The music publishing and songwriting world has been moving at full speed this September, with major updates in licensing, AI, awards, and publishing contracts shaping the future of the industry. From Spotify and Sony signing groundbreaking new agreements to AI music flooding digital platforms, the landscape is shifting faster than ever. Sunset Music Advocacy is here to break it all down, putting the spotlight on the changes that matter most to artists, publishers, and the industry as a whole.
Streaming and Digital Licensing: Shaking Up the Old Model
Sony and Spotify cut a global deal
In mid-September, Spotify and Sony Music Group inked a sweeping multi-year licensing deal that redefines the relationship between streaming platforms and publishers. What makes this agreement historic is its direct U.S. publishing license with Sony Music Publishing—the world’s largest music publisher.
Until now, streaming royalties in the U.S. have largely been dictated by the Copyright Royalty Board’s compulsory rates, limiting publishers’ negotiating power. But this deal marks a pivot toward direct negotiation, giving publishers more leverage and potentially changing how streaming money flows to songwriters.
It’s not just Sony. Spotify has already been striking similar direct deals with other major publishers. This shift signals that the industry is moving away from “one-size-fits-all” government-set rates and toward tailored agreements that reflect the true value of music.
Talks with AI companies heat up
At the same time, the three major music groups—Universal, Sony, and Warner—are actively negotiating with AI startups. The core question: How should artists be paid when their songs are used to train AI models or reimagined in AI-generated remixes?
This isn’t hypothetical anymore. With AI music advancing at lightning speed, these deals could determine whether artists benefit from new technology—or get cut out entirely.
AI music crackdown: Deezer draws the line
Streaming giant Deezer revealed a shocking statistic: nearly one-third of all tracks uploaded in recent months were fully AI-generated. The company has rolled out new AI-detection tools to block fraudulent uploads and announced it will not pay royalties on AI-made music.
For human songwriters and publishers, this is a major win in protecting royalty pools. But it also shows how aggressively AI is flooding platforms, raising urgent questions about authenticity, ownership, and the future of recorded music.
Songwriting Awards: Recognizing the Craft
2025 NSAI Nashville Songwriter Awards
Held at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, the NSAI Awards once again spotlighted the best in songwriting:
- Songwriter of the Year: Ashley Gorley, winning for an unprecedented ninth time.
- Songwriter-Artist of the Year: Matthew West, earning his second career win.
- Song of the Year: Josh Phillips for “Dirt Cheap.”
- Lifetime Achievement: Country greats ALABAMA received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.
A historic GRAMMY win for songwriters
Earlier this year, the GRAMMYs added a new category that has quickly become one of the most respected: Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical). At the 2025 ceremony, Amy Allen made history as the first woman to win this honor. Her catalog of hits has helped redefine modern pop songwriting, and her win highlights the increasing recognition of behind-the-scenes creators.
Industry News: Tools, Signings, and Tributes
Songview expands its data power
The four U.S. PROs—ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC—announced a major update to Songview, the platform that provides transparency into song ownership and administration. Now covering 38 million songs with contributions from all four major PROs, the tool gives artists, publishers, and licensees unprecedented clarity in the often-confusing world of music rights.
Concord doubles down on songwriter talent
September also saw big publishing moves from Concord:
- A global publishing deal with Amy Wadge, the Grammy-winning songwriter known for co-writing Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” Wadge’s new catalog includes work with FKA Twigs and the Jonas Brothers.
- Earlier this summer, Concord also signed J Hus, the British rap icon, further diversifying its international roster.
Remembering Brett James
The Nashville songwriting community was deeply saddened by the passing of Brett James this month. A veteran hitmaker and NSAI board member, James was celebrated not only for his chart-topping songs but also for his leadership and mentorship in the songwriter community.
Why This Matters for Music Advocacy
What do these headlines tell us? The battle for fair compensation, transparency, and recognition in music publishing is intensifying:
- Direct licensing deals could finally allow publishers and songwriters to negotiate rates that reflect the true worth of music.
- AI, while full of potential, is flooding platforms and threatening royalty streams—making enforcement and licensing negotiations more important than ever.
- Songwriter recognition is growing, with awards and platforms highlighting the creators whose work powers the industry.
- Data transparency tools like Songview are crucial for cutting through decades of confusion around ownership and royalties.
For music advocates, artists, and publishers, September 2025 is a turning point. The industry is rewriting its playbook, balancing technology with tradition, and carving out a future where songwriters’ voices matter more than ever.
