Dec 6th | Will your company be affected by Spotify's new API limitations?

Hey there,

If you’re reading from the US, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We took a break from the newsletter last week to spend some much-needed time relaxing and recharging with loved ones. We’ll be publishing at least one more edition of Indie Insider before the winter holidays, so keep your eyes peeled for those! As per usual, Indie Insider is published and sponsored by Habitat Financial , the easiest royalty accounting software on the market.

Let’s dive in.

🎵 Sony Faces $15M Copyright Lawsuit from Ultra Music Publishing

Patrick Moxey’s Ultra International Music Publishing is suing Sony Music Entertainment (SME), along with its subsidiaries Ultra Records and AWAL, for alleged copyright infringement. Moxey, who sold 50% of Ultra Records to Sony in 2012 and exited the label in 2022, still owns Ultra Music Publishing and has accused Sony of underpayment and non-payment of royalties to the publishing company and its songwriters.

The lawsuit claims SME uploaded unlicensed recordings to streaming services, sold these as physical and digital products, and wrongfully used them in music and lyric videos. With damages reaching up to $150,000 per work infringed, Ultra Music Publishing is seeking $15 million in total and demanding a jury trial.

Beyond the potential financial impact, this case is a reminder for labels to tread carefully when handling covers, re-recordings, and alternative versions of songs. Licensing compositions properly is crucial—oversights can come with steep penalties.

💻 Spotify Restricts API Access: A Wake-Up Call for Developers

In a move that many believe is aimed at preventing AI companies from training models on Spotify’s data, the platform has made significant cuts to what third-party developers can access through its API. Features like recommendations, related artists, audio analysis, and even its popular algorithmically generated playlists are now off-limits to new developers.

While existing developers like Chartmetric may retain access for now, others were blindsided by the sudden changes. This highlights a reality that artists have long dealt with: when building on another company’s infrastructure, you’re at their mercy.

For developers, it’s a tough but essential reminder. Building independent, proprietary tools—rather than relying on external platforms—is the best way to maintain control and sustainability in the long run.

🎮 Minecraft Joins the Music Game with Lunar FM

Minecraft players can now enjoy licensed music in-game thanks to Lunar FM, a new radio service developed by Lunar Client in partnership with music licensing platform STYNGR.

Premium users have early access to some stations, with a subscription priced at $4.99 per month. It includes ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and a unique in-game headset cosmetic. A free, ad-supported version is set to launch in early 2025, offering access to all stations.

This innovation also provides a boon for creators, with “streamer-safe” stations ensuring royalty-free music for livestreams. With STYNGR already partnering with Warner Music Group to offer pre-cleared tracks to developers, Lunar FM underscores how gaming and music are finding new ways to connect.

Whether it’s legal drama, evolving platform strategies, or exciting new collaborations, the music industry continues to push boundaries. What do you think about these latest developments? Let’s chat!

Calvin Windschitl