CDBaby Now Owned By UMG: Are Indies Being Washed Out of Existence?

This is Part 1 of 3 podcasts of recent events that I believe are connected: 1. The Majors Swallow the Indies 2. Major Labels and Spotify's Agreement for Total Domination 3. New DDEX Standard for AI Influence in Music May Affect Music Uploads and Streaming Universal Music Group, and the other majors, are buying indie music companies at a rapid pace. CDBaby, once seen as an alternative distributor for indie musicians, is now part of the corporate system. What does this mean for artists, maybe you, who preferred the freedom from corp ownership? UMG now represents BOTH its artists and (formally) independent musicians. Who do you think they might favor? It could be a big boost, or the silent fade of indies. All of the data, and future, of the indie companies, are now in the hands of the majors. But...before you leave CDBaby and pull your music, be aware of the consequences that will have on your music. It's called the 'stickiness factor.' (If you or anyone you know, are using any of the indie music companies, please share this podcast...be aware of what is happening to your music) Sources: https://snydersmusicbiznews.blogspot.com/2026/04/cdbaby-now-owned-by-umg-washing-of.html