The Real Reason Why UMG Abandoned TikTok / What's Next?

[@celebiglives9842]

Indie artistes time to shine. It’s time to get seen.

[@DamianKeyes]

Let's hope some smaller artists get some positives out of this 🙂🙂

[@mysticalmutants]

agree

[@CoryRayGordonMusic]

What is a good way to build my audience?

[@celebiglives9842]

@@DamianKeyes exactly. There’s literally no time like now for them to play up their social media presence and literacy and take control of their business. I’m feeling more hopeful for them.

[@Dead_Posey]

artists of all sizes in the music community should unite to demand fair treatment and a livable wage. If this injustice doesn't resonate with you today, rest assured, it can haunt you tomorrow. 💀

[@simongreyson3477]

Bring back Myspace! Thanks Damo, appreciate this take on it. It really helped.

[@Fablebox]

I see someone else made this comment, but I agree. Would this not be a huge opportunity for independent artists. Forces users to either move to another platform or run across artists they would not otherwise use. This is why I don’t have all my discovery content on one platform. I lose TikTok, I still have insta/KZbin, ect. I’m not worried. Good video!!!!

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks. I think short term there might be some gain for up and coming artists but the problem I have is the eco system. Like removing certain insects and how that plays out in future evolution. It wasn't that long ago that we had very little free attention with IG and FB however now we have that with TT and Reels. We have it as a result of the world wanting to be online to be a part of social culture which includes the likes of the biggest artists. If you remove them, it will have an impact on usership and that will effect more artists leaving. I think the best thing for artists is an eco system that allows free attention and we have had that of late. I think we need to be careful what we wish for long term as the big money and fat cats usually wins in the end.

[@ScottThePisces]

UMG also made a point of standing against TikTok for their Music Generation AI which they believe is setting out to replace artists. Unfortunately this is being overlooked in the mainstream.

[@JMRabil675]

Ppl need to realize for musicians, ITS OVER. the braindead masses dont want authentic music. They want Ai content. Less than 0.0001% of prople care if theres a real artists.

[@rickbecket2820]

TikTok needs to start its own record label just like Netflix started to make its own TV shows.

[@brokenwing8018]

I miss when it was just a vinyl record....and I lived with that record night and day for weeks and months and I still covet some of them many years later.🤟

[@DamianKeyes]

It was a golden time.. every Saturday going to town to buy a new album and then getting home to play and stare at the artwork!

[@sundaybrunch7097]

This for me was CDs as a teen. And before that as a young kid I'd record the radio via cassettes. (There was only one record player in the house and it belonged to my older brother.)

[@shoegazeforever8810]

Vinyl sales still make more money than streams!

[@AndersJensenthreeonthego]

Here in Germany we had the KZbin GEMA dispute for ages, and eventually I guess both parties realised how ridiculous it all was. In effect no music videos at all could be played on KZbin back then, when played from a German IP address. I do not like that big tech is in almost total control of everything in the music industry. It's not fair and creators are paid the least in the entire chain. Middle-men and suits are the ones profiting. And now AI, which I personally believe will find a sustainable level and can be used creatively in many positive ways. But right now, the industry is dysfunctional! My point - I guess - is, that the music industry was extremely lazy and reactionary for decades. When mp3's and streaming came, they tried to fight it, instead of embracing it. Meanwhile, music consumers got used to piracy and to not paying for music. That IS where that bad habit started. And we are still struggling with that! The tech-platforms and the music industry should find a common way to move forward. As you say in the video: They need each other. But while they are at it, could they not make sure that we - the songwriters, producers, little artists etc get just a little better pay?

[@Bradleybrookwood]

They will never ever come to that compromise when you've got big huge artist that have voices that sound like shit on their best day let alone their worst day, those big huge artist will always have something to fall back on if their music flops. Those huge artists have endorsement and fashion deals and movie deals Etc etc. Big huge artist like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber and the Weeknd just to name a few could fart into a microphone and make an electro pop beat with them farting into a microphone and it will go number one because they are who they are. They don't have to put out good music anymore and to be honest they were never that talented and they are never going to be that talented even with all the money in the world. Money can't buy a Voice and money can't buy talent. i'm sure they've got great looks so I'm sure they can fall back on their looks and they have so much money in the bank with investments and real estate and other things they do that they would never have to work another day in their lives so I don't give two fucks about the big artist.

