Production Music Platform Slipstream Buys Megatrax & More Music Deals

Asset, data and rights management platform OpenPlay launched a new B2B marketplace, the OpenPlay Connect App Exchange, through which distributors, labels and publishers on OpenPlay can execute deals and exchange data with industry service providers right from their OpenPlay dashboards. At launch, 14 providers — beatBread, Beatdapp, Cosynd, FaroLatino, Habitat Financial, Harmix, LyricFind, Matter Collective, Muserk, Music Story, Musixmatch, MySeat Media, Vobile and Sureel.ai — are on board the new marketplace.

The Connect App Exchange launched on Monday (March 9) for OpenPlay’s label and publisher community. Later this year, it will expand “in white-label, custom branded versions…for distributors and publishing administrators worldwide,” according to a press release.

“Connect will become the trusted B2B exchange for the global music ecosystem,” said Edward Ginis, co-founder of OpenPlay, in a statement. “Its impact extends beyond individual rightsholders, it strengthens collaboration, streamlines data flows, and lowers barriers to innovation across the sector. With our experience in rights management, APIs, and data interoperability, OpenPlay is uniquely positioned to operate this exchange. This launch marks a major step forward in building a more efficient and connected music business.”

Added Bob Barbiere, executive vp and general manager of OpenPlay, “Our experience in technology, media, and transformational data exchanges has enabled us to create a neutral, centralized transaction layer for the music industry. Connect is interoperable by design, empowering rightsholders to work seamlessly with the partners that best fit their needs. With more than 125 providers already seeking participation, we’re not simply launching a marketplace, we’re building the commercial infrastructure that will define how music services transact for the next decade.”

TikTok and iHeartMedia announced the launch of TikTok Radio, a “new station (that) will blend TikTok’s discovery engine and cultural impact with iHeart’s programming expertise and trusted personalities to give fans a new way to listen to their favorite artists’ full tracks while diving deeper into the stories, trends and moments that turned them into a cultural phenomenon,” according to a press release.

“The audio programming blends today’s hottest music with real-time conversation, guiding listeners through what’s breaking now — from rising creators to new hits, throwback rediscoveries, podcast spotlights and trending topics,” the release adds.

The station will broadcast live for the first time on Friday (March 13) from SXSW in Austin, featuring a rotating lineup of iHeart and TikTok creators on the mic and including onsite interviews and surprise segments. It will be available on the iHeartRadio app and across 28 broadcast stations in the U.S., including in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

The station will include signature segments, including Behind-the-Charts (counting down the 10 biggest songs of the week on TikTok, along with background on the artists and stories behind the music); New Music Fridays (highlighting the week’s new releases); and On the Verge (featuring music from artists “on the verge” of hitting the charts).

“We couldn’t be more excited to launch TikTok Radio and introduce our inaugural slate of hosts for the TikTok Podcast Network,” said Dan Page, global head of media and licensing partnerships at TikTok, in a statement. “At TikTok, empowering creators to turn their passions into lasting careers is core to everything we do, and this partnership unlocks powerful new opportunities for them to expand their voices across radio, podcasts and live moments, while connecting with fans in new ways.”

iHeartMedia also announced a new production, marketing and distribution deal with the Global Gaming League (GGL). Through the pact, iHeart will become GGL’s audio partner, co-creating original culture and gaming podcasts across iHeartMedia’s network.

“Gaming is culture,” said Clinton Sparks, founder & CEO of Global Gaming League, who began his career working at iHeartRadio. “iHeart understands that its artists, talent and listeners are gamers. This partnership brings that reality to the forefront and connects it with a league built to unite gaming, music, fashion, sports and celebrity in a unique way that seamlessly brings these worlds together.”

Under the deal, Sparks will debut his own podcast, called Get Familiar, later this year.

“iHeartRadio is where culture breaks first, and gaming now sits at the center of that culture,” added Nick Ditri, vp of business development & music at Global Gaming League. “Having a true audio presence allows us to spotlight creators, tell player stories, and make gaming feel more human and more accessible. This partnership doesn’t just expand reach, it deepens connection, and that’s what brings casual audiences into the fold and builds long-term community around both GGL and iHeartRadio.”

“This collaboration shows iHeart’s commitment to authentically elevating gaming culture,” said Michael Biondo, president of business development and strategic partnerships at iHeartMedia. “Together, iHeart and GGL are creating a new blueprint for how gaming lives inside mainstream culture — bringing competitive gaming to listeners and new fans nationwide by introducing them directly into the Global Gaming League ecosystem.”

Pipeline Advance Co, a new financing platform focused and music and other creative industries, acquired the core assets and intellectual property of Clarty Partners, an advisory firm that provides strategic, financial and transactional advice to rights holders and various music companies worldwide.

With the deal, Clarty’s proprietary valuation technology, royalty ingestion systems and analytical infrastructure will be brought into the Pipeline platform. Proprietary client data and confidential information relating to past Clarty projects were left out of the transaction.

Through the integration of Clarty’s technology, Pipeline “strengthens its ability to structure music advances and asset-backed transactions using institutional-grade valuation methodologies employed by leading IP funds and catalog acquirers,” according to a press release.

With the acquisition, Clarty co-founders Stéphane Hubert and Pierre Suignard will join Pipeline and help lead the company’s investment underwriting division. Hubert will additionally join Pipeline’s investment committee.

In a statement, Hubert said, “Joining Pipeline is an exciting next chapter and a unique opportunity to scale and professionalize the IP analytics platform we’ve been building, alongside a team with a clear and compelling vision.”

