Sunset Music News – Week of April 14, 2025
Hey Sunset fam 🌞—this week’s music news hits harder than a jungle breakbeat. From royalty shifts to mega mentors and syncs that scream placement goals, let’s dive in.
🚀 Streaming Royalties Are Set to Rise—Here’s What That Means for Radio and Royalties in 2025
Big news: the financial tides are shifting in favor of creators. Starting in 2025, streaming royalty rates are set to rise—putting more in artists’ pockets. But here’s the kicker: radio stations might feel the pinch as simulcast rates climb too. It’s a win for music makers but poses big questions for how traditional broadcasting adapts. We’ll be watching how this plays out across the sync and streaming landscapes.
🌍 Sunset Deep Dive into South Africa’s Music Licensing War
South Africa is in the thick of a licensing battle that’s pushing venues to the brink—and sparking a global conversation. As disputes between rights organizations and performance spaces intensify, the real impact is felt by indie creators and live performers. Are we witnessing a turning point in international licensing reform? We unpack what’s happening, who’s affected, and what it means for global music rights.
🌟 Sunset Spotlight With Sheryl Crow & LeAnn Rimes Join The Voice Season 27 as Mega Mentors
Two icons. One stage. Sheryl Crow and LeAnn Rimes are stepping into The Voice Season 27 as mega mentors, and honestly? This might be the most inspired pairing yet. Expect powerhouse vocals, next-level artist development, and major ’90s nostalgia with a 2025 edge.
🤖 YouTube Rolls Out AI Music Assistant via Creator Music Beta
YouTube just soft-launched its new AI Music Assistant for creators—a tool that suggests tracks, handles rights checks, and integrates straight into your workflow via Creator Music. Think of it like your own sync-savvy co-producer that never sleeps. A major step forward in helping creators find the right vibe—without the licensing headache.
💰 NAB & SoundExchange Reach Settlement on 2026–2030 Webcasting Rates
After months of negotiation, a settlement has been reached: simulcast royalty rates will increase from 2026 through 2030. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and SoundExchange came to terms that aim to balance broadcaster costs with fair artist compensation. It’s a complex agreement, but ultimately a good sign that stakeholders are prioritizing long-term clarity for creators.
🎧 This Week’s Sync Briefs – Pitch Time!
1. Electronic Track for Sports Spot (🔥 High Energy, Jungle/Drum & Bass)
We’re looking for a tension-building yet positive banger. Think jungle, DnB, garage—something fast, driven, and full of that pre-game hype.
🕐 Deadline: May 12, 2025
🎧 Reference: Nia Archives – Forbidden Feelingz
📍Studio Setting
👉 [Apply Now]
2. Female Rap for Documentary Series (✨ Playful with Attitude)
Fun, slick, and vibey—music with sass and zero stress. Clean vocals, rhythmic but minimal production. It’s a female-led doc about a female icon.
🕐 Deadline: April 21, 2025
🎧 Reference: Coi Leray, Tokischa – Players
🎙️Vocalist
3. Food Lyrical Search for Advert (🍔 Funky, Flavorful, Fresh)
A vibrant, contemporary track with lyrics about food, flavor, taste, etc. Sound FX like crunching or slurping welcome! Feel-good energy only.
🕐 Deadline: May 5, 2025
🎧 Reference: Chappell Roan – Hot To Go
🎸Guitar
4. Groovy Hip-Hop for Online Ad (😎 Effortlessly Cool)
Laid-back hip-hop with a funky bassline and confident swagger. Real instrumentation encouraged. Nothing angry—just smooth, cocky, and catchy.
🕐 Deadline: April 28, 2025
🎧 Reference: Anderson .Paak – Come Down
If you have music that fits these descriptions, please send us the music. That’s all for this week. Keep your DAWs hot, your mixes tight, and your inbox open—we’ll be back next week with more sync leads and industry fire.
Stay synced,
—Team Sunset 🌅
Your plug for sync, strategy, and sound.