Music Industry News and Updates - June 2026

Subvert launches community-owned music platform

New music listening platform Subvert has gone live. Subvert positions itself as a new model for muisc listening and purchasing, based on a co-op model in which every member is a co-owner. According to its website, there are over 21,000 artists, 3000 labels and 2600 supporters currently signed up (as of 11 June 2026). 
 

Applications for the 2026 Oram Awards now open

The annual Oram Awards, named after pioneering electronic musician Daphne Oram (best known for the BBC Radiophonic Lab), celebrates innovative and creative women/gender-diverse artists. The prize for 5 selected artists includes a £1500 bursary and community support, and is open to artists based in England, Scotland, wales and Northern Ireland. The organisation also commits to ensuring at least two selected artists identify as disabled. Application deadline 19 July.

IMRO reports record revenue for 2025

The Irish Music Rights Organisation, responsible for royalty collection and distribution for music in Ireland, has reported a record $56.1 million (of which €48.4 million was distributed to songwirters, composers and publishers) in revenue in 2025, an increase of 8% on the previous year. Read the full report here.

26 European organisations support draft AgoraEU report

The European Parliament recently released a draft report on the AgoraEU project, which recognises the need for a dedicated music strand. Agora EU is an integrated funding programme for 2028-36 which aims to support culture, meda freedom and civic participation. The draft report was supported by the European Music Council, IMPALA, LiveDMA and more - see the joint statement by IMPALA here.

📷 by Daryl Feehely