This week, Deezer revealed that fully AI-generated music accounted for more than half of all new tracks uploaded to its platform for the first time in June, with the streaming service taking in nearly 90,000 AI tracks a day.
Meanwhile, Alphabet told investors that YouTube’s subscription business — led by YouTube Music and Premium — is growing faster than its advertising, even as YouTube ad revenue rose 13% YoY to over $11 billion in Q2.
Elsewhere, MBW dug into the first accounts of Rock Bidco, the London company Sony Music Group used for its Queen catalog acquisition.
Also this week, Suno confirmed a November 2025 data breach that reportedly exposed the personal information of 55.3 million users.
Plus, MBW reported that Sony Music Publishing has acquired Monty Norman Limited, the company of the late composer behind the iconic theme from the James Bond franchise.
Here are some of the biggest headlines from the past few days…
1. 90,000 AI tracks flood Deezer daily – passing 50% of all new music uploads for the first time
The volume of fully AI-generated music being uploaded to streaming services has surged yet again.
According to eye-opening new stats revealed by Paris-headquartered streaming service Deezer on Tuesday (July 21), fully AI-generated music accounted for more than half of all new tracks uploaded to its platform for the first time in June.
Deezer says it was receiving nearly 90,000 fully AI-generated tracks every day in June. (MBW)
2. YouTube’s subscription business ‘growing faster than ads,’ driven by Music and Premium, says Alphabet
YouTube‘s advertising revenue grew 13% YoY to USD $11.06 billion in Q2 2026, up from $9.80 billion a year earlier, according to parent company Alphabet‘s earnings report published on Wednesday (July 22).
But on the earnings call, Alphabet Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler said, as he had a quarter earlier, that YouTube‘s subscription business is growing faster than its ads.
“Beyond advertising, YouTube subscription business, which thrives across living room screens, is growing faster than ads, particularly driven by YouTube Music and Premium,” Schindler said. (MBW)
3. Sony Music Publishing acquires Monty Norman Limited, from the estate of late James Bond Theme composer
Sony Music Publishing has acquired Monty Norman Limited, the company of the late composer behind the iconic theme from the James Bond franchise.
The transaction has not been publicly announced but was disclosed in a confirmation statement filed with the UK’s Companies House in March, and reviewed by MBW.
Sony Music Publishing (UK) Limited now holds all 100 shares in the company, according to the filing. (MBW)
4. Inside the first accounts of Rock Bidco, the London company Sony used for its $1B+ Queen deal
Rock Bidco Ltd, the London company Sony Music Group used to acquire the catalog of iconic band Queen, has published its first annual accounts (for the period ended June 30, 2025).
The filing, reviewed by MBW, shows the company received GBP £1.079 billion from its US parent and sole shareholder, SMG-One LLC, during its first year.
The £1,078,965,000 was paid as an “irrevocable, interest free advance subscription” for a single further £1 share. (MBW)
5. Suno admits data breach that reportedly leaked 55.3 million users’ data
AI music generator Suno has confirmed a data breach in November 2025 that reportedly exposed the personal information of 55.3 million users.
The scale was revealed by breach-notification service Have I Been Pwned, which said it obtained a copy of the breached dataset and added the records to its database on Monday (July 20).
Suno spokesperson Rachel Racusen did not dispute the number of users affected and confirmed that the company had experienced a security incident in November 2025, TechCrunch reported on Tuesday (July 21). (MBW)
Partner message: MBW’s Weekly Round-up is supported by BMI, the global leader in performing rights management, dedicated to supporting songwriters, composers and publishers and championing the value of music. Find out more about BMI here. Music Business Worldwide
Music Business Worldwide Weekly Round-up: Key Highlights
Welcome to this week’s round-up from Music Business Worldwide, where we summarize the top five stories from the past seven days in the music industry. This week, we witnessed significant developments in AI-generated music, YouTube’s subscription growth, and major acquisitions in the music publishing sector, alongside a concerning data breach affecting millions of users.
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AI Music Uploads Surge on Deezer
In a groundbreaking revelation, Deezer announced that fully AI-generated music accounted for over half of all new tracks uploaded to its platform for the first time in June. The streaming service reported receiving nearly 90,000 new AI tracks daily. This surge in AI music reflects a broader trend in the industry, as technology continues to transform music creation and consumption. As the landscape evolves, the implications of AI-generated content on traditional music sectors raise questions about authorship, rights, and the future of music creation. -
YouTube’s Subscription Growth Outpaces Ad Revenue
Alphabet, YouTube’s parent company, reported impressive growth in its subscription services, which include YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. In the second quarter of 2026, YouTube’s advertising revenue increased by 13% year-over-year, reaching $11.06 billion. However, during an earnings call, Alphabet’s Chief Business Officer, Philipp Schindler, emphasized that the subscription business is growing even faster than ad revenue. This shift indicates a changing preference among consumers, suggesting that more users are willing to pay for ad-free experiences and exclusive content on platforms like YouTube. -
Sony Music Publishing Acquires Monty Norman Limited
In a significant acquisition, Sony Music Publishing has taken over Monty Norman Limited, the company founded by the late Monty Norman, who composed the iconic James Bond theme. Although the acquisition was not initially announced publicly, it emerged through a confirmation statement filed with the UK Companies House. The acquisition marks a strategic move for Sony, solidifying its portfolio with one of the most recognizable themes in film history, and reflects the ongoing trend of major music publishers acquiring valuable catalogs. -
Inside Rock Bidco’s Financials
Rock Bidco Ltd, the London-based company used by Sony Music Group to acquire Queen’s music catalog for over $1 billion, has released its first annual accounts. The report indicates that the company received £1.079 billion from its US parent company, SMG-One LLC, during its first operational year. This substantial financial backing showcases the value placed on Queen’s catalog and highlights the financial dynamics involved in major music acquisitions. Such moves underscore the ongoing consolidation in the music industry as companies seek to secure high-value assets. -
Suno Faces Data Breach Affecting Millions
AI music generator Suno has confirmed a significant data breach that occurred in November 2025, exposing the personal information of approximately 55.3 million users. The breach was revealed by the service Have I Been Pwned, which obtained a copy of the compromised dataset. Suno’s spokesperson acknowledged the incident but did not dispute the number of affected users. This breach raises serious concerns about data security in the tech-driven music industry, particularly as more companies leverage AI and digital platforms to deliver their services.Publicités
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In summary, this week’s developments in the music business reflect the rapid evolution of the industry, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. The rise of AI-generated music, significant subscription growth for platforms like YouTube, strategic acquisitions by major publishers, and challenges like data breaches showcase the complexities and opportunities present in today’s music landscape. As these trends continue to unfold, stakeholders across the industry must navigate the implications for rights management, consumer engagement, and the overall music ecosystem.
Closing Note
This round-up is brought to you by BMI, a global leader in performing rights management, committed to supporting songwriters, composers, and publishers, and championing the value of music. For those looking to stay informed on the latest in the music business, keeping an eye on these developments will be crucial as the industry evolves.