[@universalmeditation8631]

Last I checked, The Weeknd purchased a $75,000,000 mansion in Bel Air! Taylor Swift on the other hand is coming up on a billion dollar net worth. They’d do fine without TikTok forever! IMO UMG holds the cards in this dispute. Thanks for the video.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

Fuck Taylor Swift and fuck the weekend. I don't feel sorry for them one bit. All that money they make off of zero talent and I'm not afraid to say who's got talent and who doesn't. Swift and the Weeknd are absolutely talentless. I mean I guess some people think they can sing and they have enough fans that think their voices are great enough to wear they can make millions selling out stadiums with a shitty music. I guess to each their own but I'm sick of the big huge recording companies taking advantage of smaller artists. $75 million on a mansion? Are you fucking kidding me

[@jul3249]

RIP small artists signed on small local labels that are stuck with a distribution deal with Universal

[@violettetele6953]

muahahaha...solo musician for 14 years and still no distribution...So, fck everybody with all your prestige distributions

[@TheJoshandFriendsPodcast]

I had 81 videos pulled from my TT profile. Good times!

[@DamianKeyes]

Oh I am so sorry about that, I hope they get this sorted. I believe the best thing for everyone is the eco system we have had where all artists have more control and the ability to promote themselves. This is truly shit for an any artist signed or distributing through UMG.❤

[@davidlisteresq]

I've always found Tik Tok to be terrible for music. Everything I upload over of my music videos it gets taken down for "copyright". Even though I own the rights. And there's no way to dispute it

[@DamianKeyes]

That sucks, I find that longer videos get more problems with copyright, not sure if that helps at all

[@davidlisteresq]

@@DamianKeyes Yeah my short ones seem to be fine. Just a bit annoying when I'm hoping up the release of a full track then I can't put it there and have to get people to click off the app for it.

[@AstonKalmari]

As an UMG distributed artist I feel like kicked in the balls and then head.. Any ideas where to focus my album promotion now..? 😢

[@DamianKeyes]

Ah I'm so sorry, this absolutely sucks for anyone unable to promote on TikTok. I'm hoping they resolve it over the next couple of days and you can carry on promoting. Until then, we are having a lot of success (free attention) on Facebook at the moment and then doubling down on IG Reels for attention and then adding in varied content on IG feed (Carousel, Pics, longer videos etc). Fingers crossed this is resolved for you soon. Keep your chin up! I'm here to help if I can 🙂❤

[@thodpap1]

Hope everything works out fine for you 🤞

[@violettetele6953]

on the streets, baby

[@violettetele6953]

@@DamianKeyes nononon. I hope they can't carry promoting!!! WE NEED CHANGE, and that is only possible via destruction unfortunately..

[@rickgordongordonellissteel3761]

I think UMG will stick it out and play the long game on the basis that streaming platforms can and will come and go, they are not necessarily around forever and new platforms will emerge. Without the music, streaming services have nothing and UMG have the music. It will be interesting to see.

[@DamianKeyes]

Hi Rick. Wow if you are right, then I need to make another video on the near future of the music industry and releases. I don't think anyone realises how big this is and could be if they don't resolve it. Future negotiations, artists moving labels, social media platforms and usage. The list goes on. It's like watching a car crash in slow motion!

[@officialWWM]

Dear TicToc, I’m not signed to UMG and my music is available. It’s not very good but it’s available 😂

[@WilliamRamseyChannel]

Disappointed with this take. Not sure why he didn’t discuss the clear and obvious opportunity for small artists with original music to get some of the attention on TikTok, now that artists like Drake are off the app. This is a big opportunity for indies and was hoping the video would’ve been about that, instead of the woes of a major label that can careless about the artists on their roster and just cared about a bonus check for CEOs

[@IndieLeverage]

I’m wondering when we’ll see a major label attempt to create their own social platform to avoid potential situations like this

[@violettetele6953]

it's called spotify...

[@BenCaesar]

@@violettetele6953fair point, labels own shares in Spotify. But still labels investing and build tech is overlooked.

[@SportQuickShift]

Spotify is not really a social platform ?

[@JamesRobertWebb1]

They have. It’s called Spotify 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BenCaesar]

@@SportQuickShift yeh I agree, Spotify is hardly a social platform , no UGC, no commenting, all uploads thru an aggregator. It's essentially a rental and advertising platform.

