Sony Music Publishing Joins the Direct Deal Party Under New Spotify Agreement — Companies Say They’re ‘Working to Develop Futuristic Approaches’

Photo Credit: Spotify

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has officially inked a direct deal with Spotify, joining Warner Chappell, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), and others.

The streaming platform confirmed the pact – one component of a broader multiyear Sony Music Group agreement – in a brief announcement this morning. Against the backdrop of Spotify’s bundling shenanigans and adjacent compensation consequences, direct deals have been pouring in throughout 2025.

Besides those mentioned above, that includes an August Spotify-Kobalt tie-up. (DMN explored the latter’s strategic significance in detail.) In other words, it seemed like a matter of time until SMP got in on the direct deal action.

And though the exact reasons behind the relative delay are unclear – UMPG’s own Spotify agreement arrived nearly eight months ago – the relevant parties are touting the wider re-up as a means of “improving the listening experience while creating more opportunities for artists and songwriters.”

More concretely, “new product offerings” are in the cards, Sony Music and Spotify noted, pointing to already-live “enhanced audio” as well as “visual formats that enable deeper connections with fans.”

Particularly when it comes to publishing, the newly finalized union includes a “direct licensing arrangement in the US, ensuring songwriters share more directly in the growth of streaming,” the companies spelled out.

Beyond this overview, however, Sony Music and Spotify opted against disclosing compensation specifics; execs only provided detail-light statements applauding the news.

“Sony Music Group and Spotify have long been mutually committed to advancing music streaming and growing the marketplace for all,” added Sony Music head Rob Stringer. “This is further reflected in our new agreements, where we’re working to develop futuristic approaches that ensure our artists and songwriters remain appropriately compensated for their work, and audiences are getting a high-quality experience that’s ever evolving.”

Meanwhile, in remarks of his own, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek touched on a bigger-picture objective of “building a more dynamic and prosperous music ecosystem.”

“Our partnership with Sony is built on a shared drive to shape the future of music,” Ek relayed. “Together, we’re accelerating the pace of innovation to create powerful new opportunities and increasing revenue for artists and songwriters. These agreements aren’t just a milestone; they’re a catalyst for building a more dynamic and prosperous music ecosystem for everyone.”

Additionally, a cursory glance at different coverage indicates that we’ll have to wait for reliable information here.

But at the top level, it goes without saying that the direct deal will deliver a pay boost for the involved songwriters. And at least in theory, it could lay the groundwork for the rollout of more superfan-geared features yet – or, as described by Stringer, “futuristic approaches.”

Capitalizing on the latter is presumably a key focus for Spotify in light of recent changes to the ad-supported tier, which could attract an influx of users and embrace an adverts-volume increase.

Link to the source article – https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/09/18/sony-music-publishing-spotify-deal/