Universal reportedly outlaws negotiating “exclusives” to streaming platforms

Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, has reportedly outlawed the company’s labels from negotiating “exclusives” with streaming platforms like TIDAL.

According to a music industry newsletter written by Bob Lefsetz, Grainge sent an email to employees announcing that this practice will no longer be allowed at UMG.

Lefsetz went on to describe how these exclusives are hurting the music industry with anti-competitive behavior. He also believes the music industry is currently facing a conspiracy “to get everybody to pay for a subscription by putting hit content behind a paywall.”

In the past year alone we have seen some of the most popular artists release music exclusively through select streaming channels. Beyoncé and Rihanna both dropped albums exclusively through TIDAL, as did Kanye West. If UMG restricts its labels from negotiating exclusives, that would mean artists like Kendrick Lamar (pictured), Taylor Swift and The Weeknd won’t be allowed to distribute their content in a similar fashion as their peers.

This all follows the release of Frank Ocean’s long-awaited ‘Blonde’ album that was released earlier this week exclusively through Apple.

Although Lefsetz announced the news, UMG has yet to officially confirm that it will halt its roster from releasing albums as exclusives.

Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here