[@carlosmingeli]

When is Spotify or Apple going to start signing Artists exclusively to their platforms as per album contract? Oh it's coming. That's going to be the ultimate FU to the record labels

[@yourguitarist]

Or why not tiktok and KZbin? I think that you're on to something!

[@SugarMilk99]

Ya’ll are clueless. The contracts these platforms sign to get the music catalogs from major labels ALL have ‘noncompete disclosure clauses’. Major music is gatekept for a reason and has been for decades. Try to keep up 😅

[@samhudsonmusic1]

The only problem with this is Spotify isn’t profitable yet. Their future is uncertain too

[@Steakfinger]

The Beatles have prohibited Apple from ever acting like a label in exchange for getting to continue with their music activities. It was a big deal back in the day.

[@sjzwang]

this is exactly what the Chinese DSPs do. Netease Cloud and QQ Music. They sign exclusive album contracts.

[@NickKizirnis]

“… or even John Mayer ..” lol

[@jakemcs1095]

I was gonna say he's just catching strays over and over again 😂😂

[@BenCaesar]

😂😂😂😂

[@jimbofet]

All socials are fragile. Look what happened to Twitter. FYI, I'm getting more engagement on Threads than any other social...including TikTok. For me, TikTok has been a broken funnel. I've boosted posts to many thousands of views and got no change in streaming stats. However, by engaging on Threads I'm seeing results...and without having to create content. All I have to do is engage in conversations. It's refreshing.

[@violettetele6953]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36ximawfpKHhq8

[@vviimusic]

Let’s hope a benefit is that independent artists get their time!

[@NotBenCoultry]

Honestly the most importing thing of all is to save both a physical and digital copy of everything you make, or lose it all, eventually. As for tik tok, I still haven't spent more than 5 minutes on it bc I'm careful with my focus, but when have you seen something like this destroyed and then not improved upon somewhere else? If there's a demand there will be supply.

[@violettetele6953]

I think the most inportant to let go and accept to eventually lose it all.

[@jacobbeckwith]

As a casual tik tok user for me this makes no difference to my life at all. As long as I'm allowed to promote my own music as well as listen to Spotify there's no change in my eyes. I guess this could be an "I'm alright jack" mentality but just thought I'd offer a different perspective.

[@Avenged666]

Tik Tok found that they don't need UMG to keep subs happy as their customers are not on it for music & having the other publishers on board is enough to not affect them. They had tested this scenario by pulling a publishers music for users in SE ASIA, Australia etc & saw it had no affect on business, amount of users stayed the same. The others signed because they want to earn off 1 billion tic tok users. UMG are now loosing out not being on the biggest site world wide. Tic tok wont back down & im not sure if they would give UMG the option to sign the same deal as before because they have the upper hand.

[@massculini]

Tiktok pays per video attached to the song. While umg wants music royalties paid per stream . I think umg demands fair deal . I stand with UMG .

[@yourguitarist]

Damian... I am a little confused. How does UMG make 10Billion dollars when (we are being told that) no one is buying music? Can you or someone here explain where this 10 Billion is coming from?

[@Bradleybrookwood]

I can tell you exactly how they do it. They make all that money from stealing from the little guy. Big companies like universal make money and the same way big huge banks make money off of peoples misfortunes when they overdraft. Imagine universal as a big huge bank and taking from the small artist causing the small artist to overdraft their account and then the small artist is now in massive amounts of debt But meanwhile the big artist are flying high with huge deals in movies and tours and other things when they really don't have talent. Somebody has to say it, just because you're a big Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber doesn't mean you have a voice and it doesn't mean that you can sing. Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, more so Taylor Swift had everything given to them And they never had to work an honest day in their lives to get their music out there. I guess when your Taylor Swift and mommy and daddy are huge investment bankers and you're so wealthy and privileged it doesn't matter if you get rejected once or twice, mommy and daddy is rich enough to buy your way into the music industry. you can completely suck at songwriting and have the blandest most putrid most unremarkable singing voice but when you've got mommy and daddy who are super wealthy telling you that you're great I guess none of that matters.

[@ericeracleous9404]

So true and it sucks.

[@davidetorti9070]

Something very similar happened last year between SIAE (italian music asset) and Meta...

