Sony Music exits Russia: what this means for artists and streaming
Sony Music is ending its operations in Russia, a move announced through a statement reported by Billboard. This marks the first time a major global label has fully divested from the Russian market and hands over control to a local company run by Arina Dmitrieva, who previously led Sony Music Russia.
The shift appears to be a transition toward representing only Russian artists within the country. Sources suggest that Sony Music plans to remove tracks from international acts from Russian streaming platforms. The catalog is known to include rights to songs by Elvis Presley, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Adele, and other high-profile names, which would be affected by the withdrawal.
Sony Music Group had already paused activities in Russia following the outbreak of the special operation in Ukraine. Several other major labels, including Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, initially halted operations as well, though announcements about a complete withdrawal from the market have varied across companies. This development follows a broader pattern of restructuring within the global music industry amid geopolitical tensions, with the impact rippling through licensing, distribution, and regional artist rosters.
Industry observers note that the move could influence how Russian audiences access international music and may reshape opportunities for local performers seeking exposure beyond national borders. The transition to local management could lead to different licensing agreements, promotional strategies, and support structures for artists who operate primarily within Russia. It also raises questions about how catalogs owned by global majors will be handled going forward and which tracks will remain available in the region under new terms.
Analysts emphasize that the decision reflects broader shifts in the global music landscape, where geopolitical events intersect with business decisions about where and how music gets distributed. While the withdrawal narrows the international footprint in Russia, it may prompt local labels and distributors to fill gaps left by such exits, potentially bolstering domestic talent development and cataloging practices. Observers remain attentive to how these changes will affect streaming availability, licensing royalties, and the reach of Russian artists on global platforms as the market adapts to new ownership and regulatory conditions. (Source: Billboard reporting and industry commentary.)