Photo Credit: CD Baby
Digital Music News has learned that Downtown Music Holdings-owned CD Baby has laid off several staffers. Rumors of the layoffs first cropped up last week with the news confirmed by two separate sources.
Exactly how many CD Baby staffers are impacted in the layoffs remains unclear, at least one source speaking with DMN said 20+ people. Another source says most of the cuts come from the ‘Creator Services’ customer support unit. CD Baby issued a statement about the layoffs this morning.
“In an effort to support the changing needs of artists and the industry, we are consolidating certain CD Baby functions with Downtown and re-allocating resources towards long-term growth opportunities. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the elimination of certain roles and positions at CD Baby,” the statement to DMN begins.
“We want to recognize the achievements of these staff members during their tenure with CD Baby. Their dedication to innovation helped CD Baby to become a globally recognized leader in the distribution space. Going forward, we will stay committed to this music-first and pioneering approach, building the services that benefit artists today and in the future.”
Unfortunately the music industry has experienced several layoffs across the board from companies like Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, Distrokid, Spotify, BMG, Tidal, Cumulus, iHeartRadio, and more. Spotify’s layoffs impacted the perception of its Spotify Wrapped celebration as many data-loving music fans noted the absence of data engineer Glenn McDonald.
Just two months ago, WMG underwent the fourth round of job cuts in 18 months—with around 750 people impacted. UMG announced a round of job cuts that amounted to a 4% reduction of the company, anywhere from 400 to 800 jobs. Tidal’s layoffs amount to a 25% cut of its workforce with around 100 people impacted in its team of 400. iHeartRadio also cut around 5% of its workforce, which included an estimated 500 positions.