[@rehdogg]

I personally don’t use TikTok. Don’t trust them as far as I can throw them so either way I don’t care for the record labels or them. I do my stuff independently.

[@BenCaesar]

This is the best rounded take on this spectacle online right now. Thanks for being concise and researching properly.

[@stephaniejane-music]

As independent artists we must look after our audience, no matter if we have a few dozen, few hundred or thousands. More than ever now, especially after this UMG and TiKTok saga

[@DamianKeyes]

Yep, this!

[@TheWorldsNo1Superstar]

Damien this is ❤ breaking and overwhelming. Our industry has been suffering terribly from every angle. We're all now working extra, our content when shared with these streaming services pays us less and less, and it makes less sense to keep creating. Huge laws need to be implemented to protect us all. Don't give up everyone, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

It's becoming harder and harder to believe that there's a light at the end of the tunnel when you've got big huge artist that don't have a voice for shit and they get all the attention and they get all the deals and all the glory and people that have real actual voices with real actual talent get nothing.

[@TheWorldsNo1Superstar]

Your thinking is small. Your words say you're not capable. Congratulations 🎉

[@Bradleybrookwood]

@@TheWorldsNo1Superstar it's kind of hard to be positive when all you get is rejection every fucking day and you get people that don't have as much talent and they get the success that you should be having because they have all the connections and they have all the money and they've got loads and loads and loads of teams of people making it happen for them and they have platforms that we don't have. How are we supposed to compete with that? I'm not wealthy and I can't afford to pay for huge marketing teams and I also don't have what Hollywood considers to be the look. i'm also not young and gorgeous or 16 and cute. I'm also not super thin and I've had health complications under my belt. If they had a choice between me at 32 going on 33 and a 16-year-old kid they're going to choose the 16-year-old kid every fucking day of the week. The industry always tells us that if you're over a certain age that you're not worthy of being given a chance no matter how talented you are. I'm not 16 years old or even 17 years old. I'm a 32-year-old going on 33 and it seems like no matter how hard I try and no matter how powerful my voice is and how hard I work on my music nobody will take me seriously because the music industry deems me as being has been before I'd even begun simply because I'm not young and cute.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

@@TheWorldsNo1Superstar i've worked so fucking hard from the time I came out of the womb to make my voice perfect if not better than that and I've struggled with my voice everything from how it sounds to dealing with paralyzed vocal cords since childhood. I've struggled all my life and it seems like I'll never get the chance I deserve because I'm not young and sexy

[@TheWorldsNo1Superstar]

@@Bradleybrookwood You're so angry, Please take time to rethink your life. sending blessings.

[@taiopain5699]

I'm still waiting for editorial Playlist acceptance after 36 songs pitching 😔😔😔

[@DamianKeyes]

Hey, where have you pitched?

[@taiopain5699]

@@DamianKeyes Spotify for artists

[@taiopain5699]

@@DamianKeyes Spotify for artists

[@taiopain5699]

@@DamianKeyes S P O T I F Y

[@taiopain5699]

KZbin removed my replied, I don't know why. I wrote your answer

[@XanderPhillips]

I don’t know if this is related but I made some microcontent with me miming to my cover version of a T-Rex song. Then yesterday I had to relink the song to the track again. Could just be a coincidence but I guess we need to keep an eye on our covers too.

[@violettetele6953]

well, my cover is still on soundcloud. Come at me Sony music...hahahaha..who cares...those curious people heard that cover, so who cares about all ignorants not checking my music out. allah ouakbar.

[@PremaHamilton]

Thanks Damo! All makes sense only after hearing from you

[@DamianKeyes]

I really appreciate that, thank you. I hope they can resolve it soon, the best thing for all artists right now is resolution and an eco system that allows new artists to play without big budgets. I'm hoping for them to sort it out this week.

[@violettetele6953]

man, there's an interesting law discussion on youtube, where the talk to tik tok and co...THAT is insightful..

[@violettetele6953]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36ximawfpKHhq8

[@synead9221]

if it continues like this, then the best move for Tiktok ( probably) is to give more space for other labels and to cause more damage for UMG, it will be a massive loss for both of them and give a chance again to another label to be in the top, or the big artists will find a way to sign with other labels to avoid the risks. (maybe)

[@phoenixlandingstudio6594]

Oh my heart bleeds for these ‘big artists’ …NOT! I am sure they’re financially set for life. As are the executives of UMG.

