Sony's record $3.15B music quarter lands as Warner Records cuts staff

Sony generated a record $3.15 billion from recorded music and publishing in calendar Q3 2026, up 8.9%, with streaming alone bringing in $1.52 billion, according to Music Business Worldwide. The same week, Variety reported about a dozen layoffs at Warner Records, including marketing and publicity executives. Record revenue next to label cuts means independent artists should expect less hands-on support and budget for their own marketing and publicity help.