search
independent music industry
Trends
- 1Morris Ballen, Champion of Independent Artists, Dies at 88▼Morris Ballen, Who Helped Spread Indie Artists’ Music, Dies at 88
Morris Ballen, a music industry figure who helped bring independent artists' music to wider audiences, has died at the age of 88. The New York Times reported the news, noting his role in supporting and distributing indie music at a time when major labels dominated the industry. Tributes and reflections on his contributions to independent music are circulating.
- 2Morris Ballen, Champion of Independent Artists, Dies at 88●Morris Ballen, Who Helped Spread Indie Artists' Music, Dies at 88 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/27/obituaries/morris-b
Morris Ballen, a music industry figure known for helping independent artists get their music distributed and heard by wider audiences, has died at the age of 88. The news is being noted in music and business circles, with obituary coverage highlighting his role in opening doors for indie musicians throughout his career.
- 3
Songwriter and producer Will Bundy has signed with Nashville-based publishing company Back Blocks Music, according to an announcement reported by MusicRow. The deal adds Bundy to the company's roster as he continues his work in country music. Details of the agreement, including its length and scope, were not disclosed in the announcement.
- 4Indie music caught in EU waste crackdown▼INTERVIEW: Indie music suffers collateral damage in EU war on waste
Euractiv interviews industry figures who argue that independent music is suffering collateral damage from EU waste-reduction rules, with environmental measures affecting formats and merchandise used by small artists and venues. The piece explores how sustainability legislation aimed at cutting waste is imposing costs and constraints on the independent music sector.
- 5Ditto Music Survey: Most Independent Artists Earn Under $1,000●New Ditto Music Survey Reveals 74% of Independent Artists Earned Under $1,000 in 2025, Even as Releasing Music Gets Easier
A new survey by independent music distributor Ditto Music found that 74% of independent artists earned less than $1,000 from their music in 2025. The findings highlight a growing gap between how easy it has become to release music and how little most artists actually earn, renewing debate about streaming payouts and the economics of the independent music industry.