TikTok (via Spotify “Tik Tok Hits: September 2025”)

Top Tracks on the Trending TikTok Playlist:

1. “ANXIETY” – Sleepy Hallow & Doechii

2. “Messy” – Lola Young

3. “PUSH 2 START” – Tyla

4. “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

5. “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
   Spotify

Spotify – HITS 2025: September 5, 2025 (“Top Songs”)

Top Tracks Featured:

1. “Ordinary” – Alex Warren

2. “back to friends” – sombr

3. “Love Me Not” – Ravyn Lenae

4. “Golden” – HUNTR/X ft. EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
   Spotify

Apple Music – New Music Friday (Sept 5, 2025)

Headline Releases & Singles:

1. “The Dead Dance” – Lady Gaga

2. SWAG II – Justin Bieber (surprise album)

3. “Butterfly” – Zac Brown Band ft. Dolly Parton

4. “last forever” – LANY
   Additional singles dropping today: “A COLD PLAY” by The Kid LAROI, “Ocean” by Calvin Harris & Jessie Reyez
   Apple Music - Web Player+1

Tidal – My New Arrivals (via High-Fidelity Playlist)

A look at fresh discoveries from Tidal’s Friday-curated list:

• “Truth or Dare” – Tyla

• “MY HOUSE” – Beyoncé

• “179 Deli” – BasAJ Tracey

• “Lover/Friend” – KAYTRANADA & Rochelle Jordan

• “Into Your Room” – Holly Humberstone & MUNA

End-of-Week Assessment — September 5, 2025

AMM Takeaway

• Crossover King: Alex Warren’s Ordinary — viral + editorial + sync-ready.

• Theatrical Pop Anchor: Lady Gaga’s The Dead Dance — dramatic sync magnet.

• Buzz Factor: Justin Bieber’s SWAG II — surprise drop equals press + playlist momentum.

• Indie Depth: Tyla, Holly Humberstone, and KAYTRANADA expand the sync palette.

• Screen Synergy: Apple TV+ and Hulu premieres prime lanes for moody, textured cues.

Formula this week = Big-name drama + Viral intimacy + Indie discovery = September sync blueprint.

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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Global Rights + Music Administration

India to Launch Centralised Digital Music Licensing Registry by October
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) in India will roll out a unified digital licensing registry by October 2025. The registry—shaped in collaboration with rights societies—is designed to simplify music licensing processes, reduce disputes, and boost live event sustainability.
The Economic Times

Streaming + Fan Experience

YouTube Music Rolls Out ‘Taste Match’ Playlists, Comments & Concert Alerts
To celebrate its 10th year, YouTube Music launched shared Taste Match playlists that update daily based on joint listening habits—think Spotify Blend. Fans can now also comment directly on albums/playlists and receive alerts about upcoming concerts, merch drops, and music milestones, thanks to the expanded Bandsintown integration.
Android Central

Publishing + Artist Support

Spotify & Kobalt Ink U.S. Licensing Deal to Boost Songwriter Returns
Spotify has struck a multi-year licensing agreement with independent publisher Kobalt in the U.S. The deal aims to enhance transparency and potentially improve payouts for songwriters—marking a gradual shift away from bundled royalty models.

🔥 WRAP‑UP INSIGHT
Sync, publishing, and rights are entering Phase 2 of modernization. It’s not just about placing music—it’s about making clarity and access the new baseline. If your songs are fast, clean, and discoverable, you’re not just in the sync game—you’re leading it.

Drop your thoughts in the comments and tag someone who needs to track these shifts. Stay tuned, stay sync’d.

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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

The industry never sleeps, and neither do its résumés. From label powerhouses to streaming giants, sync shops to publishing pros, here’s who’s swapping seats, leveling up, or making bold moves across music and media.

Here’s your end-of-week movers & shakers rundown (Aug 29–Sep 5, 2025) — tight, verified, and cut for sync folk, supes, publishers, and dealmakers. If I missed anyone on your radar, ping me and I’ll fold them into the next blast.

Monti Olson → EVP, Publishing (North America), BMG
The Litmus Music co-founder (Carlyle-backed catalog deals with Katy Perry, Randy Newman, etc.) returns to BMG to run U.S. publishing — explicitly tasked with “new signings and catalog acquisitions.” Translation: BMG’s deal engine is revving back up across L.A./Nashville/NYC. BMG

Christopher Södergren → EVP, Direct-to-Consumer Strategy & Ops, Sony Music
Ex-UMG commerce lead gets a newly created global DTC seat at Sony. Expect tighter pipes between artist stores, merch, fan clubs, and data — the kind of plumbing that makes or breaks campaign ROI. (Official release.) Sony

Jenni Pfaff → Chief People & Transformation Officer, HYBE America
Warner Chappell alum (strategy/integration) is tapped by HYBE America CEO/Chairman Isaac Lee. Read this as culture + org design underpinning the HYBE/BMLG/QC chessboard in the States.

Cindy Gu → GM, Southeast Asia, Virgin Music Group (UMG)
Ex-Fabled/Astralwerks/Spinnin’ exec takes the SEA hub (Singapore-based) with Liza Fuady reporting in from Jakarta. Indie services in the region keep getting real — Gu’s resume is pure cross-border repertoire building. (Photo: Argel Ramiro)

Big Machine Label Group (HYBE) → International Team Upgrades
Promotions for Alex Hannaby (adds VP, International Marketing & Ops to Head of UK), Iren Coutiel, Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly, and Flo Myerscough-Harris; plus a new addition, Cary Dal-Lago. Country keeps globalizing; BMLG’s UK/Aus radio wins aren’t a fluke.

In the press release announcing the news, BMLG noted that the all-female team will continue to lead the label’s international efforts across key markets, including the UK, Australia, and beyond.

(Pictured (L-R): Flo Myerscough-Harris, Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly, Alex Hannaby, Cary Dal-Lago, Iren Coutiel - Photo Credit: Carsten Windhorst)

Victor Roque → Sr. Director, A&R & Client Dev (LATAM), Symphonic Distribution
Alongside a new Puerto Rico partnership with High Ground Music (ex-Rimas leadership - the home of talents like Bad Bunny, Eladio Carrión, and Mora). Symphonic plants a firmer flag in the Caribbean/LATAM pipeline. Useful lane for independent repertoire looking beyond Miami.