Matt Spetzler, founding partner of Jamen Capital and co-founder and executive chairman of Pipeline, added, “With Clarty, we found a comprehensive underwriting solution combining data technology, robust analytical tools, and proven music valuation expertise. We are pleased to welcome Stéphane and Pierre as core members of our founding team.”

Dynamic Talent International (DTI) announced a strategic partnership with Madison House that will bring 110 new clients to DTI’s roster. Under the agreement, Adam Bauer and other key Madison House agents will join DTI with their clients, expanding DTI’s roster and reach.

Through the deal, Madison House artists including Men at Work, Sixpence None the Richer and Toad the Wet Sprocket will come under the DTI banner, while Bauer will join DTI as partner.

“Over the past few months, Madison House Booking Agency and DTI have discovered a shared vision that will elevate our clients’ careers and create meaningful opportunities for both teams,” said Bauer in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to mentors like Kell Houston, Jim Fleming, Nadia Prescher, and Jesse Aratow, who have shaped so much of what I’ve learned in this industry. We’re thrilled to join Trevor Swenson, Jennaya Ramirez, and the entire team at Dynamic Talent. Our team is ready for this next chapter and will continue to deliver results for our clients and shape the industry for years to come.”

“This brings these two companies together and represents a powerful alignment of vision, culture, and long-term strategy,” said Trevor Swenson, CEO of Dynamic Talent International, in a statement. “Madison House has built an incredible legacy rooted in artist development. By bringing our teams together, we are creating a stronger platform for our artists and staff, one that expands opportunities, deepens relationships, and positions us for exponential growth in a quickly evolving global marketplace.”

U.K. promotions and management company Underplay has launched its new label arm, Underplay Recordings, in an exclusive global distribution partnership with Virgin Music Group. Founded by Chris Bellam in 2016, the company is expanding a long-running collaboration with Virgin after previously working together on campaigns for British indie acts including Art School Girlfriend, Lynks and Antony Szmierek. Leeds noise-rock quartet Bathing Suits is the label’s first signing, launching with the epic eight-minute single “Empathy.” 

The move builds on Underplay’s growth across promotions, management and PR, following a strong 2025 that included radio duties for Cameron Winter and the success of Szmierek’s debut album, which topped the U.K’s Official Dance Albums Chart upon release. — Sophie Williams

Bedrock and Rock Entertainment Group are opening an outdoor amphitheater to downtown Cleveland as part of an expansive development along the Cuyahoga riverfront. The 6,200-seat venue, adjacent to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, will operate under a deal with Live Nation.

“This outdoor amphitheater on the Cuyahoga River will be a dynamic community gathering place and a strategic investment in downtown Cleveland’s growing experience-driven economy,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, in a statement. “In partnership with global powerhouse Live Nation, we will deliver a new premier venue that draws visitors, vitality and economic development to the urban core and continues our transformation of the riverfront into an active, energized destination.”

The new venue, the first large venue to open in Cleveland in more than 20 years, is expected to generate nearly $59 million in economic activity, according to a press release.

“Cleveland has always been one of America’s great music cities, and this amphitheater is about raising the bar to match that legacy,” added Live Nation Ohio Market president Michael Belkin. “By creating a modern, leading outdoor venue on the riverfront, we’re giving artists another reason to play Cleveland, giving fans more of the shows they want close to home. This investment not only honors the city’s rock ‘n’ roll roots, it positions Cleveland to compete with other regional markets for the biggest tours in the country.”

Ticketing company AXS launched an API integration with mission-driven ticket distribution platform Tickets for Good in the United Kingdom. Through the integration, AXS clients — including venues, promoters and artist management teams — can provide access to live events for Tickets for Good members, including healthcare workers, teachers, charity workers, volunteers and “people affected by the Sost of Living crisis,” according to a press release.

The integration is now available in the U.K. following a prior rollout in the United States. It’s set to launch in Germany later this year.

Peter Quinlan, managing director, Europe at AXS, said in a statement: “Launching our collaboration with Tickets for Good in the UK allows our partners to turn unused inventory into meaningful experiences, and we’re proud to help create access for those who already give so much back to our communities. It’s a powerful example of how smart technology can drive both social impact and stronger, more inclusive audiences.”

Added Steve Rimmer, founder and CEO of Tickets for Good: “By combining our mission-driven platform with AXS’s reach and flexibility across iconic events, we’re turning great intentions into great experiences. With more of the UK entertainment industry coming on board, we’re building a seamless, tech-enabled pathway that connects thousands of Tickets for Good members with the live events they love.”

Independent music distributor and artist and label services provider Amuse will now offer physical music distribution for DIY artists through a new partnership with on-demand vinyl and CD distribution company elasticStage. Through the deal, all Amuse subscribers can now produce vinyl records of their music with no upfront costs or minimum orders at a discounted rate. Records will be made a la carte when purchased, with vinyl records and CDs shipped to fans within weeks. Artists who utilize the service will earn royalties from every sale.

“We are delighted to be bringing Vinyl and CD distribution to hundreds of thousands of DIY artists through our partnership with elasticStage,” Kevin Lazaroff, head of partnerships at Amuse, said in a statement. “Physical distribution is becoming more and more important for independent artists, whether they want to create a new revenue stream, or just share their music with family and friends, so we are thrilled to be able to bring this offering to them and help them access an opportunity which has been previously out of reach.”

Emma Banks, head of growth at elasticStage, added, “This partnership with Amuse is a major step forward for independent artists and for our mission to make physical accessible to every artist, not just the few. Together, we’re bringing on-demand vinyl and CD to hundreds of thousands of artists, making selling a record as straightforward as releasing a track online, and turning physical into a scalable, commercially viable channel for independent artists.”