Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” favours major labels

On this week's show we discuss how Apple Music's "spatial audio bonus" will benefit major labels to the detriment of independent labels and creators, the report finding that on average two grassroots music venues per week closed down in the UK in 2023, and more. SECTION TIMES 01: Apple Music (00:04:23) 02: News in brief (00:11:43) 03: Music Venue Trust report (00:14:26) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) THIS WEEK'S MAIN STORIES • Apple Music’s “spatial audio bonus” will favour major labels at the expense of small labels and creators • Two grassroots venues close down every week, according to new report from Music Venue Trust NEWS IN BRIEF • Madonna and Live Nation will "vigorously" defend late show start lawsuit • American musicians' union begins talks over AI and streaming with the Hollywood studios • Spotify uses EU Digital Market Act blog post to take potshots at Apple, announces superfan clubs • Publishers hit back at Anthropic's claim that AI copyright cases should be filed in "its Silicon Valley backyard" • Hipgnosis Song Management “cherry picked assets” for proposed sale to Blackstone says latest briefing from Hipgnosis Songs Fund ALSO MENTIONED • BRIT Awards nominations finally balance gender, genre and independence • MVT Annual Report