Jordi Tello → Managing Director, Iberia, Sony Music Publishing
Succeeds longtime Spain MD Juan Ignacio Alonso (retired end of Aug). Oversight of Spain/Portugal with a clear A&R pedigree — Rels B, Arde Bogotá, Morad, RVFV — and direct line to Guy Henderson. (Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing)

James Moodie → Managing Director, Distiller Music Group (UK)
Ex-The Orchard/Vevo exec jumps to indie Distiller; announcement paired with a YONAKA signing. Expect artist-services DNA to shape Distiller’s next phase.

Warner Music realigns UK/US label leadership
Ed Howard & Briony Turner (Atlantic UK) join Atlantic Music Group’s global leadership under Elliot Grainge; Joe Kentish (Warner Records/Parlophone UK) joins Warner Records’ global leadership under Aaron Bay-Schuck/Tom Corson. This is about accelerating cross-Atlantic A&R/marketing flow while WMUK CEO Tony Harlow exits in October.

Daniel Monaghan → Exec Director, Entertainment Content, Foxtel (Australia)
Streaming-adjacent but relevant: longtime Network 10/Paramount ANZ programming lead heads to Foxtel Group, impacting commissioning/licensing lanes for music-driven TV in the region. Variety Australia

✨ Closing Note

That’s a wrap for this week’s Movers & Shakers. From publishing power plays to global streaming strategy, the music and media industry never stays still. Check back next Friday for more moves — and don’t forget, in this business, the beat always goes on.

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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Spotify – New Music Friday (U.S.) – August 29, 2025

Top featured tracks in the U.S. playlist:
1. 925 – Sammy Virji & Chris Lake, RoRo
2. Set Me Free – Martin Garrix & Arcando
3. Monsoon – Emma Louise & Flume
4. Hold On, Let Go – ANOTR, WAYNE SNOW, 3DDY
5. Legumes – Mochakk, Kwengface
Spotify

Apple Music – New Music Daily (U.S.) – August 29, 2025

Today's top tracks include:

• Cover Star: Tears – Sabrina Carpenter (from Man’s Best Friend)

• Additional new releases featured today:

  • When a Good Man Cries – CMAT

  • Jealous Type – Doja Cat (lead single from Vie)

  • SE LO JURO MOR – Feid

  • What – Doja Cat (from Vie)
    These are among the freshest drops featured today.
    Apple Music - Web Player

U.S. Media & Sync Highlights

Apple TV+ – KPOPPED Special (August 29 Premiere)

• Highlights: Spice Girls (Emma Bunton & Mel B) reunite with K‑pop group Itzy for reimagined versions of “Wannabe” and “Say You’ll Be There.” Hosted by PSY and Megan Thee Stallion, blending Western icons and K‑pop flair.
  The Sun

Album Release – Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend

Released today (August 29, 2025), this synth‑pop/post‑disco album features:

• Lead single: Manchild (charted #1 U.S., UK, Ireland)

• Second single and playlist centerpiece: Tears
  Spotify

Friday Anthem

Sabrina Carpenter – “Tears” stands out across platforms: it’s the Apple Music Daily cover pick, a sync-ready emotional anchor, and a focal point of her full album release today.

End-of-Week Assessment (U.S.-Focused)

Takeaway: A dual-strength Friday—dancefloor catalysts (“Set Me Free,” “925”) for high-energy sets, and emotionally resonant storytelling (“Tears”) ideal for sync and narrative-driven moments.

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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Theresa Wolters named Executive Director of MusiCares

Formerly: Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors
Source: Morningstar / Business Wire
Commentary: From community champion to the helm of MusiCares — Wolters is stepping into the spotlight, ready to orchestrate support for artists with all the finesse of a conductor.

Ariana Arciniega joins Intercept Music as EVP, Global Operations & Business Development Strategy

Formerly: Global Head of Business Operations, UMG’s Ingrooves Music Group
Source: PR Newswire
Commentary: Arciniega’s global prowess hits the dance floor at Intercept — she’s now spinning the strategy that’ll amplify indie artists around the world.

James “Jamie” Cerreta appointed President, US & Canada at Peermusic

Formerly: EVP, Global Synchronization & Licensing at Peermusic
Source: Record of the Day
Commentary: Cerreta’s leveling up to steer Peermusic’s North American ship — time for the independent publishing powerhouse to sail even smoother.

Austen Adams becomes President of Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Formerly: COO at Big Loud
Source: Warner Music Group
Commentary: Adams is trading his Big Loud COO chair for the president’s throne at Warner Chappell Nashville. With a songwriting roster that reads like a hit parade, Nashville just got a new captain steering the publishing ship.

Lo Ting-Fai (Lofai) named President of Warner Music APAC

Formerly: CEO of Media Asia Group Holdings Ltd.
Source: Warner Music Group
Commentary: Lofai takes the helm of Warner Music’s Asia-Pacific division, bringing his entertainment empire chops to the global stage. From Hong Kong to Hollywood, expect some serious cross-Pacific waves.

Rayna Bass & Selim Bouab appointed Co-Presidents of Hip-Hop, R&B & Global Music at Atlantic Records

Formerly: Co-Presidents at 300 Entertainment
Source: Record of the Day
Commentary: Dynamic duo Bass and Bouab are turning up the volume at Atlantic, moving from 300 to co-pilot the label’s hip-hop and R&B empire. Expect playlists to get hotter, faster.

Lanre Gaba named Executive VP, Artist Strategy & Development at Atlantic Music Group

Formerly: Co-President at 300 Entertainment
Source: Record of the Day
Commentary: Gaba shifts gears into a top AMG strategy role, bringing her artist-first vision to the forefront. If you thought Atlantic was already artist-centric, Lanre just turned the dial all the way up.

Vanessa Rose to become President & CEO of New Music USA

Formerly: Executive Director of the American Composers Forum
Source: EarRelevant
Commentary: Rose takes the baton at New Music USA this fall, succeeding Vanessa Reed. Two Vanessas, one legacy — and Rose is ready to write the next movement.

Steeve Führ joins Amuse as Chief Financial Officer

Formerly: CFO at Epidemic Sound
Source: Record of the Day
Commentary: Führ’s next act? Crunching the numbers at Amuse, where indie distribution meets major ambition. If growth is the goal, he’s the CFO with the calculator — and the swagger — to do it.

✨ Closing Note

That’s a wrap for this week’s game of Musical Chairs. From publishing power plays to global streaming strategy, the music and media industry never stays still. Check back next Friday for more moves — and don’t forget, in this business, the beat (and the seats) always goes on.