[@bobbyborg]

Good stuff D. Personally, I feel that this be serve as an opportunity for indie artists. Less competition perhaps? Well soon see .

[@angermanagementstudios]

I had a vid muted from New Year’s Eve because Tina Tuner’s Proud Mary was playing in the background. Yep. Greed knows no bounds.

[@violettetele6953]

well done. There's no proud mary around yet..

[@Dead_Posey]

This hurt us… we’re an independent artist under the UMG distribution umbrella through our pub company. All our music is muted.💀 Every instance of artists being shortchanged under the guise of "exposure" is a loss for the entire creative community. If this injustice doesn't resonate with you today, rest assured, it can haunt you tomorrow. This isn't a clear-cut issue; it thrives in the murky shades of gray.

[@DamianKeyes]

I'm so sorry that this is affecting you. I really hope this can be resolved soon. It feels even more unfair that this is affecting you when you are distributed through UMG. ❤

[@Dead_Posey]

@@DamianKeyes All artists/songwriters of all sizes in the music community should go on strike to demand fair treatment and a livable wage from Big Tech & Labels. Picture a world where no new music is released - it would spell catastrophe for these companies. The business model has been changed dramatically for artists/songwriters in the music community. All CEOs - Spotify, TikTok, Record Labels. They all get their bag while we all fight for “exposure scraps” artist are always last to get paid a dime. Here’s some staggering net worths of CEOs: TikTok CEO Net worth = $43.4 billion Spotify CEO Net worth = $3.7 billion UMG CEO Net worth = $250 million

[@violettetele6953]

get creative yourself. fck the sovalled creative community

[@markotten1755]

Highly appreciate your clearly well informed insights Damian!

[@johnviera3884]

TikTok doesn’t need UMG. there will be new artists and they won’t need UMG. TikTok makes artists not UMG.

[@JoshDavisCountryMusic]

Makes me glad to be independent. A friend of mine - "Pawns and Kings" had a 50/50 deal with UMG and UMG pulled his stuff too. I don't think it will hurt the larger already established artist but, like you said, I'd hate to sign with UMG without tik tok. and now I'm off to go find a lasagna and a therapist

[@DamianKeyes]

Lol I love lasagne!! I’ve had so many messages form artists who are distributed through UMG and are feeling very hard done by and unrepresented. I hope they can resolve it! After you with the therapist!

[@violettetele6953]

there's an amazing vegan recepy lasagne with lentils. Every carnivor has loved it so far..It s onine by Bianca Zapata

[@Nickpetronio]

I’m not with universal, but I would totally go for some lasagna

[@amajorthemusician]

This just continues to prove how viable and arguably undisputed KZbin has been. Given that it is the God and father to all of these platforms. Like who is KZbin really at the mercy of other than Google? 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@DamianKeyes]

I do love KZbin!! 😊❤️

[@amajorthemusician]

@@DamianKeyes My guy! 🙏🏾

[@violettetele6953]

yes, I love youtube too, though they downgraded my numbers. I'm not making that up, my ex was the first to witness how the numbers went down by 20 percent if I did the math right..So, I don't know I have an entire conspiracy theory behind it and Taylor Swift def plays a major role in this.

[@amajorthemusician]

@@violettetele6953 Please expound on your Taylor Swift theory regarding this if you can! 🙇🏾‍♂️

[@amajorthemusician]

@@violettetele6953 How does Taylor have a role in this?

[@Sekoiyuh]

I see this as a win honestly for independent artists. Regardless of the outcome moving forward, I believe it gives artists who are still trying to make a name for themselves (myself included) an opportunity to get their names out there and ACTUALLY start building their own fan base, even if it is short term. Without the oversaturation of BIG music on a platform as large as TikTok, it allows music and artists who may have otherwise never been heard to finally have a chance on the platform's surface. I'm very much looking forward to seeing independent artists' music rise up and if anyone actually wants to reply to this comment on where I can find your music, I'd love to give it a listen. I hope everyone has a great day.

[@violettetele6953]

nice answer! Totally agree.

[@TheFeelButton]

I always bet on the music. Maybe club Myspace will pick back up! Cheers Damo!

[@DamianKeyes]

If MySpace comes back I will be front of the queue! Ideally with my 2005 emo fringe!!

