December with Guin Records: New Music and Industry Buzz

the artist friendly label.

Dear Guins,

Welcome to the first week of December, where the air is crisp, the playlists are festive, and Mariah Carey’s voice reigns supreme. As we officially step into “All I Want for Christmas Is You” territory, we’ve got plenty to keep your ears warm and your mind inspired.

From Barny Fletcher’s soul-stirring new single to Jean Deaux’s genre-defying brilliance, and a look back at the game-changing stories that shook the music industry this year, this week’s newsletter has everything you need to stay in tune as 2024 winds down.

Barny Fletcher’s “Wasted Sunset:”

Barny Fletcher bares his soul in Wasted Sunset, a tender exploration of grief and love lost. With soft vocals over an ethereal blend of synths and acoustic guitars, Barny reflects on the enduring bond between a mother and child, turning personal loss into a universal anthem. Don’t miss his most vulnerable release yet.

Listen here!

Jean Deaux’s “Say Yeah:”

Jean Deaux is redefining genres with her signature blend of R&B, rap, and pop. Her standout track Say Yeah merges sultry melodies with emotional depth, offering a unique perspective as a Black queer artist from Chicago. With over 250M+ streams and features in Rolling Stone and NPR, she’s one to watch. Listen here!

Recent Single Releases

Deb Fan – "California Trash”

An immigrant’s journey meets west coast Americana in Deb Fan’s California Trash. With a Lana Del Rey-inspired aesthetic and experimental ethereal vocals, this track captures the culture shock of transitioning from Hong Kong to LA.

Listen here!

2024: The Year That Shook the Record Label World

This year, the music industry experienced a whirlwind of change that left no stone unturned. Universal Music Group kicked things off with a seismic bicoastal restructuring, splitting its labels between East and West Coast divisions while weathering a heated licensing standoff with TikTok. The drama didn’t stop there—Warner Music Group saw its own shakeup, with fresh leadership stepping into Atlantic Records and sweeping changes across its divisions.

Meanwhile, Island Records found its groove again, fueled by the explosive success of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, who made Grammy history as labelmates. Warner Records also had its moment, claiming the year’s top three streamed songs and solidifying its hot streak with rising stars like Zach Bryan.

Indie powerhouse EMPIRE made waves by breaking barriers with Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which tied the record for most weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100—an achievement without major-label backing. On another front, country music continued its coastal expansion, with artists breaking free from Nashville’s traditional stronghold to sign deals with major labels in unexpected places.

And let’s not forget the challenges—streaming fraud and AI disruption dominated headlines, from high-profile lawsuits to government indictments. Yet, amidst the chaos, the industry embraced new strategies in distribution and artist development, proving that change isn’t just inevitable—it’s essential.

2024 reminded us that even in a rapidly evolving landscape, the heart of the music business beats strong. Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full list of the year’s top stories here!

The Gossip: Big Business Moves and Cultural Highlights

* Kendrick Lamar debuts his album GNX at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and makes history by occupying the entire Hot 100 top five, led by "Squabble Up" at No. 1, joining Taylor Swift, Drake, and The Beatles in achieving this feat. Read more

*  Spotify executives, including CEO Daniel Ek, have collectively sold over $1 billion worth of stock in 2024, capitalizing on the company's record-high share prices following positive earnings reports. Read more

* Bruno Mars has shattered Spotify's monthly listeners record, surpassing 135 million listeners, driven by his evergreen hits and recent global duets like "Die With A Smile" with Lady Gaga, despite not releasing a solo album since 2016.  Read more

Looking Forward, 

Thanks for catching up with us this week! As December unfolds, we’ll be bringing you more exciting releases, industry insights, and holiday highlights. Stay tuned for next week’s updates—there’s so much more to come!

Warm regards,

Misha Kordestani

President/Co-Founder, Guin Records