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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Streaming + Social + Music

Spotify Adds In-App Messaging (DMs)
Spotify now lets users send music, podcast, and audiobook recommendations directly within the app. The new Messages feature is rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16+ in select markets. The goal? More hype, more shares, more in-platform engagement.
Source

Tech + Live Music

YouTube Names Bandsintown Exclusive Global Concert Partner
Bandsintown is now the exclusive source of concert listings for YouTube and YouTube Music. Fans will see local tour dates embedded in artist videos, Shorts, official channels — and soon, the homepage. That’s 2.3 million concerts annually delivered into billions of views.
Source

AI + Streaming Trends + Music

Ghost Artists Quietly Dominate Mood Playlists
From The Velvet Sundown to “Peaceful Retreat” curations, AI-generated artists are filling up DSP playlists. These ghost musicians are designed to blend seamlessly into ambient, classical, and lo-fi mixes — offering streaming platforms catalog control and maximum mood-fit precision.
Source

Gaming + Music Artist Partnership

Lady Gaga Joins Roblox Game ‘Dress to Impress’ as Guest Judge
Roblox’s viral fashion game Dress to Impress (7.9B visits since 2023) just landed Lady Gaga as its first-ever celebrity judge. From August 16–29, players can design looks inspired by Gaga’s Mayhem album, unlock branded items, and join a virtual Q&A.
Source

Streaming + Artist Sentiment + Music

Indie Artists Quietly Exit Spotify Over AI + Ethics
Artists like Deerhoof and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard are leaving Spotify, citing CEO Daniel Ek’s AI military investments and streaming disillusionment. Unlike prior boycotts, this one feels quieter — and more permanent.
Source

Streaming + Business + Music

Spotify’s Superfan Tier Still on Hold — Labels Want Premium Access Pricing
Spotify’s long-rumored Superfan subscription tier hasn’t launched yet — and now we know why. According to Bloomberg, Spotify can’t agree on which features would actually entice users to pay. Meanwhile, labels and promoters are pushing for premium-priced early access to new music and ticket presales, complicating rollout plans.

In parallel, Spotify’s Discovery Mode — which boosts track visibility in exchange for lower royalties — is gaining attention. One label exec says it now represents 10% of their total Spotify payouts, down from a 15% peak last year.

Source

Wrap-Up Insight:
Sync isn’t slowing — it’s shifting. If your catalog isn’t built to move across platforms, avatars, and playlists with metadata and mood precision, you’re not being left behind — you’re standing still.

American Music + Media is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, music rights management, and brand relationships — covering the essential connection between music and visual media across Film, Television, Advertising, Gaming, Sports, Theater, Streaming, and Tech.

Why AMM Matters Now:
AMM was created to fill a crucial gap in the market of music and visual media — offering insightful coverage, expert analysis, and real-world guidance by music professionals for professionals who are driving music’s role in visual media and technology.

The music licensing, publishing, and media industries have never been more competitive and lucrative. AMM aims to be the essential bridge between these worlds, offering the clarity, community, and connections professionals need to thrive.

Dive into the future of the music business & media with American Music + Media:

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American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

(Photo Courtesy of YouTube)

Here’s what’s rolling out:

• Playlist Conversations – Fans will soon be able to comment directly on albums and playlists, turning passive listening into active dialogue.
  

• Taste Match Playlists – New auto-updated playlists built around shared listening habits, refreshed daily so you can discover music through people who hear the world like you do.
  

• Bandsintown Partnership – Concert listings now surface across YouTube and YouTube Music, making it easier to catch your favorite artists live. Expect real-time alerts on tour dates, merch drops, and new releases.
  

• Fan Badges – Features like First to Watch and Top Listener give listeners bragging rights and artists more visible superfans.
  

• View Milestones – When a music video is about to cross a big number (100K, 1M, 1B), YouTube will spotlight it—nudging fans to help push it over the top.
  

With 300M+ tracks already in its catalog, YouTube’s play here is bigger than streaming. It’s building a fandom hub—where discovery, community, and loyalty all live in one place.

(Original announcement by T. Jay Fowler, YouTube Music. Rewritten and reported for highlights.)

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

On July 14, 2025, our music community lost two cherished figures: Robin Kaye, longtime American Idol music supervisor and founder of SyncroniCity, and her husband, Thomas “Tom” Deluca, a songwriter and musician whose career stretched from Nashville to national tours and into Hollywood’s creative circles. The couple, both 70, were tragically killed during a break-in in their Encino, California home. Their beloved dog was also lost in the attack.

Robin Kaye: The Steady Hand Behind the Music

Robin Kaye was the rare presence in television music supervision who could navigate the chaos of live broadcast with calm, empathy, and ingenuity.

• She joined American Idol in 2009 and stayed with the series through 2023, supervising nearly 300 episodes. For contestants under intense scrutiny, she was often the first and last advocate in the room—the one who fought for the right song, the right arrangement, the right moment.

• She secured clearances once thought impossible, from Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” to Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love”, helping contestants like Didi Benami and Adam Lambert carve indelible memories into pop culture.

• Beyond Idol, Robin guided music for Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Universe, Lip Sync Battle, The Singing Bee, and even early cult-TV like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Robin also founded SyncroniCity, her own consultancy, representing and working with artists including Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins.

Her colleagues remember her not just for skill but for grace:

• “Robin was a joy to work with… if there was a piece of music she couldn’t get permission for, she’d have numerous other ideas,” recalled Nigel Lythgoe, longtime Idol executive producer.

• Ken Warwick, another Idol EP, said: “She always kept a cool head in a job that was difficult and manic… she always had a friendly and pleasant demeanor.”

• Artists felt her imprint deeply, too. “Robin was such a huge part of my success… she fought for my song choices,” said Kris Allen, Season 8 winner. Nick Fradiani, Season 14 winner, remembered: “She looked after me like a son.”

Robin’s impact was quiet, steady, and deeply human. Contestants came and went, hits rose and fell, but her presence was constant—ensuring music’s power always served the story.

Tom Deluca: The Melodic Heart

While Robin worked behind the camera, Tom Deluca’s life was spent writing, performing, and recording music that traveled across rock, country, and film.

• A Pittsburgh native who grew up in South Florida, Tom moved to Nashville in the late 1970s and quickly found himself signed to Charley Pride’s publishing company, Pi-Gem Music.