[@EccentricMusicianCompanyOxford]

I think Warner Music Group should stand their ground. I don't think they need TikTok as much as you may think. WMG still has many other outlets to promote its artists. You are right about the partnership by default to a point though. I think this is important because the outcome of this will set a new precedent going forward. In the meantime, a 30% loss of music is a big void to fill and it looks like it will be filled by the remaining segments of the industry including independent artists. If TikTok loses more large labels then the music aspect of their business will be done. If WMG doesn't support or find a social equivalent and remains a solo act in this departure then at some point it will start to affect their bottom line.

[@itshoneydrip]

🎯💯💯 Absolutely

[@STONEDECISION]

Hey Damion. I am planning to make ten minute long content for you tube. As I consider it different from other outlets. But, can I use the same content I use for tic toc, recycled for shorts, and insta/facebook short content?

[@Nickpetronio]

If I were UMG, I would bank on the fact that the huge company has been around for decades. TikTok has a few years. Social media platforms have come and gone and been more like fads it seems. In that sense I think UMG has the upper hand and history behind it. They have a whole lot of relationships and clout and resources, and TikTok has already begun to have problems in other ways. I don’t know, I think UMG may have the upper hand and flex that on TikTok.

[@sf0101]

Yes I was waiting for this episode ❤

[@DamianKeyes]

Appreciate that, hope you enjoy it 🙂🙂

[@markpulsipher5799]

Indie artists will keep thriving over this on this kind of level

[@CJ60523]

I think TikTok’s gonna wait UMG out. This generation is very “out of sight, out of mind.” There’s an abundance of other songs available. As it is, ppl don’t necessarily go to TikTok for music. Its Content has really evolved, and now they’re slowly rolling out long-form horizontal video. TikTok-Music will need the bigger artists, but I bet UMG’s lack of GenZ exposure feels the sting 1st 🥴

[@DamianKeyes]

Could be a big gamble. The problem is everything is based off pop culture and if the big artists go somewhere else the pop culture will follow them, especially with how big and powerful Taylor is right now, she is not only the biggest artist on the planet but possibly the most famous person on the planet. If it comes down to ego, maybe they will both be considerably damaged in the war.

[@nerovox3875]

Thank you UMG!!!

[@averae]

Since now UMG out of TikTok, TikTok will push independent music more on there, Big L for UMG, UMG downfall already started even if they have big artists

[@benjammin105123]

I would have figured these record labels would be extinct and these platforms decentralized by now. Progress moves so slowly...

[@love_it_to_death]

Last year Italian music got taken down by Facebook. The whole artist/social media system is fragile. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.

[@kidryanmusic]

I think “don’t build your business in someone else’s back yard” also applies in this case

[@erinbaysinger3627]

Independent artist time to bring it fam!

[@synaesmedia]

Good points. But the thing no one seems to be thinking about is that UMG are basically trying to shake TikTok down for more money. And where's that money going to come from? From the non UMG artists. In other words UMG, and perhaps other big labels, are going to be doing what they did to Spotify when they got the < 1000 streams songs demonetised. They'll demand a bigger slice of the revenue goes to them and their big artists, inevitably leaving less for everyone else.

[@corneliusrawness]

Yeah this what I'm getting from it. One of them (TT/UMG) will fold. I don't think it will be UMG.

[@synaesmedia]

@@corneliusrawness I think they'll spin it as a compromise. From their perspective (ie. UMG and TT) it will be a satisfying conclusion. TT will pay artists the same as before AND UMG will get more money. But exactly as happened with Spotify and the "no money for tracks with

[@corneliusrawness]

@@synaesmedia yep pretty much LOL

[@iamhunterreece]

"even John Mayer"

[@UncleOpey801]

I just got hit with like 10000 Copyright violations for my own videos using my own music.

[@theomyling]

concidering going back to distributing through distrokd if this dinner fight doesn't get sorted out

[@ianburrage1092]

Great stuff ... thank you

[@thodpap1]

Throwing this out there, based on patterns I see in marketing, this seems like a move to draw more eyes on both 😅 thanks for the vids dear

[@wormsali]

That's what I was thinking and I wouldn't be too surprised if it was a marketing scheme. But I think umg has more leverage

[@Reggi_Sample]

Did you read TikToks response?😅

[@thodpap1]

@@Reggi_Sample thanks for writing I just did. Yeah I could be completely wrong haha, but you never know 🥲😅 what seems fishy to me is that they "fight it out" in public.

