Shows / The Price of Music
The Price of Music
The Price of Music: your essential weekly music biz explainer – with Stuart Dredge and Joe Sparrow.
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The Price of Music is a Music Ally production:
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Episodes
- The Price of Music
Beyoncé sells $400m+ of tickets; How much money is Oasis making from merch?; Spotify wants a billion subscribers; Hayley Williams surprise-releases songs; and Cardi B’s "full-on cheese experience"...
This week, Steve and Stuart find out that they both went to see Oasis last week, but try not to spend the whole show talking about it; and instead get stuck…
- The Price of Music
Steve and Stu answer your questions! Does the money from a stream get split evenly? Do bands get paid if a festival is cancelled? How do music-making AIs work? What is Spotify's Discovery Mode?
Steve and Stuart rummage through the TPOM inbox and pull out some brand new listeners' questions to answer (send yours into us here…
- The Price of Music
Will Drake face Kendrick in the witness box?; Los Campesinos! turn down a $60,000 ad deal – but why?; Steve takes a music superfan test; ... and what connects Taylor Swift & Five Finger Death Punch?
In this week's show, Steve and Stuart get to grips with government legislation and bands turning down big bucks: Stu’s Big Number: after some gentle ribbing…
- The Price of Music
How do songwriters *really* earn money (and which bands moonlight as cover bands)?; Spotify under investigation; Netflix K-Pop animation artists; and Ozzy Osbourne's chimpanzee art
In this week's show, Steve and Stuart cover a lot of ground, including: Stu’s Big Number: it seems small (1000), but that’s how many days Ed Sheeran’s “Shape…
- The Price of Music
Oasis are back; The AI-generated band with a million listeners; Indies vs Universal Music spat gets grumpy; and who owns your songs if your label goes bust?
Steve and Stuart are back in the new and - oh yes - improved The Price of Music! In this episode: The Velvet Sundown are a fully-AI-generated band that have…
The Price of MusicSpotify responds to Kate Nash’s comments on streaming royalties, Warner Music's superfan app
Steve and Stuart look at Spotify's response to Kate Nash’s latest comments about streaming royalties, and discuss the news that Warner Music is in the final…
The Price of MusicAI music startup Suno in hot water again, South African artists double their Spotify payouts
Steve and Stuart find out why AI music startup Suno is in hot water again, and discuss the news that South African artists have doubled their Spotify payouts…
The Price of MusicPPL posts highest ever annual revenues, Harry Kane invests in ticketing firm
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that PPL, the UK's music licensing company, has posted the highest annual revenues in its 90-year history, and find out why…
The Price of MusicUS hits 100 million paid music subscriptions, Mariah Carey cleared of copyright infringement
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that the US has hit 100 million paid music subscriptions, and find out why Mariah Carey has been cleared of copyright…
The Price of MusicSXSW finances analysed, the music economy of Gloucestershire
Steve and Stuart take a look at the money behind SXSW in Austin, Texas, and discuss a new report on the music economy of Gloucestershire. Send in your…
The Price of MusicInterview: Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths
Stuart speaks to Matt Griffiths, chief executive of the charity dedicated to helping marginalised young people, Youth Music. Send in your questions for Stuart…
The Price of MusicBrit Awards artists speak out on grassroots venues, Snoop Dogg vs Spotify
Steve and Stuart dissect the various comments from artists at the BRITs 2025 about grassroots music venues, youth-music education, and the government's AI…
The Price of MusicOver 1,000 artists back 'silent' AI protest album, Casey Lowery making debut album through Kickstarter campaign
Steve and Stuart find out why over 1,000 artists are backing a 'silent' AI protest album, and discuss thew news that Casey Lowery is funding the production of…
The Price of MusicSpotify's new superfan tier, Sony's multi-billion dollar revenues
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Spotify is considering introducing a new superfan tier, and analyse the reasons why Sony generated $2.7bn from recorded…
The Price of MusicTicketmaster cancel Oasis tickets, The Black Crowes relaunch Crowe-Mafia club
Steve and Stuart find out why several people have received an email from Ticketmaster cancelling their Oasis tickets and accusing them of being bots, and…
The Price of MusicJames Blake lifts the lid on the music industry, The Libertines as holograms
Steve and Stuart discuss James Blake lifting the lid on the music industry, and find out why The Libertines are performing as holograms. Send in your questions…
The Price of MusicSpotify and Universal sign new licensing deal, Deezer publishing 10,000 AI-generated tracks every day
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Spotify and Universal Music Group have signed a new licensing deal, and that music streaming service Deezer says around…
The Price of MusicInterview: Simon Raymonde, Cocteau Twins and Bella Union records
Steve speaks to Simon Raymonde, formerly of Cocteau Twins and now running the Bella Union record label and management company Bella Union Artist Management…
