The Music Industry Is Rigged? Jo Loewenthal on the Truth Behind Publishing Deals (Part 2)

Jo Loewenthal joins Jonathan Simkin for part 2 of this chat exposing the music industry.

Jo explains why he terminated his publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing and why he's now asking the Supreme Court of New South Wales to determine whether that termination was valid.

The conversation expands far beyond one contract dispute. Jo and Jonathan discuss publishing deals, royalty collection societies, neighbouring rights, SOCAN, PRS, APRA AMCOS, governance issues, board structures, voting systems, artist representation, transparency, and the growing debate around how music royalties are collected and distributed around the world.

Topics Include:

Why Jo sued Universal Music Publishing

The reality of publishing advances

How royalty collection actually works

Music industry monopolies

Why artists struggle to change industry systems

& Much More!

This episode is available in video form on YouTube & Spotify, and in audio form on all other pod platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.