• He co-wrote “Satisfied Man”, recorded by Molly Hatchet, and went on tour with the band. That exposure led to a contract with Epic Records, where his album was produced by James Guthrie—best known for his work with Pink Floyd.

• Tom also wrote for artists including Kid Rock, Jennifer Rush (“Heart Over Mind”), and others, building a reputation as a versatile, reliable songwriter who could bridge rock edge with melodic accessibility.

• His songs appeared in films like Adventureland (2009) and Below Utopia (1997), and in TV series including Oh Sit! (2012).

• In 2022, Tom returned to his roots with the release of his album Street Rock, a deeply personal statement that reintroduced him to fans as an artist in his own right.

Those who worked alongside him describe a musician of generosity and grit—someone who carried the ethos of Nashville song-craft into every project.

A Life Together

Robin and Tom’s lives intertwined across decades of music and partnership. Robin built bridges between artists and rights holders; Tom built songs that gave those artists something to sing. Together, they were an anchor for friends, colleagues, and family alike—a couple defined by creativity, kindness, and commitment.

They are survived by extended family and a wide circle of collaborators and friends, many of whom gathered for a candlelight vigil at Encino Park on August 10, 2025, to honor their lives. Candles flickered as neighbors, colleagues, and strangers alike remembered two lives lost too soon, but never forgotten.

What We Carry Forward

Robin and Tom’s story reminds us that behind every song cleared, behind every track written, there are people who pour their lives into the music that moves ours.

And though silence now rests in their Encino home, the legacy of Robin Kaye and Tom Deluca carries on—in the contestants they championed, the songs they wrote, the lives they touched, and the community that will remember them.

A Moment for Us All

In just a swift moment, friends and family can be taken from us. Robin and Tom’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile our time together truly is. As we move through our own work—whether supervising, composing, or producing shows—let’s remember to cherish every person and every moment.

Take a moment. Call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken with in a while, the one you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Share a laugh, a memory, or just a moment of kindness. In doing so, we honor Robin and Tom—not only by remembering what they gave to music, but by taking care of ourselves and the community they cared about so much.

May Robin and Tom's memories always be a blessing.

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

If sync royalties had a bookmark, the case of Heaven 17 vs. Rockstar Games would be that marked page everyone’s going back to—with a sigh. Did Rockstar lowball them? Absolutely. Is the conversation still raging? You bet. Welcome to the ongoing debate/drama around fair pay for music in video games.

A $7.5K Offer for a Forever Sell-Off?

Back in September, Heaven 17 co-founder Martyn Ware publicly slammed an offer from Rockstar Games to license their synth-pop classic Temptation for Grand Theft Auto VI. The ask? $7,500. And—get this—a buyout that would erase any future royalties, forever. Ware’s response, dripping with sharp wit and righteous intensity:

“To put this in context, GTA V grossed… $8.6 billion. Ah, but think of the exposure.”
“Go f**k yourself.”
(GTA Forums + Music Ally + The Sun)

Ouch. That kind of open frustration reignited the sync debate—not just in a niche corner of music licensing, but across forums, writers’ rooms, and Slack channels alike.

Why the Anger’s Still Smoldering

• Buyouts vs. Royalties
  Traditional sync deals for games have often been one-off payments—great for short-sighted budgets, lousy for long-term artist value. According to The Guardian, these contracts strip out future income opportunities.
  (The Guardian)
  

• Value Disparity
  GTA V's nearly $9 billion haul dwarfs the $7,500 offer. Exposure isn’t compensation—it’s promotional vanity. Ware turned down a counteroffer of £75K, too.
  (Tophitz + The Sun + Digital Music News)
  

• No Transparency, No Trust
  A growing number of creators want licensing models that pay across the board—not just once and gone. Sync shouldn’t feel like a casino gamble.

The Bigger Picture: This Isn’t Just Rock

In fact, it's part of a broader shift. Gaming’s sync tension isn’t the only flash point:

• The Voice Actors' AI Fight
  SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike, which formally ended in July 2025, included landmark AI protection clauses—consent, transparency, compensation—building a precedent around creators' control and rights.
  (Ari's Take + Synchtank + AP News + Polygon + Wikipedia)
  

• Sync Platforms Leveling Up
  Tech-forward companies like SourceAudio are creating infrastructure that respects metadata accuracy and rights clarity—helping creators avoid “blind buyouts” and maintain control.
  (iqmgmnt.com + musicbusinessworldwide.com + Synchtank)

The Sync Takeaway

Let’s simmer this down to the essence:

In Closing

Rockstar’s offer to Heaven 17 slapped the music community awake. Sync in video games isn’t about pixel-perfect soundscapes—it’s about legacy, value, and fairness. And the conversation isn’t going quiet anytime soon.

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American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

This week, sync wasn’t just about placements — it was about platforms and partnerships. From Spotify scoring the Esports World Cup to SEVENTEEN headlining Airbnb’s first global music experience, the intersection of music, branding, and media is widening fast. And with SZA stepping in as Vans’ new Artistic Director, artists aren’t just featured — they’re at the creative table.

Sync Infrastructure & AI Licensing

SourceAudio Builds Market-Making Infrastructure Across Sync Verticals
Los Angeles–based SourceAudio is quietly transforming sync licensing with a scalable, data-driven platform. In 2024, they handled over 6,000 sync briefs, delivered 23 million music searches, and supported 59 million downloads. With 34 million tracks in its catalog and more than 600,000 professional users—including Netflix, Disney, and Paramount—SourceAudio is setting the stage for streamlined licensing across content, gaming, AI, retail, and immersive media.
Music Business Worldwide

Why it matters: If you’ve been frustrated by analog sync pipelines and manual pitches, this is your moment. SourceAudio’s infrastructure—and its upcoming API rollouts—could be the backbone of a more transparent and efficient music-rights ecosystem in 2025 and beyond.

