Skrillex Insights onthe TikTok Universal Music Group Dispute

Skrillex spoke out regarding the fallout between the social media platform TikTok and the music industry giant Universal Music Group (UMG). After a contract negotiation turned sour, UMG removed its music from TikTok, alleging the platform coerced them into an unfavorable deal in regards to licensing and revenue-sharing. Notable UMG artists affected include Taylor Swift, BTS, Billie Eilish, and Noah Kahan.

Skrillex sees this as part of the industry’s natural evolution. He mentioned to Complex that “It’s always gonna be what’s accessible to the kids because they’re making the new stuff, and whatever’s easiest – that’s how culture starts… SoundCloud was just there because it was easy for people to use. That’s what’s changing music right now. The landscape is kids making stuff and it blowing up and you don’t know where it’s from, and it just sounds crazy.”

In response to UMG, TikTok released a statement saying “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put its greed above the interests of its artists and songwriters. Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent,” said the company.”

Skrillex’s viewpoint reflects optimism, suggesting that despite current conflicts, new platforms will inevitably surface, offering fresh opportunities for artists. The dispute between UMG and TikTok could potentially change how new artists are discovered in the contemporary music industry.