Digital Music News – studio recording, publishing, streaming, live concerts, talent development

The latest music news from Digital Music News, affecting recording industry, music publishing, mp3 streaming, concert industry, talent development, venture capital, and music technology, with reporting on artists new releases and where to get new mp3 songs.

1. The Plot Thickens on Suspected AI Singer Sienna Rose

   Soul singer Sienna Rose might be an AI artist—but she says she feels real. So what’s the deal with the mysterious singer with millions of streams? Sienna Rose popped up seemingly out of nowhere and already has three smoky, jazz-infused songs in Spotify’s Viral Top 50, a sign that she could become one of the […]

2. ‘Sinatra the Musical’ Setting Sail in London’s West End After UMG & Frank Sinatra Enterprises Sparked the Initiative in 2022

   “Sinatra the Musical” makes its West End debut this summer starting on June 3, after playing a sold-out initial run in Birmingham in 2023. “Sinatra the Musical” it set to premiere in London’s West End this summer at the Aldwych Theatre, beginning on June 3. The musical played a sold-out initial run at Birmingham Rep […]

3. Move Over Audible—Spotify Developing ‘Page Match’ Feature for Audiobook Listeners Who Like to Read Along

   Spotify is taking another step into Audible’s territory with a new Page Match feature to sync up physical books with the audiobook version. Here’s how it works. The reverse engineering wizards at Android Authority have been digging through Spotify’s latest release on the platform and have discovered references to the feature called Page Match. The […]

4. B2B Advance Platform Pipeline Sets Sail With $200 Million War Chest, Aims ‘To Quickly Become the Largest Funder of Independent Music Globally’

   B2B advance platform Pipeline has launched with over $200 million at its disposal and a goal of becoming “the largest funder of independent music globally.” London-based Pipeline officially set sail (and disclosed its sizable war chest) today. Having operated in stealth for the past year or so, the self-described “flexible financing platform for the music […]

5. Merlin Confirms ‘Landmark’ Udio Partnership — Deal Extends to Training, ‘New First-of-a-Kind Forms of Creative Expression,’ and More

   After inking licensing pacts with Universal Music and Warner Music, Udio has finalized a “landmark partnership” with Merlin. The AI music generator and the indie giant confirmed their high-profile agreement this morning. As many know, recent months have delivered a flurry of artificial intelligence dealmaking but not an abundance of hard details about precisely what […]

6. Dolly Parton Releases a New Version of a 1977 Song to Celebrate Her 80th Birthday

   Dolly Parton turned 80 on Monday and released a new version of a 1977 track, featuring Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire. On Monday, January 19, Dolly Parton turned 80 and gave the world a gift to celebrate, releasing a new version of her 1977 single, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” […]

7. NetEase Cloud Music Re-Ups with UMG in China—Refreshed Multi-Year Licensing Deal Includes ‘Responsible AI Practices’

   NetEase Cloud Music renews its licensing deal with UMG with a multi-year agreement in China that includes “responsible AI practices.” Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the renewal of its strategic multi-year agreement with NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China. Following their prior deal in 2020, the new agreement provides […]

8. Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Peterson Companies Intend to Develop a Sphere at National Harbor

   Sphere Entertainment and the State of Maryland announce plans to develop a smaller-scale Sphere model in National Harbor, Maryland. Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies have announced their plan to develop a new Sphere venue—the second in the U.S. and the first to utilize a smaller-scale design model—at National […]

9. Sony Music Acquires Fame Recordings, Aims to ‘Revive’ the German Label’s Catalog With ‘Special Releases That Will Delight Fans’

   Days following its Big Yellow Dog purchase, Sony Music has acquired Munich-based label Fame Recordings. Regional outlets including Musik Woche just recently shed light on the major’s latest buyout, though the involved parties have yet to confirm the deal with a formal announcement. Furthermore, the hard numbers behind the transaction, which marks the end of […]

10. The NFL Taps Green Day to Perform Super Bowl LX’s Opening Ceremony

    The NFL announced that Green Day will open Super Bowl LX with a high-energy opening ceremony celebrating the Super Bowl’s 60th anniversary. The East-Bay natives will help open the event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026. The Super Bowl LX opening ceremony performance will air live at 3pm PT on […]

11. TikTok Planning to Tighten Up Age Checks in Europe as Regulatory Pressure Intensifies

    TikTok plans to roll out its new age-detection system across Europe in the coming weeks amid heightened scrutiny over child safety issues. After testing its new age-detection system in Britain over the last year, TikTok will start rolling out the tech across Europe in the next few weeks, according to a new report from Reuters. […]

12. Vietnam Green-Lights $5.5 Billion Entertainment Complex in Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City is developing a $5.5 billion entertainment complex project with up to 70,000 seats, a retractable roof, and advanced air-conditioning. On Thursday, January 15, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex. The $5.52 billion project features a planned stadium with up […]

13. The Social Media Minefield Continues: Drew Barrymore Slapped With Copyright Infringement Suit Over Song Used In Instagram Post

    Drew Barrymore has now been sued for copyright infringement for using an uncleared song in an Instagram post promoting her beauty brand back in 2023. Drew Barrymore is the latest celebrity to get slapped with a copyright infringement lawsuit for using an uncleared sample in a social media post promoting their brand. In Drew’s case, […]

14. Sweden Disqualifies Partly AI-Generated Folk-Pop Song After It Generates Millions of Streams Worldwide — Humans Behind the Song Defend AI as a ‘Tool In Our Creative Process’

    A partly AI-generated folk-pop hit has now been barred from Sweden’s official singles chart. The track at the center of the controversy is “I Know, You’re Not Mine” (“Jag vet, du är inte min”) and is credited to virtual artist Jacub. Humans behind the track say AI is merely a tool in their creative process. […]

15. Spotify Stock (SPOT) Continues to Take a Bath Following Price Hikes — Friday’s $504.50 Close Virtually Wipes Out 2025 Run-Ups

    Spotify’s stock continued to head southward in Friday trading despite — or because of — recent price hikes. That’s part of a precipitous drop that started last summer and has largely eliminated year-2025 gains. Spotify shares dipped again in Friday trading (January 16th) after a volatile week, with SPOT ultimately landing at the less-than-stellar $504.50 […]