Dylan sells song rights to UMG

 

 

It was recently announced that folk-rock icon Bob Dylan has sold the rights to every song in his over 600 song catalogue to the multinational record label Universal Music Group(UMG).

 UMG is one of what are known as “the big three” record labels, with the others being Warner Bros and Sony. UMG’s lineup of artists ranges from modern country star Keith Urban to British black metal pioneers Venom, and everywhere in between. UMG owns the rights to thousands of artists’ music, and they continue to buy more. During the coronavirus pandemic, music has become an incredibly steady and profitable investment, so companies are buying big.

When a company like UMG buys the rights to an artist’s catalogue, they control all distribution of their songs and receive all royalties from any airplay these songs get. In exchange, the artist is paid a lump sum. While the exact amount is not known, it is rumored that Dylan was paid anywhere between 200 and 450 million dollars according to BBC. This massive payday was no doubt an incentive for an aging Dylan, who has now lost all touring revenue due to restrictions on large gatherings. Despite being a savvy and bountiful business decision, many have criticised Dylan for selling out and putting money over fans.  

Over his six decade career, Dylan has championed minimalism, activism, and authenticity. This is why many fans feel betrayed by his decision to sell his catalogue. Even though his music will still be available in all of the same formats as before, many feel that this shines a light onto Dylan’s character. As with his transition to electric instrumentation and larger venues, fans view this as a purely monetary decision and feel that he is abandoning them. While it is true that Dylan will continue to play his songs live and his fans will be able to enjoy them the same as ever, this move puts another hole in Dylan’s authenticity. For an artist who has grown a career from emotional songs that millions have empathized with, such a purely business decision puts his sincerity into question. Just like many argue against a “career politician,” career musicians are just as disingenuous. Dylan began his career with an authentic and passionate drive to create music that would reach people and connect with them, but over the course of his musical tenure, he has morphed into a money-seeking businessman. While many fans agree that his production quality and musicianship have increased over the years, they also agree that his sincerity and credibility as a songwriter have been on a steady downcline. The sale of his entire catalog to UMG solidifies Dylan as a career musician and forever tarnishes the authentic folk singer persona he once embodied so well.

picture from Rolling Stone