Spotify Wrapped is here (and why is it a big deal?); Why aren’t there any matinee gigs?; Olivia Dean takes on Ticketmaster; and Jorja Smith takes on AI clones

Your weekly guide to the music biz and how it all works. In this week’s episode of The Price of Music, Steve and Stu pull on their Santa hats and get stuck in to:

• Spotify Wrapped 2025 has just launched (and has now taken over your social feeds) But why is it such a big deal this year?

• Steve answers a great listener question: "why don’t more bands and venues do afternoon gigs for people who can't stay out late?"

• Olivia Dean is the breakout British star this year... and is now taking on Ticketmaster – but why?

• Is it or isn't it Jorja Smith? (It isn't). She's at the centre of a row about AI technology and vocal soundalikes.

• Stu's big number this week is £134 million – and indie labels have spent it... but on what?

• Part 654 of the "Universal wants to buy indie firm Downtown Music" story

• Last week we predicted that AI music firm Suno might finally sign licensing deals... and two hours after we recorded, they did! So who’s the partner?

• Why have Oasis reopened their pop-up merch stores in London and Dublin? (VFX: Sleigh bells jingling)

And in the special post-show lock-in section just for our Patreon Superfans, Steve and Stu prop themselves at the bar to chat about:

• When bands implode spectacularly: Steve and Stu revel in the story of Portland death metal band Vitriol, who abandoned their frontman at a remote gas station, mid tour

• Is Spotify Wrapped a good thing?

• Stu accidentally insults all of Australia

• Steve and Stu chat more about matinee gigs and weigh up the pros and cons (and their boozing opportunities)

• Stu has a news based joke about Johnny Cash, his song ‘A Boy Named Sue’, and the Coca-Cola corporation

• Would you like an art print of Amy Winehouse in the bath? (It’s not as creepy as that sounds…)

🎄🎄 DON'T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR OUR XMAS QUIZ! (SUPERFANS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/price-of-music-n-144529777 AND FANS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/price-of-music-n-144542513) 🎄🎄

As ever, we welcome your feedback, emails and – in particular – any questions you might have about how the music biz works!

Email us: ⁠⁠thepriceofmusicpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

See you next week!

Steve and Stuart

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