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. YouTube Music CEO Echoes the Company Line on Embracing AI—But Draws the Line at Likeness Rip-Offs and ‘Slop’

   YouTube’s Global Head of Music reaffirmed the company’s stance on embracing AI, but doubled down on building guardrails for likeness detection and fighting the spread of “low-quality” AI slop. On Monday, YouTube’s Global Head of Music, Lyor Cohen, released his first newsletter of the year, reaffirming YouTube CEO Neal Mohan’s earlier remarks on generative AI. […]

2. American TikTok Investors Paid a Cool $10 Billion to the US Government—with Trump Demanding the Vig

   Investors in TikTok’s US business will pay the Trump administration around $10 billion for the privilege of gaining control of the lucrative platform. The Trump administration is set to receive around $10 billion from investors in the deal to take control of TikTok’s U.S. business, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi investor MGX. The […]

3. Roughly 30 States Double Down on Live Nation Antitrust Claims — High-Stakes Trial Resumes Following DOJ Settlement

   Following Live Nation’s DOJ settlement – and evidently fruitless resolution discussions between the Ticketmaster parent and many attorneys general – roughly 30 states are plowing ahead with their antitrust claims. We covered those claims in detail last week, when multiple states confirmed plans to continue litigating against Live Nation on the heels of its Justice […]

4. Apple Announces Its Long-Awaited AirPods Max 2 — Just $549 a Pop

   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 […]

5. 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 […]

6. 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 […]

7. 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, […]

8. 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 […]

9. 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 […]

10. 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, […]

11. 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...

12. 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 […]

13. 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 […]

14. 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 […]

15. 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 […]