Gaming + Music

Spotify Named Official Audio Streaming Partner of Esports World Cup 2025
Spotify has secured a deal with the Esports World Cup Foundation to be the official audio streaming platform for the global tournament running July–August in Riyadh—blending digital music strategy with gaming entertainment. Fans will experience curated playlists, artist content, and sonic branding built into the tournament flow. (Campaign Middle East + The Economic Times)

Partnership + Music

Airbnb’s First Global Music Partnership Features SEVENTEEN
Airbnb announced a global music partnership featuring K-pop superstars SEVENTEEN, launching exclusive live concert experiences in Seoul, LA, and Tokyo. The initiative represents Airbnb’s first major foray into live music activations tied to travel and cultural lifestyle branding. (Airbnb Newsroom)

Brands + Music

SZA Appointed Artistic Director at Vans
Grammy winner SZA steps into a creative leadership role at Vans as Artistic Director, heading up a multi-year partnership that blends her artistic vision with the iconic skate brand’s aesthetic. (recordoftheday.com + newindustryfocus.com + m.youtube.com)

Publishing & Rights:
UMG’s Deal Under EU Scrutiny

European Commission Deepens Investigation into UMG’s $775M Downtown Music Takeover

Universal Music Group’s unit Virgin Music entered an agreement to buy Downtown for $775 million in cash in December. Photo: Reuters

The European Commission has launched a formal, in-depth investigation into Universal Music Group’s proposed acquisition of Downtown Music for $775 million. Regulators are scrutinizing potential competition concerns—especially UMG’s access to data from rival labels served by Downtown. UMG expects the acquisition to close in H2 2025, but Brussels now has until November 26 to reach a decision.
(Music Business Worldwide + Wall Street Journal)

Why it matters: Beyond sync, this merger could reshape the infrastructure of music administration and publishing. If regulators push back, this could delay access to Downtown’s services and influence rights transparency across the industry.

Wrap-Up Insight:
The sync space is expanding beyond licensing lanes into brand identity, fan experience, and strategic positioning. Whether you’re pitching a track or building a campaign, integration is the new placement — and your catalog better be ready to live across culture, not just content.

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets the Screen

American Music + Media is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, music rights management, and brand relationships — covering the essential connection between music and visual media across Film, Television, Advertising, Gaming, Sports, Theater, Streaming, and Tech.

Why AMM Matters Now:
AMM was created to fill a crucial gap in the market of music and visual media — offering insightful coverage, expert analysis, and real-world guidance by music professionals for professionals who are driving music’s role in visual media and technology.

The music licensing, publishing, and media industries have never been more competitive and lucrative. AMM aims to be the essential bridge between these worlds, offering the clarity, community, and connections professionals need to thrive.

Dive into the future of the music business & media with American Music + Media:
> Follow us @americanmusicmedia for the latest.
> Drop news and stories we need to know in the comments or contact us via our NEWS DESK - Tips & Story Ideas Submissions: https://bit.ly/AMMNewsDesk
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American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Here’s what we know—and why this matters for anyone aiming to license music for media.

1. Chordal-Powered Commercial Library Levels Up

In July, TikTok struck a multi-year deal with sync-tech firm Chordal, integrating its InstantClear platform into TikTok’s Commercial Music Library (syncmoney.ai + Music Business Worldwide). That means rights holders can now band together (even if multiple CoWriters are involved), pre-clear tracks, and automate payments—directly through TikTok’s ad-licensing ecosystem.

2. Indies Are Getting Special Attention

Former Merlin-aligned labels and independent distributors—once shielded by collective deals—are now negotiating directly with TikTok. The shift isn’t subtle: licensors are now paid based on video views rather than sheer volume of video creations (Music Business Worldwide + RouteNote). It’s still early-stage math, but the model favors virality—aka, moments like “I Love You So” by The Walters, revived by TikTok memes years after release.

3. The Sync Surge Is Real

Music supervisors are noticing it too: there’s a noticeable uptick in sync placements that trace back to catalog cuts—especially when a sync is inspired by something blowing up on TikTok.

Why This Matters (Besides Your Heart Rate Spiking)

• Accessibility Wins. No longer does music licensing feel like pulling teeth—it's more like hitting "Buy Now" if you’ve got metadata and rights in order.

• Indie Power — Upgraded. Even boutique rights-holders can tap into streaming's sync economy without losing ownership or needing big-label leverage.

• Data-Driven Placement. TikTok’s model rewards engagement data over quantity—so relevance trumps volume.

Snap Take: What You Should Know

TL;DR Takeaway

TikTok isn’t just a thirst trap for audio—it’s now a sync powerhouse. Whether you're sitting on vintage ambient grooves or modern indie gems, if your track can move hearts and meters—and has clean metadata—it might just move into high-velocity licensing.

Stay sharp, stay ready. And hey, if your song goes viral this week, don’t say we didn’t warn ya.


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American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

Neon. Speed. Light cycles slicing through the dark. And underneath it all, a score that doesn’t just hum in the background—it stalks you. TRON: Ares is coming to theaters on October 10, 2025, and Disney handed the keys to the soundtrack over to… NINE. INCH. NAILS.

That’s right—Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are back in film-score mode, but this time they’re not writing under their individual names. For the first time ever, the credits will read: Score by NINE INCH NAILS. That’s more than a branding choice—it’s a creative permission slip. In Reznor’s own words, going in as NIN meant “playing by different rules.” Translation: they ditched the orchestral safety net, went all-in on sexy synthetic textures, and weren’t afraid to make it ugly when it needed to be.

The result? A lean, precise, sometimes “unpleasant” sonic assault — exactly what director Joachim Rønning wanted to slam against the clean geometry of “The Grid” and the grit of the real world.

What’s Coming—and When

• Lead single: “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” dropped July 17, 2025. Think metallic synths colliding with ’80s electro-retro, then funneled through NIN’s industrial venom. Co-written and co-produced with Boys Noize, it’s already laced into the trailer—and it hits.

• Full soundtrack: Tron: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) arrives September 19, 2025 via Interscope Records. Twenty-four tracks. No filler. All NIN, all Grid.

How It Stacks in TRON History

The sonic lineage here is serious. Wendy Carlos’ 1982 score put synths on the map for sci-fi. Daft Punk’s 2010 Legacy soundtrack turned it into a cult obsession. Now, NIN is taking the franchise into darker, more dangerous territory—industrial precision instead of glowing nostalgia.

Some fans weren’t sure—Daft Punk is sacred ground—but after San Diego Comic-Con footage paired with the new track, skepticism turned into sold-out hype. One critic even admitted the fit might be better than Legacy.

Meet the Music Department

The credits on IMDb read like a who’s-who of the people who make sure every beat lands exactly where it should:

• Featuring music from: Nine Inch Nails

• Composers: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

• Music Editors: Sally Boldt, Timeri Duplat, Nicholas Fitzgerald, Andy Patterson, Del Spiva

• Music Coordinator (Walt Disney Studios): Jon Bower

• Music Research: Ray Plaza

This is the crew that took the raw industrial voltage of NIN and wired it clean into Disney’s machine.