[@Ein.7.musique]

@@thodpap1 I think the same too XD

[@thodpap1]

@@Ein.7.musique let's go full tin foil mode hat haha 🤣😇

[@TreXsJournal-Coming-Soon]

I mean, the amount they profit from tiktok isn't even enough to fund a few of the employees (3 or 4 big music artists... - that's an exaggeration, but, you get it.) Edit: I don't know that enough artist would sign based on TikTok access.

[@violettetele6953]

Well done, Universal !❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@stevemorano9317]

UMG will probably launch their own Social Media Platform based on Tik-Tok. ....Why wouldn't they!

[@howeverythingends8976]

great summary and analysis… the popcorn is out

[@Newmusicreview]

They will get an agreement...they need each other..

[@DamianKeyes]

I hope so, it’s the best thing for all artists of all sizes at the moment 😊

[@Newmusicreview]

@@DamianKeyes Yeah...I just dont know where rising artists can go anymore to increase traction, ...I dropped your link in my website BTW ;-)

[@NWSnort]

Lol had to giggle u calling tiktok being the one with most attention seeing their shortform is rotting peoples brain :')

[@sullysullster8217]

Can you explain what is going on with stores wherever I go, I hear the same artists. I dont know if you have this going on in England but ever shop from barber shops to grocery stores, they play the same artists and songs. I heard Blackrock was buying artists catalogs. I figured they had some kind of scam where they bought the catalogs and rigged it so they would reap all the royalties from their streaming outlets. Something smells fishy and reeks of corruption. Maybe you know and can explain why I hear Phil Collins or John Mayer The same time every day Im in a grocery store.

[@blakeh946]

Because it is “safe” music to play and non offensive usually

[@user-fj7ho4pj9t]

Guys can anyone make it clear for me please? Why does an artist even need a record label. For example someone is an aspiring artist and record label wants to sign them. After signing the artist still gotta work on their socials by themself, making music by themself. What does the label do? I’m not dissin labels, I’m genuinely interested.

[@chironinconcrete]

Step 1: don't sign a deal. Step 2: build a great, talented, connected team. Step 3: do it DIY. bonus tip: maybe have a day job while doing so lol

[@averae]

6:21 let the massive artists leave, TikTok were already big before the massive artists even there, for instance Old Town Road was an Independent song when it debuted, then UMG buy out that song, but now artists know not to fall for their trap

[@markegan5949]

Neither party has any real relevance to us or our key audience demographic. Be interesting to watch from the sidelines though

[@thesuncollective1475]

I wish UMG would do this to Spotify

[@DamianKeyes]

If they can’t sort this out with TikTok that might be something that is down the line

[@Miles-ud6rh]

Honestly it will make artist make better music vs TikTok trends

[@jetteroheller]

UMG calling anyone a bully is hilarious.

[@bluezy710]

If TikTok were smart, they'd create TikTok Records, start signing viral TikTok singers right and left and start the next generation of major artists.

[@Antigravitypop]

Possibly this gives rise to a new platform that offers the potential for virality and opportunity for musicians that TikTok USED to offer?

[@DamianKeyes]

It defo opens the door to possibility. Imagine if UMG invest heavily into the space, they do have the money should they choose to. Interesting times ahead! 🙂🙂

[@violettetele6953]

fck all online platforms! Go back to the street..think out of the box for goodness sakes..

[@Bradleybrookwood]

I hate to seem a pessimist but 10 to one that new thing that will come about, the big companies will try to find a way to ruin it and spoil it.

[@Antigravitypop]

No doubt about it, but there's usually a beneficial grace period for creators before that happens.

[@ACEtheNME]

The Renaissance is here 🤘🔥

[@DamianKeyes]

It does feel like it doesn't it? I don't think people realise how big this is and could be for all artists for the next few years, it's crazy!

[@violettetele6953]

wallah!

[@stez7199]

The 1975 are independent, not signed under UMG. Great video though. Whatever happens between Universal and Tik Tok, it should be interesting.

[@wormsali]

Seems like umg has more leverage

[@mrfleamino9350]

i think they will go back together find some solution

[@PaulCapps]

I am on UMG's side. What do you think UMG's AI will do about it all?

