MDLSKL

This week, we discuss creative freedom in the music industry, and how labels are still significantly impacting the creative direction of album and song releases in 2022. Whether established or not, we unpack why artists do and don't work with labels, despite the opportunities for self-ownership in the modern streaming era.

This week, we discuss NFTs and their potential impact on the music industry. We explore their origins, current market activity and give our predictions on what the future could hold.

This week, we unpack Square's $297m acquisition of Jay-Z's TIDAL and what this means for the future of the music industry. We explore the rationale behind the deal and why this is one of the most exciting industry developments in recent years.

This week, we put the spotlight on MDLSKL's year in review, unpacking the data behind our listening habits and what has made 2020 a year to remember (or forget). We explore active trends, our predictions and what we're expecting for 2021 and beyond.

We welcome award-winning music-tech journalist Cherie Hu to discuss the influence new digital experiences are having on artist monetisation, how this impacts the future of the music industry, and where video games and social media fit into it all.

This week, we discuss the controversial comments of Spotify CEO, Daniel Ek, suggesting that the secret to success in the digital era is not higher payout rates, but more output from musicians - "You can't record music once every three to four years and think that's going to be enough".

As Chief of Possibilities at Universal Music Group (UMG), Toulouse-born Olivier Robert-Murphy’s desire to seek out inventive and collaborative business concepts never wavers. Driving New Business around the world, Olivier leads an award-winning team of global music, content and partnership experts, recognised as THE creative company for music, culture and brands. Servicing more than 500 brands yearly, across 70 markets, they provide innovative campaigns and focused insights to help local and global brands truly connect with their audiences and find their unique voice in culture. This week, we sit down with Olivier to learn more about his story and discuss the current state of the industry.

As Dr. Dre's 'Compton' protégé, Jon Connor recently parted ways with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label to seek independence under his new imprint All Varsity Music Group. With the release of his highly-anticipated "SOS" album, we sat down with the Flint, Michigan native to learn more about his journey.

As the world continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic, we explore the industry-wide implications of COVID-19 on release and monetisation strategies.

As we continue to self-isolate, this week we explore how COVID-19 has affected music consumption patterns and streaming trends over this time.

As the world sits in lockdown, this week we explore new music to help us get through this time. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the implications it may have on its future.

With the onset of COVID-19, world stock markets suffered their worst week since the 2008 financial crises. On the contrary, music is a uniquely positioned asset class with very little correlation to the stock market. This week, we put the spotlight on investing in music IP as an alternative asset class.

Fourteen-years ago, 25-year old Justin Timberlake unleashed his career-defining 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' - An album desperately ahead of its time. At 25-years old, Justin Bieber released 'Changes', the follow-up to his 2015 comeback album 'Purpose'. This week, we contrast and compare the career evolution of Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber.

This week, we put the spotlight on Grammys "big four" marquee award sensation - Billie Eilish. At just 18-years old, Billie Eilish is redefining teen-pop stardom, while making history along the way. We discuss the career evolution of none other than Billie Eilish.

This week, we put the spotlight on the best-selling artist of the 21st century - Eminem. With the surprise release of his 11th studio album, and 10th consecutive No. 1, the controversial 'Music to Be Murdered By' is the most streamed album ever in one day. We discuss the career evolution of Marshall Mathers himself aka Eminem.

This week, we put the spotlight on 2020. We explore active trends, our predictions and what we're expecting to see in the decade that lies ahead. We apologise for the poor audio quality.

This week, we put the spotlight on MDLSKL's year in review, unpacking the data behind our listening habits. Furthermore, we discuss the strategic intent of modern day release cycles, and the effect on back catalogue sales. We apologise for the poor audio quality.

This week, we put the spotlight on the controversial use of song lyrics as evidence. From rock & roll to rap, we discuss what it really means to separate the art from the artist.

This week, we put the spotlight on popular opinion and how this translates into sales numbers. We discuss the relevance of chart positions in the modern streaming era, sales strategies and the artist disputes that arise on the back of these.

This week, we put the spotlight on Netflix's hip-hop competition show, Rhythm + Flow. We discuss music competition shows and their role in launching the careers of past, present and future music artists.

This week, we put the spotlight on China's piracy-stricken music industry. From its origins to the rise of the game-changing Tencent Music (NYSE: TME).

This week, we unpack the origin story of digital music piracy in the 2000s, new-age piracy and fraud in the streaming era and general industry buzz.

This week, we unpack what led to the death of the record store and how it can be saved, the case for data-driven A&R and general industry buzz.

This week, we unpack the effects of copyright on creativity, the relevance of the super producer, Kanye West and general industry buzz.

This week, we unpack the concept of the 'minimum viable album', disruption in the royalty space and general industry buzz.