Artists Earned Over $1.8B from Spotify in 2024
Moving on, some good news from the streaming front: European artists generated more than $1.8 billion on Spotify in 2024, a 15% increase year over year. The platform’s latest data points to steady growth, especially among independent and mid-tier creators. For EU-based rights holders and distributors, this is proof that streaming revenue continues to scale, even beyond the major label spotlight.
#4. Folk Roots in Club Culture: The New Face of Electronic Music
Let’s take a breather and get to a lighter topic. Today’s electronic producers are digging deep into history. A growing wave of artists is blending electronic music with ancient folk traditions, weaving in regional instrumentation and storytelling techniques. This isn’t just aesthetic, it’s a cultural revival on the dancefloor, connecting global audiences to centuries-old musical lineages through the lens of modern sound design.
#5. Electronic Music Now a $12.9 Billion Industry
Keeping up with electronic music, the global electronic music industry hit $12.9 billion in value this year, with booming festivals, rising DSP streams, and a thriving indie ecosystem all contributing to its growth. More than just a genre, electronic music is proving to be one of the most resilient and innovative corners of the music economy, with new opportunities emerging from both the mainstream and underground.
