As independent music reaches $160B in market value and commands nearly half of the global music industry, a critical disconnect persists: while indie creators now generate 47% of all recorded music revenue, catalog financing remains concentrated among the top 1% of artists. This gap forces emerging and mid-tier creators to choose between waiting years for streaming royalties that may never materialize at scale or signing away their rights through exploitative deals with hidden terms and recoupment structures.
It's an impressive-sounding number that's a full $1 billion more than it paid last year. And, according to Spotify, that accounts for roughly 30 percent of the entire recording industry's revenue. And, according to Spotify, that accounts for roughly 30 percent of the entire recording industry's revenue. This figure, however, is purely a measure of royalties paid to the music industry and does not include merch or ticket sales, nor does it include audiobook royalties or podcasting deals.
Partnership Editions is getting into the festive spirit with a one-day Christmas takeover at The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill. On Weds 12th November, the pub's Lonsdale Room will be filled with independent artists and makers, giving Londoners the chance to shop small, sip something seasonal and get a head start on Christmas shopping. Following last year's sell out Meet the Artists event, the market is back with a fresh line-up of creatives from the Partnership Editions community.