Welcome back to Tune-In: Enharmonic Magazine's roundup of the headline-grabbing moments from October! It's been another month of highs, lows, and unexpected turns in the music industry.
In a move that surprised fans and industry insiders alike, Pink Floyd struck a massive $400 million deal with Sony Music, selling their recordings and likeness—just one of many landmark catalog sales we’ve seen this year. Meanwhile, YouTube unleashed a suite of new features, from collaborative playlists to fan badges, aiming to enhance fan interaction and keep up with its streaming rivals.
Amidst these big business maneuvers, we saw heartfelt personal stories emerge as well. Sade released "Young Lion", her first single in six years, pouring her emotions into an apology to her transgender son, a poignant addition to a trans-inclusive compilation project. And in a collaboration no one saw coming, Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ dropped their single “Apt.”, building excitement for ROSÉ's debut solo album rosie, set to release in December.
Elsewhere in the industry, Coldplay’s Moon Music shattered records, claiming the title of 2024’s fastest-selling album by a U.K. act, and Spotify doubled down on its remote work policy, standing apart from the “back-to-office” movement sweeping across the tech world. Dive in to catch up on the stories shaping October's musical landscape.
Over Two Years Later, Pink Floyd’s Catalog Has a Buyer — Sony Music Reportedly Scoops Up Name, Likeness, and Recording Rights in $400M Deal
On October 1, 2024, Dylan Smith from Digital Music News reported that Pink Floyd sold its recordings, name, and likeness rights to Sony Music for approximately $400 million, concluding years of negotiation. Although Sony and Pink Floyd have not formally confirmed the deal, reports suggest the transaction includes rights excluding compositional interests.
Sony’s acquisition follows a series of major catalog purchases, such as its recent $1.3 billion investment in Queen’s catalog, reflecting the company’s continued interest in high-profile musical assets
The Horrors Announce New Album ‘Night Life’
On October 2, 2024, Robin Murray of Clash Magazine reported that The Horrors announced a new album titled Night Life, set to release on March 21.
The album, featuring a fresh line-up including founding members Faris Badwan and Rhys Webb, was developed in collaboration with producer Yves Rothman. Accompanying the announcement, the band released the single "The Silence That Remains", described as a "3am insomnia walk" blending gothic influences. They will also embark on a UK tour this autumn, with shows in cities such as London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Spotify Says Its Employees Aren’t Children
On October 8, 2024, Digital Music News writer Ashley King reported that Spotify will continue its flexible remote work policy, resisting the trend of returning to full-time office mandates seen at other tech companies like Amazon and Dell.
Spotify’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Katarina Berg, emphasized that employees “aren’t children” and should have the freedom to work from anywhere, noting that Spotify has observed no drop in productivity. The company is also investigating remote work's impact on collaboration with research conducted alongside the Stockholm School of Economics.
Coldplay’s ‘Moon Music’ is the Fastest-Selling Album by a UK Act this Year So Far
On October 8, 2024, Anagricel Duran from NME reported that Coldplay’s latest album, Moon Music, became the fastest-selling album by a UK act in 2024, selling over 160,000 units within 72 hours.
This success puts the album on track to become the band’s 10th consecutive number-one album on the Official Albums Chart. The release follows Music of the Spheres and showcases a theme of resilience.
Chris Martin shared that Coldplay plans to end their recorded catalogue at 12 albums, aiming to maintain a high quality in their remaining work.
Cher Inducted Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Dua Lipa Joins for Iconic ‘Believe’ Performance
On October 21, 2024, Kelsey Nagel from Power FM Bega Bay reported that Cher was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Dua Lipa joining her on stage for a powerful duet, backed by The Roots. Zendaya introduced
Cher, highlighting her iconic status and impact. Styled in vintage Bob Mackie, Zendaya honored Cher’s legacy in the fashion world. Cher’s induction speech mixed humor with a message of empowerment, stating,
“It was easier getting divorced from two men than getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”, while also encouraging women to recognize their resilience and worth.
YouTube Unveils New Features Including Collaborative Playlists
On October 17, 2024, Mandy Dalugdug, from Music Business Worldwide, reported that YouTube introduced over two dozen new features across its platforms, including collaborative playlists, fan badges, and a sleep timer. Collaborative playlists on YouTube Music allow users to create, share, and vote on playlists with others, similar to Spotify’s “Jam” feature.
Some additional updates include improved playback speed controls, a sleep timer for video playback, and new visual enhancements for mobile and TV viewing.
These updates reflect YouTube’s aim to enhance user engagement and compete with platforms like Spotify and TikTok.
Nintendo Reveals Surprise New App, But There’s a Catch
On October 30, 2024, Game Rant writer Sarah Fields reported that Nintendo launched a new app, Nintendo Music, available exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members. The app, designed for Android and iOS, allows users to stream music from iconic game franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing.
Unique features include curated playlists around themes like "Good Night" and "Powering Up" and a "spoiler-free" option that avoids playing tracks from games users haven’t played. However, a separate download is required since Nintendo Music isn’t integrated into any of Nintendo's current phone apps.
Bruno Mars & ROSÉ Unveil Their New Collaboration ‘Apt.’: Stream It Now!
On October 18, 2024, Billboard writer Rania Aniftos reported that Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ released their new single “Apt.”, marking ROSÉ’s first solo release ahead of her upcoming album, rosie, due in December.
The song’s cover art, shared on Instagram, shows the two artists in a black-and-white photo set against a bright pink background. Mars humorously shared moments from their time together on social media, highlighting a playful camaraderie. ROSÉ’s debut solo album, rosie, will feature 12 tracks and aims to offer fans a personal insight into her life.
Legendary Bay Area band scores prestigious music industry honor
On October 23, 2024, Jim Harrington reported that Grateful Dead has been named the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year.
The legendary band, celebrating its 60th anniversary, is being honoured for its significant musical contributions and philanthropic efforts, particularly its role in fostering community through music and activism. The award ceremony will take place on January 31, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring tributes to both current and late band members, including Jerry Garcia.
MusiCares’ Laura Segura praised the band’s commitment to social causes and philanthropy as a testament to its lasting impact beyond the stage.
Sade Issues Heartbreaking Apology to Trans Son in First Song in Six Years
On October 25, 2024, The Independent writer Inga Parkel reported that Sade Adu released her first song in six years, titled "Young Lion", as part of the Red Hot Organization’s trans-inclusive compilation TRANSA: Selects. The song, dedicated to her transgender son Izaak Adu, expresses an emotional apology, with lyrics like “Forgive me, son, I should’ve known.”
Adu, who came out as transgender in 2016, responded warmly, he never needed forgiveness but felt deeply touched by the song. TRANSA: Selects, featuring over 100 artists, will release on November 22.
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