Sony’s blockchain platform, Soneium, has launched its first music NFT collection with Web3 label Coop Records. Coop Records, founded by crypto entrepreneur Cooper Turley, has previously brought over 600 songs on-chain, working with artists like Zeds Dead and San Holo.
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Soneium is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, which launched in January 2025 after a four-month-long test-net phase.
The NFT collection features unreleased tracks from Tokyo-based producer NUU$HI.
Each NFT is currently priced at 0.000777 ETH ($2.11), with approximately 124 NFTs minted so far. Soneium says they are "redefining music monetisation models" and aim to "create an internet where each creator gets the spotlight and recognition they deserve."
NFT-Based Royalty Management
If they are widely adopted, music NFTs can potentially revolutionize royalty payments. When an NFT is sold or resold, the contract automatically distributes earnings to predefined recipients such as artists and producers.
Despite early successes, such as Kings of Leon’s $2 million NFT album in 2021, music NFTs still face challenges in finding growth and a committed market.
Music assets can also trigger payments per play. Platforms like Audius, Royal.io, and Tamago are experimenting with Web3 based ownership. Ethereum based Ujo Music automates licensing fees when NFT music is used in videos, ads, or events. Nevertheless, a widescale adoption still needs improvements in decentralized streaming technology, updates of licensing standards, and industry-wide collaboration.