Welcome back to the MMBC Newsletter!

While campus has been quiet this summer, MMBC members have been spending the season gaining experience across labels, agencies, and creative teams throughout the industry. As July comes to a close, here’s your recap of everything that’s been buzzing in music this past month.

Go Blue!

Manager, Artist Development @ Bourne Creatives

📍LA

Digital Marketing Manager @ Noise New Media

📍Nashville

Day-to-Day Manager @ Management Company

📍LA

Manager, Public Relations @ Breakaway

📍LA

Here are some of the most notable drops from this past month — albums you definitely don’t want to miss:

Bieber Got Experimental — and It’s Kinda Beautiful

This July, Justin Bieber delivered SWAG, a surprise drop that confirmed he’s entering a new chapter of artistic maturity. Across 21 tracks, the album blends R&B, gospel, funk, and experimental pop—infused with moody, vintage textures and live instrumentation that feel both intimate and cinematic.

What sets SWAG apart is its creative team. Artists mk.gee and Dijon weave intricate guitar lines and experimental edge throughout the album, particularly on standout tracks like “DAISIES”—where their creativity shines.

Then there’s Carter Lang, the Grammy-winning hitmaker behind SZA’s SOS, who elevates every song with vibrant, textured production. His fingerprints are all over SWAG, helping shape its rich, retro-modern sound that feels both soulful and unforgettable.

With SWAG, Bieber isn’t just making music—he’s reclaiming his narrative and redefining his identity on his own terms. His themes of love, faith, and introspection come through not just in words, but in every layer of production. It’s the kind of reinvention that only comes after you’ve lived a few lifetimes—and he’s clearly just getting started.

MMBC is thrilled to drop our new Summer 2025 playlist! Curated with the freshest releases of the year, our playlist features everything from Tyler, The Creator to Chris Lake to Justin Bieber. Whether you’re driving with friends, chilling at the beach, or getting through a day at work, these tracks keep the summer energy alive as the season comes to an end.

This three‑day celebration from August 1-3 in Parc Jean‑Drapeau always delivers next‑level indie, pop, and hip‑hop. In 2025, expect amazing headliners like The Killers, Tyler, The Creator, and Olivia Rodrigo, plus standout acts such as Glass Animals, Lucy Dacus, Doechii, and TV On The Radio. Osheaga’s bustling international crowd and Montreal’s cultural energy make it unforgettable.

America’s oldest jazz fest returns to Fort Adams from August 1-3, offering a broad lineup that spans classic jazz to global fusion. Artists include major names like Esperanza Spalding, The Roots, De La Soul, along with rising acts such as Nubya Garcia, Sofi Tukker, and Tyshawn Sorey Trio. If you go, you can expect seaside charm, expert musicianship, and a historically rich festival atmosphere.

Set in Golden Gate Park, this three‑day event kicking off on August 8th blends hip‑hop, rock, electronic, and indie, all paired with Bay Area food, wine, and art. The 2025 billing includes Hozier, Vampire Weekend, Glass Animals, Anderson .Paak, Beck, and Jamie xx. This jam-packed weekend is perfect for festival-goers who want good music and even better scenery.

These English twin festivals share an epic lineup across Reading (Richfield Avenue) and Leeds (Bramham Park). In 2025, headliners include Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, Hozier, and Chappell Roan. The festival will take place from August 21-24. Go for the massive crowds, energetic rock, pop, alternative and grime. Reading & Leeds truly is a UK festival institution.

At this year’s MMBC Conference, we sat down with Matt Young, President of Bravado, the merch powerhouse behind Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Metallica, and more. He shared his journey from punk shows and college radio to leading global merch campaigns that blend fashion, storytelling, and fan connection. From sustainable drops to space-themed collabs, Matt emphasized the power of passion and authenticity in everything Bravado does. He even shouted out his favorite artist—his son.

Watch the full convo now on the MMBC YouTube channel!

In the latest clash between major labels and indie infrastructure, Universal Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music—home to CD Baby, FUGA, Songtrust, and more—has officially caught the EU’s attention. And not in a good way.

If this deal goes through, UMG wouldn’t just dominate the major label world—they’d own the pipelines that independent artists rely on to stay… well, independent. Downtown powers a huge portion of the DIY music economy, distributing millions of songs and supporting over a million artists worldwide. The acquisition would give UMG control over distribution, publishing administration, and backend services that were never supposed to live under one roof with the majors.

Independent distributors like CD Baby exist to give artists freedom to release music on their own terms, keep more of their royalties, and avoid major-label politics. If those tools end up under UMG’s umbrella, indie artists might face tighter contracts, fewer options, and more pressure to play by the majors’ rules.

But regulators in Europe are hitting pause. On July 22, the European Commission launched a formal antitrust investigation, warning that the deal could “significantly reduce competition.” Their concern? That UMG could start favoring its own artists while jacking up prices or limiting options for everyone else. The Commission originally gave itself until November 26 to decide—but after UMG asked for more time to respond, the new deadline is now December 10.

If this deal goes through, UMG’s influence over indie artists (and their money) might grow quietly but massively. If it doesn’t, it could be the start of actual pushback against industry consolidation. For college artists, bedroom producers, and future managers building teams from the ground up, this deal could change the game. Independent no longer means what it used to—and this battle might decide what it means next.

Donations to the Michigan Music Business Club are always welcome and greatly appreciated.

All monetary gifts fund our wide range of events, including concerts, speakers, and other professional and creative development events.

MMBC has brought an accomplished lineup of musicians, agents, producers, publicists, lawyers, and composers to speak and perform for the club and the greater Michigan community. To pay the generosity of others forward, many of our events have raised money for charity and local Ann Arbor businesses. Regardless of the amount, all donations help our organization bring authentic and memorable experiences to fans and aspiring industry professionals here at the University of Michigan.