“Data” may be a wonky word but it has become as valuable as gold in the music business, where it often refers to contact information for fans (email addresses, phone numbers and often much more). Ironically, many companies refuse to share fan data with the very artists whose careers they are promoting. Kirk M. Sommer, WME’s global co-head of music, shared his opinions on the issue.

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In today’s music industry, one of the most urgent, overlooked questions is this: Who owns the artist’s relationship with their fans?

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For far too long, the answer has been anyone but the artist. Despite writing and........

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