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. More Clues Surface on a Gunna Documentary—Though Netflix Isn’t Confirming Anything

   A billboard pops up for Gunna’s reported upcoming Netflix documentary after the rapper hosted a private screening last year, but Netflix isn’t talking. Whispers in the wind have hinted since last year that Gunna has a documentary coming to Netflix titled “The Last Wun,” mirroring the name of his sixth studio album. The rapper reportedly […]

2. TikTok Is Suddenly a Big Competitor In Long-Form Podcasting — With Music a Major Focus

   TikTok continues its expansion into long-form podcasting with the second episode of ‘TikTok in the Mix’ featuring special guest Megan Moroney. After the successful launch of its new live podcast series late last year, TikTok continues that momentum with another foray into long-form podcasting with a focus on music. “TikTok in the Mix,” a four-episode […]

3. California AG Ready to ‘Take It to the Mat’ with Live Nation/Ticketmaster if Trump’s DOJ Settles

   Several state attorneys general vow to press on with the antitrust trial against Live Nation even if the Department of Justice opts to settle. In the face of concerns that a Trump-allied Department of Justice might decide to settle with Live Nation/Ticketmaster ahead of the federal antitrust trial seeking to break it up, several state […]

4. Social Music Platform Hook Scores $10 Million Series A, Says Its ‘Active Users Have Increased by More Than 45X’ During the Past Year

   Social music platform Hook has scored a $10 million Series A, teed up an Android app launch, and elevated Spotify vet Simmi Singh to COO. New York City-headquartered Hook formally disclosed the fresh funding this morning, about 11 months after drawing $3 million in seed capital from Khosla Ventures, Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, and more. […]

5. BTS Is Single-Handedly Forcing Ticketing Reforms in Mexico, Including a Shakedown of Ticketmaster

   Mexico’s Consumer Protection Agency sets new guidelines for ticket sales, so fans know the exact prices of seats acquired through digital platforms. After BTS’ chaotic run of shows in Mexico, the country’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) is setting a new series of guidelines to regulate the sale of tickets for major events in Mexico […]

6. ByteDance Quickly Dials Back ‘Seedance 2.0’ After Disney Legal Threats Sink In

   ByteDance vows to strengthen safeguards on its new AI video-making tool after threats of litigation from Disney over alleged copyright theft. Update: Warner Bros. has joined in the chorus of blasting ByteDance for what it calls “blatant infringement” that facilitates user-generated knock-offs of its iconic characters. The studio’s legal counsel sent a letter to John […]

7. HYBE America Nashville Launches ‘Blue Highway Records’ — As ‘Big Machine’ Rides Into the Sunset

   HYBE America has quickly announced a rebranding of its Nashville-based country and roots rock division. Blue Highway Records launches effective immediately, with BMLG — aka ‘Big Machine Label Group’ — officially retired. Today, HYBE America chairman and CEO Isaac Lee announced a rebranding of the company’s Nashville-based country, Americana, and roots rock division, effective...

8. California Judge Delivers a Major Setback for Global Piracy Crackdowns — The DMCA Suddenly Has a Lot Less Bite

   A federal judge has set clear-cut limits on DMCA subpoenas – at least when it comes to ascertaining alleged infringers’ identities en route to spearheading litigation in foreign countries. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson signed off on the corresponding order closer to February’s beginning, and the development started making a delayed media splash (first […]

9. MusicBird Acquires Majid Jordan’s Publishing Catalog, Including Drake’s ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ and More

   MusicBird has acquired the publishing catalog of Majid Jordan, including an interest in works recorded by Drake and others. The Swiss song-rights investor (which is technically headquartered in London) reached out with word of its latest IP play today. According to MusicBird, the package-deal purchase extends to both the writer’s and publisher’s shares of Toronto-based […]

10. When It Rains, It Pours: Days After Ditching His Own Company, Casey Wasserman Gets Broiled by LA Mayor Karen Bass

    Days after calling it quits with his own company, Casey Wasserman is met with calls from LA Mayor Karen Bass to resign from the 2028 Olympic committee. Casey Wasserman had barely let the door hit him on the way out of the company that bears his name before Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called on […]

11. ‘Like a Virgin’ Lyricist Billy Steinberg Passes Away at 75 — Leaving a Serious 80s Hit-List In His Wake

    Grammy-winning songwriter Billy Steinberg, regarded as one of the most successful songwriters of the ‘80s and ‘90s, passed away on Monday. He was 75. Songwriters Hall of Famer Billy Steinberg, widely considered one of the most successful songwriters of the ‘80s and ‘90s, passed away on Monday in California after a long battle with cancer. […]

12. The FCC Quickly Reaches a Decision On Bad Bunny’s ‘Indecent’ Super Bowl Halftime Show

    Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was investigated — or at least glanced over — by the FCC for potential violations of rules prohibiting ‘indecent material’ on public airwaves. Following complaints lodged by several far-right politicians over Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has completed its very […]

13. Despite a Court-Ordered Injunction, Anna’s Archive Releases Millions of Spotify Tracks Online—With More Likely On the Way

    Anna’s Archive releases millions of actual music files from its Spotify archive despite being actively sued by Spotify and several record labels. Notorious shadow library Anna’s Archive has quietly released even more torrents from its massive Spotify scrape, this time releasing the actual music files too. According to a new report by TorrentFreak, the site’s […]

14. Activist Investor Clash Ahead? Independent Franchise Partners Buys 3% of Universal Music, Still Holds 9% Warner Music Stake

    Universal Music Group has a new (partial) owner: Activist investor Independent Franchise Partners (IFP), which has purchased a 3% stake in the major label. That noteworthy investment just recently came to light in a regulatory filing spotted by Reuters; different reports yet revealed that Independent Franchise Partners had upped its Warner Music portfolio allocation. Though […]

15. Major TikTok + Apple Music Integrations Are Now In the Works—Including Full-Length In-App Listening and ‘Listening Parties’

    TikTok is teaming up with Apple Music for two new integrations: full-length in-app listening in TikTok, and a Listening Party feature. Apple Music is teaming up with TikTok to launch two new features in the short-form video app, according to preliminary details tipped to Digital Music News this weekend. It’s unclear how broad this partnership […]