Spotify & NMPA Launch Audiovisual Rights Portal, Amidst Ongoing Legal Battle & Industry Shifts
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Spotify and the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) have unveiled a new “opt-in portal” designed to allow NMPA members to maintain direct licensing agreements for expanded audiovisual rights within the United States. This move arrives as the music industry navigates complex issues surrounding streaming royalties, data transparency, and the evolving role of music in digital platforms.
The portal, opening to eligible publishers beginning November 11 and continuing through December 19, aims to provide independent music publishers and songwriters with access to increased royalty payouts. Simultaneously, Spotify will gain the rights necessary to develop new video features intended to foster deeper connections between artists and their fans. However, the launch occurs against the backdrop of a continuing legal dispute between the NMPA and Spotify, currently before the Federal Trade Commission.
The NMPA is challenging Spotify’s proposed plan to bundle music and audiobooks, arguing that such a move would negatively impact mechanical royalty rates for songwriters and artists. Spotify acknowledges the potential for royalty reduction but maintains that overall creator earnings are projected to continue growing. “This new partnership with the NMPA will increase revenue for songwriters and independent publishers who are the heart of the industry,” stated Alex Norström, co-president and chief business officer at Spotify.
David Israelite, president and CEO of the NMPA, echoed this sentiment, adding, “This new income stream reflects the growing value of songs as digital platforms offer new capabilities to consumers.” He further noted the deal offers independent publishers a chance to enter into direct agreements with Spotify, mirroring arrangements recently made with larger publishing companies.
USC Thornton Welcomes Music Industry Legend Greg Phillinganes
In a separate development, the USC Thornton School of Music has appointed veteran keyboardist and musical director Greg Phillinganes as a part-time instructor. Phillinganes, whose five-decade career includes extensive collaborations with iconic artists, will begin working with students this semester.
From his early days as a member of Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove in 1975, Phillinganes has become a highly sought-after musician, contributing to recordings and performances by a remarkable roster of talent including Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, and Aretha Franklin. He has also served as music director for numerous high-profile tours and events, including those of Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, and multiple “In Performance at the White House” specials.
“Greg Phillinganes is one of the most influential keyboardists and musical directors in the history of recorded music,” said Jason King, dean of the USC Thornton School of Music. “We are honored to welcome him as an instructor.” Phillinganes’ teaching will encompass individual performance instruction, ensemble coaching, and a keyboard masterclass, culminating in his co-musical direction of the Thornton School’s annual senior pop showcase on March 6, 2026, at the El Rey Theater. A November 12 masterclass will feature a comparative analysis of four versions of “Behind the Mask” – by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Phillinganes himself, Michael Jackson, and Eric Clapton.
SZA & Jon and Vinny’s Partner to Provide Meals for SNAP Recipients
Demonstrating a commitment to community support, SZA has teamed up with Los Angeles-based Italian restaurant Jon and Vinny’s to provide 1,400 free meals to individuals struggling without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The initiative, spearheaded by SZA’s own NOT Charity, began on Monday, November 11.
“Yall know how much I love Jon and Vinny’s,” SZA shared in a collaborative Instagram post. “But it ain’t no fun if the Homies can’t have none!!” Jon and Vinny’s added that SZA reached out with the idea, and they were thrilled to partner with her to offer 100 dinners for two each day for seven days. Meals are available for takeout at the restaurant’s Slauson location from 3 to 5 p.m. through November 17.
This effort comes at a critical time, as the future of SNAP benefits for approximately 5.5 million Californians remains uncertain due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Global Music Data Landscape Shifts with TME & Luminate Partnership
The global music data ecosystem is undergoing further integration with a new partnership between Brighta data partner, and TME Charta music chart under Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME), and Luminate. The agreement will integrate streaming and sales data from TME platforms – QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, and JOOX – into Luminate’s CONNECT platform.
This collaboration aims to provide greater visibility into the Chinese music market, a significant and rapidly growing force in the global industry. The data will be reflected in CONNECT’s global streaming and sales metrics in the coming weeks. Luminate CEO Rob Jonas stated that the partnership “underscores Luminate’s unwavering commitment to providing the most accurate and comprehensive measurement of music activity worldwide.” TC Pan, Group Vice President of TME, emphasized the collaboration’s role in establishing a “unified global content ecosystem.”
Sony Music Publishing Appoints New Chief Information Officer
Finally, Sony Music Publishing announced the appointment of Michael Young as its new chief information officer, effective immediately. Based in Nashville, Young will report to Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly and lead the company’s technology strategy and transformation initiatives.
Young’s focus will be on advancing growth, scalability, and efficiency for Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs worldwide. “Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” said Kelly. Young himself expressed excitement about joining the company, stating, “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture.”
