Downtown Music Holdings
Downtown Music Holdings is an independent rights management and music services company founded in 2007 by Justin Kalifowitz and based in New York. The company comprises 10 businesses split between Creator and Business verticals, including subsidiaries like Songtrust, CD Baby, AdRev, and Fuga. In December 2024, Universal Music Group's Virgin Music Group announced its acquisition of Downtown for $775 million.
Sources
Wikipedia, Universal Music Group press release, Music Business Worldwide
Updated:
Jun 5, 2025
Downtown Music Holdings
Downtown Music Holdings is an independent rights management and music services company founded in 2007 by Justin Kalifowitz and based in New York. The company comprises 10 businesses split between Creator and Business verticals, including subsidiaries like Songtrust, CD Baby, AdRev, and Fuga. In December 2024, Universal Music Group's Virgin Music Group announced its acquisition of Downtown for $775 million.
Sources
Wikipedia, Universal Music Group press release, Music Business Worldwide
Updated:
Jun 5, 2025
Related News
Related News
Deals & Signings
Aug 27, 2026
1 min read
Killphonic Rights Signs Rough Trade, Symphonic and Half Tone for Publishing Admin
The deal expands Killphonic’s roster and direct global royalty collection network
Killphonic Rights Signs Rough Trade, Symphonic and Half Tone for Publishing Admin
The deal expands Killphonic’s roster and direct global royalty collection network
Deals & Signings
Aug 27, 2026
Policy & Legal
Aug 18, 2026
1 min read
Jamen Capital, Merlin Complete Acquisition of Curve Royalty Systems
The deal had been awaiting final approval from the European Commission
Jamen Capital, Merlin Complete Acquisition of Curve Royalty Systems
The deal had been awaiting final approval from the European Commission
Policy & Legal
Aug 18, 2026
Awards & Milestones
Jul 31, 2026
1 min read
Universal Music Group Reports Solid Q2 Growth
Top sellers included Noah Kahan, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Drake, and Olivia Dean
Universal Music Group Reports Solid Q2 Growth
Top sellers included Noah Kahan, BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, Drake, and Olivia Dean
Awards & Milestones
Jul 31, 2026
Careers & People
Jul 1, 2026
2 min read
Virgin Music Group Appoints New Leadership Team Following Downtown Merger
Virgin officially acquired Downtown in February after a long, embattled legal process
Virgin Music Group Appoints New Leadership Team Following Downtown Merger
Virgin officially acquired Downtown in February after a long, embattled legal process
Careers & People
Jul 1, 2026
Policy & Legal
Jun 8, 2026
1 min read
Merlin and Jamen Capital Acquire Curve Royalty Systems from Universal
The deal follows UMG’s acquisition of Downtown Music in February
Merlin and Jamen Capital Acquire Curve Royalty Systems from Universal
The deal follows UMG’s acquisition of Downtown Music in February
Policy & Legal
Jun 8, 2026
Marketing & Brand
May 22, 2026
1 min read
Material Music Launches Publishing Arm with Downtown
BRIT-certified Silver disc songwriter/producer Richard Atkins is the first signing
Material Music Launches Publishing Arm with Downtown
BRIT-certified Silver disc songwriter/producer Richard Atkins is the first signing
Marketing & Brand
May 22, 2026
Marketing & Brand
May 20, 2026
1 min read
FUGA and Insomniac Music Group Extend Global Distribution Partnership
Insomniac also renews Neighbouring Rights agreement with FUGA parent Downtown
FUGA and Insomniac Music Group Extend Global Distribution Partnership
Insomniac also renews Neighbouring Rights agreement with FUGA parent Downtown
Marketing & Brand
May 20, 2026
Deals & Signings
May 12, 2026
1 min read
CD Baby Unveils ‘Stages Selects’ Program to Aid Independent Artists
The initiative will provide “high-level support” to a select group of music creators
CD Baby Unveils ‘Stages Selects’ Program to Aid Independent Artists
The initiative will provide “high-level support” to a select group of music creators
Deals & Signings
May 12, 2026
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Featured Jobs
Selected open roles from Jobs by ROSTR