The Price of MusicTravis Scott, SZA and Future sued by Victory Boyd, Ed Sheeran launches music education foundation
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Travis Scott, SZA and Future are being sued by Victory Boyd, and find out more about Ed Sheeran's new music education…
The Price of MusicUK recorded music revenue hits all-time record, Neil Young and Glastonbury
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that UK recorded music revenue has hit an all-time record, and find out what's going in between Neil Young and Glastonbury…
The Price of MusicVirgin Music Group buying Downtown Music Holdings, Bad Boy Chiller Crew file legal claim against their record label
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Virgin Music Group is buying Downtown Music Holdings, and find out why Bad Boy Chiller Crew have filed a legal claim…
The Price of MusicArtists' royalties for tracks featured on adverts, how much it costs to cancel a live tour
Steve and Stuart discuss how much artists make when they're tracks are featured on adverts, and analyse the costs of cancelling a live tour. Send in your…
The Price of MusicKate Nash's OnlyFans "punk protest", Drake's legal action against Universal and Spotify over Kendrick Lamar track
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Kate Nash has launched an OnlyFans account to help pay for her music tours, and find out why Drake has launched legal…
The Price of MusicUK government backs ticket levy on stadium and arena shows, Spotify hits 250m premium subscribers
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that the UK government has backed a ticket levy on stadium and arena shows to support grassroots venues, and analyse…
The Price of MusicInterview: Annabella Coldrick, Music Managers Forum chief executive
Steve and Stuart chat to Annabella Coldrick, Music Managers Forum chief executive, about the different business models managers and artists use to collaborate…
The Price of MusicEd Sheeran beats copyright appeal over Thinking Out Loud, Hipgnosis Songs Fund catalog valued at $2.4bn
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Ed Sheeran has beaten a copyright appeal over his hit single Thinking Out Loud, and analyse why Hipgnosis Songs Fund…
The Price of MusicBjörn Ulvaeus and Thom Yorke among thousands warning AI companies over copyright, Lily Allen's OnlyFans foot pic revenue vs music streaming
Steve and Stuart find out why Björn Ulvaeus and Thom Yorke are among thousands of signatories of a statement warning AI companies over copyright, and discuss…
The Price of MusicHow artists pay for samples, live music loyalty schemes
Steve and Stuart answer questions from listeners, including one on how artists pay to use samples in their recordings, and another on whether a live music…
The Price of MusicInterview: Jonathan Green, boss of EarMUSIC/MPS Records and Megan Page, organiser of Record Store Day UK
In the run-up to National Album Day, Steve and Stuart speak to the boss of EarMUSIC/MPS Records and one of the founding voices behind National Album Day…
The Price of MusicABBA Voyage revenue tops £100m, Doja Cat teams up with Airbnb
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that ABBA Voyage generated more than £100m in revenue last year, and find out why Doja Cat has teamed up with Airbnb. Send in…
The Price of MusicThe money behind music videos, Noel Gallagher's publishing rights explained
Steve and Stuart answer listeners' questions on the financial side of music videos and Noel Gallagher's publishing rights and how they're changing. Send in…
The Price of MusicOasis ditch dynamic pricing for their US tour, Kesha launches her own record label
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Oasis have ditched dynamic pricing for their North American tour, and find out why Kesha has launched her own record…
The Price of MusicThe most profitable merch for artists, paying for support slots
Steve and Stuart answer listeners' questions, including which merchandise is the most profitable for artists, and whether artists still pay for support slots…
The Price of MusicTikTok Music shutting down, Miley Cyrus accused of copying Bruno Mars song
Steve and Stuart find out why TikTok has announced it's shutting down its Spotify-style TikTok Music service for good, and discuss the news that Tempo Music…
The Price of MusicInterview: UK Music chief executive Tom Kiehl
Steve and Stuart talk to Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, about AI, streaming, ticket prices, grassroots venues and more. Send in your questions for…
The Price of MusicColdplay pledge 10% of tour profits to grassroots venues, Beyonce explains why she's stopped making music videos
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Coldplay have announced some new UK stadium shows and 10% of the proceeds will be going to grassroots venues, and find…
The Price of MusicInterview: Timm Cleasby, Tramlines Festival operations director, former Arctic Monkeys tour manager
Steve and Stuart talk to Timm Cleasby about his long career in the music industry, which includes his current role as director of operations at Tramlines…
The Price of MusicCompetition watchdog launches Oasis tickets investigation, The White Stripes sue Donald Trump
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that the competition watchdog has launched an investigation into the way tickets were sold for the Oasis reunion gigs, and…
The Price of MusicSpending on UK live music hits £6.1bn, Method Man says he’s never been paid for streams
