Scene
More than 200 leaders from across the music world – including CEOs of independent labels, publishers, and artist services – have signed an open letter asking for an official investigation into a recent deal between two powerful players in the industry: Universal Music Group (UMG) and Downtown Music Holdings.
In May, UMG quietly acquired a large part of Downtown Music’s operations – including CD Baby, FUGA, and Downtown Neighbouring Rights – companies that provide important services for independent artists and labels. The deal didn’t get much media attention at first, but many people in the music industry are now raising concerns.
Universal Music Group is already the largest music company in the world. With this new deal, critics say it now controls not just the major-label side of the business, but also more tools that small artists and independent labels use to get their music out. This includes distribution, rights collection, and other services that help artists earn money from their music.
The open letter, addressed to regulators in the UK, EU, and the US, claims that this move could limit competition, reduce artist choice, and create a “walled garden” where UMG controls too many parts of the music ecosystem.
For fans, this might sound distant. But for independent artists, especially those without major label support, services like CD Baby and FUGA are essential for releasing and promoting music. If those services are owned or influenced by a major label, many fear that artists who aren’t signed to UMG could be pushed aside or disadvantaged.
The letter calls for regulators to urgently review the deal and consider how it might affect competition, transparency and fair access in the global music business.