Why It Matters

The score is a character. The pulse you feel in your chest when a light cycle screams past? That’s the music, doing its job. The jagged edges? Intentional. The absence of lush strings? Absolutely on purpose.

With Ares, Disney isn’t just reviving a franchise—it’s rebooting its heartbeat. And with NIN behind the wheel, it’s not a gentle pulse. It’s a weapon.

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American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

The first of our new series: AMM Locked: Upcoming Film Releases
Tomorrow on American Music + Media: we’re jacking into TRON: Ares and the industrial thunder of Nine Inch Nails. First-ever NIN film score under the band name. No strings, no safety net—just pure, precise, synthetic grit. Full breakdown, insider credits, and why this soundtrack might just outshine Daft Punk’s legacy.

Drops tomorrow, August 21st — only on American Music + Media.

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American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

#TRONAres #NineInchNails #FilmMusic #Score #AMM #AmericanMusicMedia

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As August rolls on, the sync world is leaning hard into AI, rights management, and platform protection.

UMG, Sony, and Warner Enter AI Licensing Talks

The Big Three are negotiating with AI music generators Suno and Udio to establish the first official sync + training data deals.

This could shape the entire AI music economy, setting precedents for opt-outs, backend royalties, and sync clearance on AI-generated tracks.

YouTube Launches Licensing Signal (Beta)

YouTube quietly released a tool that flags pre-cleared sync tracks, helping video creators avoid false takedowns.

This is a huge win for brands, editors, and trailers using licensed music — and could cut headaches for rights holders everywhere.

BMI, ASCAP & SESAC Host Quiet Metadata Summit

All three U.S. PROs convened behind closed doors to discuss cue sheet upgrades and AI-readiness, signaling an effort to standardize royalty and licensing data transparency in the AI and automation era.

Guild of Music Supervisors Conference
Adds Sync Education + Real-World Training

The Guild of Music Supervisors (GMS) is doubling down on sync education — both digitally and in-person — with timely updates to support the next wave of music-in-media professionals.

New educational modules now available include:
• AI scoring tools and their impact on traditional composition
• Cue sheet compliance — what rights holders and composers often get wrong
• Streamers’ backend expectations — what music teams need from you before a placement happens

These resources are designed for rising music supervisors, composers, sync reps, and independent artists seeking to understand sync from both the creative and business sides.

And the momentum continues this Saturday with the 11th Annual GMS “State of Music in Media” Conference, happening in Culver City and online worldwide.

Guild of Music Supervisors Conference 2025 Snapshot

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: West L.A. College, Culver City — with full virtual access
More info: gmsmediaconference.com

Wrap-Up Insight:
AI may dominate headlines, but the real action is in the infrastructure. Rights visibility, metadata integrity, and backend clarity are your sync lifelines in 2025.

American Music + Media: The New Voice for Music in Media

American Music + Media is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, music rights management, and brand relationships — covering the essential connection between music and visual media across Film, Television, Advertising, Gaming, Sports, Theater, Streaming, and Tech.

Why AMM Matters Now:
AMM was created to fill a crucial gap in the market of music and visual media — offering insightful coverage, expert analysis, and real-world guidance by music professionals for professionals who are driving music’s role in visual media and technology.

The music licensing, publishing, and media industries have never been more competitive and lucrative. AMM aims to be the essential bridge between these worlds, offering the clarity, community, and connections professionals need to thrive.

Subscribe to stay informed, inspired & in the know:

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Dive into the future of the music business & media with American Music + Media:
> Follow us @americanmusicmedia for the latest.
> Subscribe to never miss a cue.
> Drop news and stories we need to know in the comments or contact us directly.

🛑 Guild of Music Supervisors Conference Adds Sync Education + Real-World Training

The Guild of Music Supervisors (GMS) is doubling down on sync education — both digitally and in-person — with timely updates to support the next wave of music-in-media professionals.

New educational modules now available include:
• AI scoring tools and their impact on traditional composition
• Cue sheet compliance — what rights holders and composers often get wrong
• Streamers’ backend expectations — what music teams need from you before a placement happens

These resources are designed for rising music supervisors, composers, sync reps, and independent artists seeking to understand sync from both the creative and business sides.

And the momentum continues this Saturday with the 11th Annual GMS “State of Music in Media” Conference, happening in Culver City and online worldwide.

🛑 GMS 2025 Conference Snapshot

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: West L.A. College, Culver City + full virtual/online access
More info: gmsmediaconference.com

What’s in store:
- 20+ panels with top music supervisors, publishers, and sync creatives
- Education on metadata, cue sheets, AI, and licensing strategy
- Mentorship sessions + networking lounges
- Live music showcases
- On-demand access (2 weeks) for virtual attendees

Why it matters:
Whether you’re pitching your first track or clearing your hundredth, this is the sync industry’s classroom, conference room, and deal floor — all in one.

Subscribe to stay informed, inspired & in the know:

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Dive into the future of the music business & media with American Music + Media:
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American Music + Media — Where Music Meets the Screen

August kicked off with a bold tone for sync and publishing. Here’s what defined the first week of the month:

Kobalt & Spotify Cut a Direct Licensing Deal

Kobalt signed a multi-year direct licensing agreement with Spotify in the U.S., bypassing the standard Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) rate structure.

Why this matters: Publishers are gaining negotiation power. This move reinforces a growing trend of direct publisher-DSP deals and paves the way for more transparency in royalty flows.

Chordal Expands InstantClear to 13 New Partners

Chordal added Nettwerk, Neon Gold, Marathon Artists, and more to its InstantClear platform, which enables lightning-fast sync licensing for music supervisors and ad teams.

Big picture: More one-stop catalogs are entering automated marketplaces — raising the bar for sync-ready music.

August = Quiet but Golden for Sync Pitching

Music supervisors from top agencies and streamers call early August a prime pitch window.

With production teams in quiet mode and briefings light, now’s the time to land those sleeper placements — especially for seasonal, nostalgic, and cinematic tracks.

Downtown Music + Sync Enhancements

Downtown Music announced upgrades to its sync platform, including:

• In-video tagging tools (see the scene before you license)

• TikTok velocity tracking to prioritize culturally relevant placements
  Sync is going visual — and predictive.

