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Water & Music is the innovator’s guide to the music business.
We’re an independent newsletter and research DAO, on a mission to empower music-industry professionals with the knowledge, network and skills to do more collaborative and progressive work with technology.
Cherie Hu started Water & Music in late 2016 as a sandbox for experimenting with critical, forward-thinking perspectives on music and tech. Since launching the membership in 2019, we’ve grown to over 1,500 paying members, spanning everyone from emerging artists to startup founders and C-Suite executives at major music companies — all of whom are just as passionate as we are about tracking the latest trends in music, tech and entertainment.
What do you want to do today?
1. Make smarter deals and business decisions
From recording and publishing contracts to brand partnerships, licensing deals and M&A, the dealmaking that powers the music industry is both an art and a science — and is evolving in real time.
2. Track emerging music/tech trends
The future doesn’t just “happen” — it’s actively being created right now, at the fringes of technology and culture. Deep-dive early into the newest tech trends, so you can best equip yourself for what’s to come.
3. Market and promote my music better
Rising above the noise and building a sustainable fan base is only getting more challenging — but the industry is also riper than ever for experimentation. Learn insider tips on music marketing across platforms, from faces old and new.
4. Follow publicly-traded entertainment companies
From labels like Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, to tech platforms like Spotify, Pandora and Tencent Music, to promoters like Live Nation and royalty funds like Hipgnosis, more music companies than ever are now on the public markets — giving us a clearer view than ever of how the economics of the industry really work.
5. I just want to explore
Browse an archive of our most recent articles and databases.