Steve and Stuart discuss the recent report from LIVE, which says Spending on UK live music has hit a record £6.1bn, and find out why Method Man says he’s never…
The Price of MusicOasis reunion special
Steve and Stuart take a detailed look at all the money angles around next year's Oasis reunion tour. Send in your questions for Stuart and Steve on…
The Price of MusicStreaming playlists, 'independent label' defined
Steve and Stuart analyse how bands get onto streaming playlists, and discuss how best to define what an 'independent label' actually is in practice. Send in…
The Price of MusicInterview: Official Charts chief executive Martin Talbot
Steve and Stuart speak to Official Charts chief executive Martin Talbot about streaming, vinyl sales, the future of the charts, and much more. Send in your…
The Price of MusicInterview: Sam Duckworth, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly
Steve and Stuart speak to Sam Duckworth from Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly about his fascinating career so far in the music industry, including his experience of…
The Price of MusicThe 1975 sued by Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival, Live Nation posts quarterly revenues of $6bn
Steve and Stuart find out why Malaysia’s Good Vibes Festival is suing The 1975, and discuss the news that Live Nation has posted revenues of $6bn in its second…
The Price of MusicApollo's $700m Sony investment, Universal's share price dip
Steve and Stuart find out why Apollo Global Management have invested $700m in Sony Music Group, and why Universal Music Group's share price took a recent…
The Price of MusicInterview: Kelly Wood, National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers at the Musicians' Union
Steve and Stuart speak to Kelly Wood, National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers at the Musicians' Union, about help available for artists, live…
The Price of MusicTicket platform DICE looking for fresh investment, Mungo Jerry employ anti-piracy firm
Steve and Stuart find out why London-based ticketing platform DICE is in advanced talks to sell a significant stake in the company, and discuss the news that…
The Price of MusicSecondary ticketing websites vs touts, how music metadata works
Steve and Stuart look at the differences between secondary ticketing websites and old-fashioned ticket touts, and find out how music metadata works. Send in…
The Price of MusicHow much could Oasis be offered to reform, Beastie Boys suing restaurant chain Chilli's
Steve and Stuart discuss how much money might be offered to Oasis to tempt them to reform, and find out why the Beastie Boys are suing the US restaurant chain…
The Price of MusicInterview: Tom Robinson
Steve speaks to legendary songwriter, bassist, singer and radio presenter Tom Robinson, about the money side of his long and distinguished music career. Send…
The Price of MusicColdplay settle with former manager, Rema's Calm Down hits 2bn Spotify streams
Steve and Stuart discuss the news that Coldplay have settled their legal dispute with their former manager Dave Holmes, and the financial implications of…
The Price of MusicIndoor v outdoor gig costs, podcast music royalties
Steve and Stuart discuss the difference in cost between putting on indoor and and outdoor gigs, and analyse how musicians get paid when their music is used on…
The Price of MusicSongwriters sue PRS for Music, Kanye West and Donna Summer's estate reach a settlement
Steve and Stuart find out why a group of songwriters are suing PRS for Music, and discuss the news that Kanye West and the estate of Donna Summer have reached…
The Price of MusicThe money behind Bandcamp, songwriter royalties for live covers
Steve and Stuart answer listeners' questions on the money behind Bandcamp and how songwriter royalties work when it comes to live cover versions. Send in your…
The Price of MusicGlastonbury finances, record labels vs AI companies
Steve and Stuart take a look at the finances behind Glastonbury Festival, and find out why major record labels are suing AI music generators. Send in your…
The Price of MusicListener questions: Difference between PRS and PPL, how the money from gig tickets gets split
Steve and Stuart answer questions from listeners, including a run down of the difference between PRS and PPL, and how the money from gig tickets gets split…
The Price of MusicTwitch deal lets DJs play music in livestreams, streaming services must pay 5% of revenue to support Canadian music
Steve and Stuart discuss the Twitch deal which allows DJs to livestream music, and find out why streaming services will have to pay 5% of their revenues to…
The Price of MusicLive at Crossed Wires: Sarah Brooksbank and Ross Orton
Steve and Stuart speak to artist manager Sarah Brooksbank, who's managed the likes of Fat White Family and Working Men's Club, and producer Ross Orton, who's…
The Price of MusicSony Music boss tells streaming services to ditch their free tier, Queen back catalogue up for sale
Steve and Stuart find out why the boss of Sony Music wants streaming services to ditch their free tier, and discuss the news that Queen's back catalogue is…
The Price of MusicInterview: Jo Twist, chief executive of the BPI, which represents major and independent labels in the UK
Stuart speaks to Jo Twist, chief executive of the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), which represents major and independent labels in the UK, about AI…