Wrap-up Insight:
The smart sync players are moving early this month — adjusting their licensing terms, metadata, and pitch strategy before the Fall wave hits.

American Music + Media: The New Voice for Music in Media

American Music + Media is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, music rights management, and brand relationships — covering the essential connection between music and visual media across Film, Television, Advertising, Gaming, Sports, Theater, Streaming, and Tech.

Why AMM Matters Now:
AMM was created to fill a crucial gap in the market of music and visual media — offering insightful coverage, expert analysis, and real-world guidance by music professionals for professionals who are driving music’s role in visual media and technology.

The music licensing, publishing, and media industries have never been more competitive and lucrative. AMM aims to be the essential bridge between these worlds, offering the clarity, community, and connections professionals need to thrive.

Subscribe to stay informed, inspired & in the know:

American Music + Media

American Music + Media: Where Music Meets The Screen AMM is a trade publication dedicated to the business of sync licensing, publishing, rights, and brand partnerships — covering the essential connection of music and visual media.

Dive into the future of the music business & media with American Music + Media:
> Follow us @americanmusicmedia for the latest.
> Subscribe to never miss a cue.
> Drop news and stories we need to know in the comments or contact us: https://bit.ly/AMMNewsDesk

Downtown Los Angeles—home to Warner Records/Warner Chappell, and a dense network of indie labels, artist management firms, and production studios—has become ground zero in the fallout from sweeping ICE raids and the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. The area surrounding LA Live and the Arts District has seen a patchwork of protest flashpoints, highway shutdowns, curfews, and military enforcement—forcing many in the music and entertainment business to hit pause.

Though Warner has made no formal public statements, internal sources have alluded to operational shifts: late-night recording sessions have been postponed, production teams are on flexible remote schedules, and street-level access is unpredictable. LA Center Studios, located just over a mile from the main protest zone, issued internal advisories urging teams to work from home during peak unrest.

🛑 LIVE EVENTS & PRODUCTION IMPACT

• LA Center Studios: Issued remote work advisory; on-site productions restructured to staggered timelines.
  

• Recording Studios & Rehearsal Spaces: Facilities near the Historic Core, Fashion District, and Arts District are limiting evening hours and relocating gear to satellite spaces.
  

• Curfews & Closures: Rolling closures of the 101 Freeway and local transit routes caused logistical havoc last weekend. While Metro lines have reopened, session musicians report difficulty navigating to key studio locations.
  

“We’ve had to cancel three night sessions this week alone due to the National Guard lockdowns,” said a Downtown-based studio manager under anonymity. “It’s not just about safety—it’s about uncertainty.”

🛑 ARTIST & EXECUTIVE RESPONSES

High-profile voices are making their voices heard:

• Doechii, during her BET Award acceptance, slammed the ICE crackdown and Trump’s show-of-force response.
  

• Finneas, Grammy‑winning musician and producer, shared that he was “tear‑gassed almost immediately” upon joining a “very peaceful” protest in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday against ICE raids, highlighting the intense atmosphere on the ground. In an Instagram Story, he wrote: “Tear‑gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protest downtown — they’re inciting this.”
  

• Kehlani, Finneas, and other LA artists have posted support for immigrant rights and condemned the use of military troops to police civil protest.
  

• Indie labels in East LA and Highland Park have launched community bail funds and legal support drives for undocumented session workers.
  

“What we’re seeing is a chilling of the arts,” said an executive from a mid-size sync agency. “We hire freelancers and undocumented creatives. They’re now afraid to show up for work.”

🛑 WHO’S IN THE ZONE?

Here’s a map of music companies impacted by proximity:

• Warner Records / Warner Chappell (Figueroa & Wilshire): Within ~1.5 miles of ICE protests and National Guard presence. WMG’s L.A. headquarters is located in a historic building at 777 S. Santa Fe Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District. (pictured - photo courtesy of Warner Music Group & Variety)

  

• LA Center Studios (Beverly Blvd): One block from protest-adjacent closures; enacted safety protocols.
  

• Arts District / Historic Core Studios: Dozens of post houses, sync shops, and boutique management offices operating under adjusted schedules.

🛑 THE WIDER INDUSTRY RIPPLE

• Universal, Sony, Interscope, BMG: While headquartered elsewhere in LA, many of their production partners, creative teams, and contracted musicians are downtown-based or reliant on affected routes.
  

• Music Supervisors across TV and film are also reporting delays on scheduled spotting sessions due to physical access issues in and around production sites.

🛑 THE TAKEAWAY

Here at American Music + Media, based in Los Angeles, we’re closely monitoring the impact of recent events on our community, colleagues, and creative neighbors. While the protests have largely concentrated within a six-block radius around the Federal Building on Alameda and the 101 Freeway, activity has remained fluid—shifting toward City Hall and surrounding corridors. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize safety.

What began as a political and humanitarian crisis has now become a pressing concern for the music industry. With thousands of troops deployed and ICE raids continuing across Los Angeles and Southern California, the ripple effects are hitting home. Artists are using their platforms to speak out, while Downtown LA’s creative workforce faces uncertainty. In the short term, we’re seeing disrupted schedules, heightened anxiety, and late-night production shutdowns.

In the long term, a more urgent and deeply personal question is surfacing: Will the very people we collaborate with—engineers, producers, musicians, assistants, creatives—be targeted or deported, even if they are here legally? This administration’s actions are not limited to criminals or undocumented individuals; they are increasingly affecting those with valid visas, green cards, or pending status—people who contribute meaningfully to our industry and community. These are our colleagues, friends, and neighbors. The question now is: how far will this go, and who will be left standing in LA’s creative economy if this continues?

Stay tuned. Reporting from the heart of Los Angeles’s creative battleground—where music meets justice and resistance.

— American Music + Media
@americanmusicmedia | #TheDailyDrop

Ballerina (2025)

Release Date: June 6, 2025 (Wide Theatrical)
Genre: Action Thriller / Franchise Spin-Off
Studio/Distributor: Starz Entertainment / Lionsgate
Production Companies: Lionsgate, Thunder Road Films, 87Eleven Productions
Budget: ~$90 million
Box Office: Opening Weekend (Domestic): $24.5 million

The Story:

Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Rooney, a skilled assassin trained from childhood in the traditions of ballet and vengeance. When her adoptive family is slaughtered by contract killers, she embarks on a brutal quest for retribution—moving through the criminal underworld with elegance, precision, and unrelenting violence.