[@Iswis_]

You are out of your mind to ever suggest tiktok is the reason Abel Tesfaye has his success.

[@captainsoarineagle]

Im seeing unrealistic hope for indie artists. This day and age most people dont care much for indie artists or new unheard music. If big mainstream artists are gone i can almost guarantee the customers are gone too. Unfortunately the only way indie artists have the slightest chance is piggybacking off big play artists. Casing point being soundcloud. Someone may have music on soundcloud but not spotify, instantly 8/10 people will probably not listen to the music. Im being Pessimistic yes, but its the truth

[@corneliusrawness]

There is truth in what you are saying but it's kind of an exaggerated one

[@captainsoarineagle]

@@corneliusrawness maybe, that's how i see it

[@djangomclear_rocks]

If I'd bee Zuckerberg, I'd create Meta Music and say: come all on in.

[@Dentahfari]

Their fight is bringing harm to Artist, It was spotify now this, this is too much am sorry for every Artists affected in this,.Am not saying am safe but indeed they are affecting the industry

[@DamianKeyes]

Indeed, this is like parents fighting and using the children as collateral. It will hurt the entire music industry and all artists if they don't sort it out

[@mysticalmutants]

agree

[@ScottThePisces]

True, but part of their fight is also against TikTok's music generation AI replacing artists

[@riwolfmusic]

✊🏼 Indie 4 Lyfe

[@afrosensei5308]

Mmph. Sounds like another case of conglomerates fighting over who gets the biggest pile of cash while the average artist has their creative life turned upside down and even less of a chance to find two nickels to rub together. I do think UMG has the upper hand as they own the music, which is what drives people to Tik Tok. But as to what effects this will have down the road...who knows child

[@DamianKeyes]

Very true what this means for down the road could get scary and unhelpful for artists. See you on Thursday dude 😊

[@afrosensei5308]

@@DamianKeyes Alright, I'll be sure to have questions!:)

[@AndrewKZ0007]

Mmm my country has banned Tik Tok so... I Dunno .. at this point .. 😔

[@violettetele6953]

well done!

[@violettetele6953]

there's enough you can find out about via IG stories etc...will not reveal my secret methods though...

[@averae]

TikTok is a Gen Z and new Gen platform they will not go back to an old generation platform like Instagram & KZbin etc….

[@averae]

Gen Z and new Generation embrace authenticity so TikTok already won cuz they gonna push for Indie Artists that are not control by US Corporations

[@ikennaie2878]

Every other music professional is talking about how it will benefit independent artists or how TikTok is pushing independent artists with their own distribution, why aren’t you talking about it? I’m guessing you have some business with UMG maybe? Just wondering because it’s a big thing to leave out

[@Sullys-eu]

Thanks. Now put a lowcut on your mic or back off a bit ;)

[@DamianKeyes]

Thanks for the advice, will give that a go 🙂

[@Atem_S.]

Ohhh they MAD mad... Damn!

[@violettetele6953]

muahahaha...I doubt it!

[@violettetele6953]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36ximawfpKHhq8

[@ikennaie2878]

This take is so different to everyone else who is really i dependent talking about this. It’s really skewed to one side. I’ve followed and taken your advise for years but this take doesn’t seem like it’s in the benefit of independent artists

[@IamMotivation]

Doesn’t this benefit independent artist more?

[@DamianKeyes]

I don't think it does as it hurts a lot users who are likely to spend less time or go else where. I understand that less music on the platform can mean more market share for the rest however i see this as a different aspect. Let me know what you think 🙂🙂

[@RememberingGames]

It is tiktok. The only sounds that users of this platform needs is an assortment of fart noises.

[@avaitormusic6594]

Its useless to rely on just one platform artists should have miltiple platforms as there is uncertainty and I don't think umg will come back as they learnt their lesson of following the trend now they need original artists real talents not trends who care more of looking after their audience over getting attention and I knew this was doomed to happen

[@kevinbape]

Do i have potential to be up next?

[@violettetele6953]

ask me, girl, not Damian..

[@kevinbape]

@@violettetele6953 hahahaha he prolly wont see this

[@BXRELL.TV.]

My question is when they are done with this lil situation will the sounds come back or all the old videos just gone😂 Also it’s very annoying for a sound to get removed cuz of background music 🤦🏽‍♂️. People gone start leaving tik tok 😅