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. Apple Announces AirPods Max 2, Shipping in Early April

   Apple unveils the AirPods Max 2, the long-awaited successor to the original model, for $549. The new model is available to order starting March 25. Years after the original AirPods Max were introduced, the long-awaited successor is finally here. The AirPods Max 2 will cost $549 and be available to order starting March 25, before […]

2. UMG’s Thailand Expansion Continues With What the Duck ‘Strategic Investment’ — Founder Moy Samkwan Tonsompong Signs on as Universal Music Thailand MD

   Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken a stake in What the Duck (WTD) and added the Bangkok-based indie’s founder as MD of Universal Music Thailand. UMG disclosed the investment and the appointment today, on the heels of multiple high-profile moves in the nation of about 72 million. For the major label, that refers in part […]

3. Too Lost Secures 9-Figure Strategic Investment Led by GoldState Music and TA Associates

   Too Lost has announced a strategic investment led by GoldState Music and TA Associates, alongside a senior credit facility from Pinnacle Financial Partners. This capital significantly expands Too Lost’s ability to invest in artist advances, catalog acquisitions, and the continued development of its proprietary technology platform. Too Lost’s founders and management team will continue to […]

4. Spotify Introduces An ‘Edit’ Button for Your Algorithm—Yes, You Can Finally Remove Your Kids’ Music From Your Recommendations

   Spotify announces a new beta feature that allows Premium subscribers to review and edit their music preference algorithm via AI-based prompts. On Friday at SXSW, Spotify co-CEO Gustav Söderström announced a new feature allowing users to review and edit their Taste Profile, Spotify’s algorithmically generated model of a listener’s music preferences. Initially launching in beta, […]

5. Elton John AIDS Foundation Raises $10.6 Million During Its Latest Academy Awards Viewing Party

   Elton John’s annual Oscars viewing party, a fundraiser for his AIDS Foundation, raised an impressive $10.6 million on Sunday night. On Sunday night, the 34th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars and advocates in West Hollywood, raising $10.6 million for the cause. The Elton John AIDS Foundation […]

6. US Recorded Music Revenue Hit $11.54 Billion in 2025 — As Paid Streaming, Vinyl Growth Offset an Ad-Supported Slip, RIAA Data Shows

   Thanks in large part to 7% paid streaming growth, the US music industry generated all-time-high recorded revenue of $11.54 billion during 2025. However, both ad-supported and paid non-Premium streaming slipped. These and other stats come from the RIAA’s newly released 2025 year-end report, which, like the H1 ’25 breakdown, calculated for wholesale revenue as opposed […]

7. Travis Scott, SZA, and Future Are Still On the Hook as ‘Telekinesis’ Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Moves Forward

   The copyright claim against Travis Scott, SZA, and Future over their 2023 track “Telekinesis” will move forward after a judge refused to toss the case. The claims have been substantially trimmed, however. The copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Roc Nation singer-songwriter Victory Boyd and her publishing company against Travis Scott, SZA, Future, Sony Music Entertainment, […]

8. Tidal Offers Direct-to-Fan Downloads with a 90/10 Split—In Direct Competition to Bandcamp

   Tidal adds direct-to-fan album downloads with a 90/10 split, bypassing traditional distributors and putting the platform in direct competition with Bandcamp. Music streaming platform Tidal now allows independent artists to sell digital downloads directly to fans, bypassing the traditional distribution route at a flat 10% fee—and coming directly for Bandcamp’s lunch. Most digital service...

9. Phil Campbell, Superfan-Turned-Motörhead Guitar Legend, Passes Away Aged 64

   Motörhead superfan-turned-guitarist Phil Campbell, who played with the band for over 30 years, has passed away following “a complex major operation.” Phil Campbell, guitarist for British metal band Motörhead for over 30 years, has passed away at age 64. Motörhead, as well as his own band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, confirmed the news […]

10. Apple Stages an Alicia Keys Concert in Manhattan for Its 50th Anniversary

    Apple’s Grand Central Terminal store shut down to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a surprise Alicia Keys concert for several YouTubers in attendance. Apple marked the start of its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special Alicia Keys set from the iconic steps at Apple Grand Central in New York City. The company temporarily shuttered the […]

11. More Drama at the Trump Kennedy Center as Richard Grenell Abruptly Steps Down

    Ric Grenell, who oversaw extensive changes at the Kennedy Center that led to many artists walking away, is stepping down as the institution’s president. Ric Grenell, a longtime Trump ally who oversaw many of the extensive changes at the Kennedy Center over the past few months, is stepping down as president at the iconic performing […]

12. The Heat on Wasserman Isn’t Dying Down: LA City Council Approves Resolution to Reconsider Wasserman’s Position on LA28 Olympic Committee

    LA City Council approved a resolution in a 12-0 vote to reconsider Casey Wasserman’s position as chairman of the LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee. The development closely follows a major Wasserman Agency rebrand and decision to sell. On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution in a 12-0 vote to reconsider a resolution […]

13. Suno CEO Backtracks on the ‘People Don’t Enjoy Making Music’ Argument

    Suno CEO Mikey Shulman walks back on his earlier opinion that most people “don’t enjoy” making music: “I really wish I had chosen different words.” Last year, CEO and co-founder of AI music platform Suno, Mikey Shulman, made a comment about musicians that stirred quite a bit of controversy, and he seems to regret that […]

14. Live Nation Goes Into Damage Control Over ‘Robbing Them Blind’ Slack Messages—But Won’t Say Whether Those Employees Still Work at the Company

    Live Nation is doing damage control after the bombshell “robbing them blind” Slack messages dropped this week. But their response raises more questions than it answers. Yesterday, Digital Music News covered a tranche of previously hidden documents revealing Live Nation employees bragging about “gouging” customers and “robbing them blind” with fees for ancillary services. Now, […]

15. Chad Hugo Slaps Pharrell Williams With Expanded Unpaid-Royalties Suit, Demands Credits on Tracks from Tyler the Creator, Latto, and Rosalía

    Less than two months after filing a massive unpaid-royalties lawsuit against Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo has fired off an expanded complaint. Now, The Neptunes co-founder is demanding credits on releases from Tyler the Creator, Latto, and Rosalía. As we broke down closer to 2026’s beginning, Hugo and Williams established The Neptunes nearly 35 years ago, […]