Ana de Armas stars as Rooney, who delivers a fierce and physical performance. She’s joined by franchise regulars Keanu Reeves (John Wick), Anjelica Huston (The Director), Ian McShane (Winston), Lance Reddick (Charon), and Gabriel Byrne in a new role that expands the High Table lore.

Creative Team + Studio Execs:

• Director: Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard)

• Composers: Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard

• Hillary Holmes (SVP Music & Soundtracks, Lionsgate)

• Producers: Chad Stahelski, Erica Lee, Len Wisema, Basil Iwanyk

• Screenwriter: Shay Hatten (John Wick 3, Army of Thieves), Derek Kolstad

• Nathan Kahane (President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group)

• Erica Lee (Partner, Thunder Road)

Music Team:

The album features the film’s original score composed by Joel J. Richard (John Wick, Books of Blood, Quantico) & Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool 2, Watchmen, 300, Atomic Blonde, X, Dawn of the Dead).

• Composers: Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard

• Brian Cachia - Additional music

• Dylan Elland - Additional Music

• Joel J. Richard - Score Produced & Mixed

• Matias Ambrogi-Torres - Score Coordinator

• David Cerquetti - Orchestrator

• Grace Davidson - Soprano soloist

• Hillary Holmes - Music Executive

• Matt Lilley - Music Clearance & Licensing - MCL Music Services

• Anne-Marie Verdi - Music Clearance & Licensing - MCL Music Services

• Cutting Edge - Additional Music Services

• Ben Zales - Supervising Music Editor

• Brendan Leong - Assistant Music Editor

• Marco Beltrami - composer: unused score (uncredited)

• Anna Drubich - composer: unused score (uncredited)

• Jay Kriegsman - additional music: unused score (uncredited)

Soundtrack Album Released by: Lakeshore Records

The "Ballerina" (2025) movie soundtrack, including the original motion picture soundtrack and related playlists, can be found on various platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, IMDb, and YouTube. The soundtrack features music from various artists, including Joel J. Richard, Tyler Bates, and Le Castle Vania.

Featured Songs in the Film:

• “Fever Dream” – Agnes Obel

• “Black Milk” – Massive Attack

• “L’Appuntamento” – Ornella Vanoni

• “Experience” – Ludovico Einaudi

• “The Sound of Silence” – Nouela (cover)

• “No Choir” – Florence + The Machine

• “You Want It Darker” – Leonard Cohen
  

• The Four Seasons: Summer 3 (Robot Koch Remix)
  Written by Antonio Vivaldi
  Performed by Max Richter
  Courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon
  under license from Universal Music Enterprises
  
  

• Grand Allegro

Written and Performed by Søren Bebe
Courtesy of From Out Here Music

• Minus Eleven

Written by Dylan Eiland
Performed by Le Castle Vania
Courtesy of Always Never Records

• Ballerina Code

Written by Dylan Eiland
Performed by Le Castle Vania
Courtesy of Always Never Records

• One Bullet Well Placed

Written by Dylan Eiland
Performed by Le Castle Vania
Courtesy of Always Never Records

• Chokehold Cherry Python

Written by Ashnikko (as Ashton Nicole Casey), Oscar Scheller (as Oscar Benjamin Alexander Scheller) and Thomas Slinger
Performed by Ashnikko
Courtesy of Parlophone Records Limited

• So What Now

Written by Cathy Bielawski
Performed by The Peter Blair Combo
Courtesy of Fervor Records

• The Four Seasons: L'estate (Summer)

Written by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Australian Chamber Orchestra
Courtesy of BIS

• Swan Lake

Written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Russian National Orchestra
Courtesy of Ondine Records and Naxos

• Fight Like A Girl

Written by Tyler Bates, Amy Lee, Dylan Eiland and K.Flay (as Kristine Flaherty)
Performed by Evanescence featuring K.Flay
Courtesy of BMG Rights Management
under exclusive license from Amy Lee Music, Inc.

• Hand That Feeds

Written by Halsey (as Ashley Frangipane), Jordan Fish, Amy Lee, Michael Pollock and Griff Clawson
Performed by Halsey and Amy Lee
Courtesy of Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment
under exclusive license from Anti-Pop, LLC

Score Moments Highlighted in Marketing:

• Several trailers and behind-the-scenes promos used cues from Einaudi and Obel, tying the film’s choreography to emotionally weighted compositions.
  

• The ballroom fight sequence is set to Massive Attack’s “Black Milk”, blending ambient trip-hop with violence in a sequence drawing acclaim for its editing and sync precision.
  

Sync & Score Notes:

• Music in Ballerina is woven into the narrative in the same operatic fashion as other entries in the Wick franchise.
  

• A standout moment includes “The Sound of Silence” cover (Nouela) during a flashback montage—creating a viral TikTok trend within days of the film’s release.
  

• Licensing-heavy soundtrack approach mirrors Atomic Blonde and Wick 4, with strategic placement of emotionally resonant songs replacing a traditional score-forward identity.

Photos Courtesy of Lionsgate


Disclaimer:

Sources: IMDB, Lionsgate Publicity. The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and the most current data at the time of publication. While we strive for accuracy and have double-checked all details, certain aspects of the film’s production, release, or music credits may change or have been reported inaccurately by third parties. We are not responsible for updates or changes made by the studios, distributors, or music departments after this report was published.

Influence Media Acquires DJ Khaled Catalog, Launches Joint Ventures

Influence Media has acquired DJ Khaled's music catalog and announced two joint ventures with the artist and his We The Best Music Group. The collaboration involves film and TV projects, brand partnerships, and a new focus on name and likeness rights.

SendBeatsTo Surpasses 1,000 Beat License Sales

SendBeatsTo, a leading platform for beat licensing and music collaboration, has surpassed 1,000 beat license sales. This milestone reflects the platform’s expanding role in connecting music producers and artists globally, streamlining the music creation and licensing process.

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Universal Music Group Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results

Universal Music Group (UMG) reported first-quarter sales above market expectations, with revenue increasing by 11.8% year-over-year to approximately $3.11 billion USD. The growth was driven by solid performance in recorded music and music publishing segments.

Katie Welle appointed to President, Sony Music Publishing’s Head of U.S. A&R

Katie Welle will oversee SMP’s U.S. creative division, focusing on signing new talent and expanding songwriter opportunities worldwide. She will continue to be based out of Los Angeles and report directly to Chairman and CEO Jon Platt.

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