Weekly Music Industry Breakdown: 11 -18 February 2026
Every week the music business reveals how dynamic, unpredictable and opportunity‑rich it can be. The news from 11 – 18 February 2026 illustrates this perfectly: acquisitions, partnerships, streaming integrations and major controversies all shaped the conversation. Whether you’re an independent musician, a music‑tech founder or simply a passionate fan, understanding these developments empowers you to navigate the industry on your own terms.
Major Deals and Business Moves
Live Nation’s Italian expansion
Live Nation, already the largest concert promoter in the world, took a big step into the European arena market by agreeing to acquire ForumNet Group. This Italian company operates major indoor arenas, including Milan’s Unipol Forum and venues in Rome and Catania, and expects the transaction to close in April 2026. The existing management team will remain in place, while Live Nation plans to upgrade amenities and prioritize sustainability. For artists, this signals continued consolidation of live-venue operations under mega‑promoters; it could lead to more consistent production standards, but also means negotiating with a single dominant player for European tours.
WMG invests in regional talent and catalogs
Warner Music Group announced a three‑year partnership with U.K. non‑profit Generator to develop talent and music infrastructure in the north of England. The program promises a state‑of‑the‑art recording facility, mentorships with A&R teams, and closer links between local artists and major‑label resources. Local leaders see it as a way to build a "creative north," reducing the need for artists to move to London.
On the catalog front, multiple reports suggest that WMG acquired most of Deftones’ catalog rights, including master royalties, co‑publishing, and writer’s royalties, with one member retaining their share. The band allegedly sought a "mid‑ to high‑double‑digit multiple" of net profits. Catalog deals like this show the continued appetite from major players for rock and alternative assets.
Universal’s independent‑services push and kids’ content
The European Commission approved Virgin Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, clearing the last regulatory hurdle. Virgin (part of Universal Music Group) will now integrate Downtown’s services, distribution platform FUGA, DIY distributor CD Baby, and publishing administrator Songtrust, to create a comprehensive service platform for independent artists. This move underscores how majors are targeting the independent sector with sophisticated tech and support while capturing a share of that fast‑growing market.
In a different kind of partnership, UMG signed a global deal with The Wiggles, Australia’s beloved children’s group. UMG will distribute its new recordings and digital content through Universal Music Australia. The Wiggles’ track record is remarkable: 30 million albums/DVDs sold, 4 billion music streams, and 6 billion YouTube views, and the label hopes to expand their reach even further with marketing campaigns and a world tour.
Sony’s label relaunch and A&R appointment
Sony’s RCA Records revived JIVE Records, once home to acts like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, appointing UnitedMasters alumni Mike Weiss and David Melhado as co‑presidents. They aim to honour JIVE’s legacy while focusing on new talent across genres and emphasising an artist‑first approach. Meanwhile, Sony Music UK appointed Oli Welch as head of A&R at Ministry of Sound. Welch has a history of shepherding successful electronic acts and will shape the label’s signing strategy.
The Wasserman scandal and its fallout
One of the week’s biggest controversies involved talent‑agency CEO Casey Wasserman. Newly released court documents revealed email correspondence between Wasserman and Ghislaine Maxwell, prompting outcry. Artists such as Wednesday and Chappell Roan publicly announced their departure from Wasserman Music, citing conflicts with their values. Other acts like Beach Bunny and Orville Peck followed suit. Under mounting pressure, Wasserman sold his agency to managing partner Mike Watts, backed by private equity. The episode underscores how reputation and ethics can quickly shift industry relationships.
Financial Performance
Spotify’s robust quarter
Spotify’s fourth‑quarter report, released 10 February 2026, offered impressive numbers: 290 million premium subscribers (up 10 % year‑on‑year), 751 million monthly active users, and revenue of €4.5 billion, a 13 % increase. Gross margin reached 33.1 %, and operating income hit €701 million. CEO Daniel Ek said 2026 would be a "year of raising ambition," hinting at more AI‑driven features to reshape audio discovery and monetisation.
Sony’s record profit
In the same week, Sony Group reported record operating profit for its fiscal quarter (October–December 2025). Music division revenue, including streaming, live events, and merchandising, grew 13 %, contributing to an overall operating profit of ¥515 billion (around $3.3 billion). A weaker yen boosted overseas earnings, and strong demand for music helped offset declining PlayStation console sales.
Technology & Social Media Trends
TikTok integrates full‑song streaming
TikTok announced a test feature called “Play Full Song,” leveraging Apple’s MusicKit API. For users with Apple Music subscriptions, this means they can stream complete songs within TikTok without leaving the app. Artists can host listening parties and interact with fans, while non‑subscribers still participate but hear only previews. The integration demonstrates how social platforms and streaming services are converging to deliver a frictionless music experience.
K‑pop’s EDM moment
A report in The Korea Herald highlighted a surge in electronic‑dance‑infused K‑pop. Groups such as Ive and KiiiKiii released tracks rooted in house and EDM, while Blackpink shifted toward hardstyle/techno with their single “Jump”. Even BTS is reportedly working with American producer Diplo on their upcoming album. Industry critic Lim Hee‑yun noted that EDM’s fast‑tempo structures align naturally with K‑pop choreography and perform well on short‑form platforms like TikTok. For artists, this trend illustrates how genre boundaries continue to blur and how dance‑friendly music supports virality.
People & Culture
Remembering Andrew Ranken
The week brought sad news with the passing of Andrew Ranken, drummer and founding member of The Pogues, at age 72. The band described him as the "heartbeat" of their sound and credited his drumming with helping define their Celtic‑punk style. Tributes from fellow musicians and fans poured in across social media, celebrating his energy and contribution to music. His death serves as a reminder of the rich musical heritage that continues to inspire new generations.
Upcoming events & announcements
Harry Styles was announced as curator of the 2026 Meltdown Festival, following in the footsteps of artists like David Byrne and Grace Jones.
Look Mum No Computer will represent the U.K. at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.
The Brit Awards revealed plans to move their ceremony to Manchester starting in 2027.
These stories show how diverse and fast‑moving the music industry is: mega‑deals reshape the business, scandals reveal the power of values, and new technologies change how fans experience music. As an artist or industry professional, there’s one constant: you have the power to chart your own course.
Here are a few takeaways to help you be your own star:
Stay informed. Understanding business moves and market trends can help you negotiate better deals and choose the right partners.
Embrace technology. Tools like TikTok’s new streaming integration or AI‑driven discovery can amplify your reach, experiment with them early.
Align with your values. The Wasserman episode shows that artists’ voices can hold power; choose representation and partners who align with your ethics.
Diversify your revenue. Catalog sales, streaming, live shows, and merchandising are all part of the modern income mix.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me an email or reach out to me on Instagram!
Love,