"After years of doing hard, unsexy, foundational work ... we have now hit our stride," CEO Robert Kyncl said on an earnings call.

Merchandise at The Romantic Flower Shop by Bruno Mars in Los Angeles pop-up activation on February 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Christopher Polk/Billboard

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Warner Music Group (WMG) reported on Thursday (May 7) that first-quarter revenue rose 17% compared to last year on double-digit percentage growth in recorded music and publishing revenues, with major releases from artists including Bruno Mars and sombr contributing to the uptick.

Total revenue came in at $1.7 billion, driven by $1.38 billion in recorded music revenue, up 17%, and $353 million in music publishing, up 14% compared to a year ago.…