On the final night of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” the host harked back to a stunt he did just prior to that show going on the air and said, “Technically our first show in July of 2015 was from a public access station in Monroe, Michigan for an audience of 12 people. Show […]
The Weeknd presented the award for anime of the year at the Tokyo ceremony.
The Boss stopped at Rocket Arena on May 22 as part of his Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.
The song is only available on her Instagram account and limited edition 7” vinyl
The Argentine-Mexican musician was rushed to a hospital in Mexico City.
The surprise set took place at a benefit concert honoring Canadian environmental activist David Suzuki on his 90th birthday
Plus, Shakira invites Uganda’s Ghetto Kids to the World Cup final and her upcoming “Dai Dai” music video.
It marks the first time the record has been available on digital streaming platforms.
The Big Ass World Tour touches down at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on Oct. 9,
Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of May 22nd, 2026. If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com.
Billboard Japan spoke with the band about the making of Fujieda EP, the perspective behind "Skins" & their 30th-anniversary overseas shows.
Paul McCartney is a master of the fake-out. The first feint around his new album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” came when he released “Days We Left Behind” as the first single, an exceedingly gentle and wistful ballad that allowed for the possibility that the whole LP might be a collection of...
The rapper’s enduring track with DJ E-Z Rock continues to influence pop culture, from music to films
Live from Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France, the tennis Grand Slam tournament starts Sunday, May 24.
The Harlem native, who was half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died Friday (May 22) following a battle with cancer.
After 15 years and eight full-length albums, Ed Sheeran confirms the rumor that he has left Warner Music—news also confirmed by the company. The rumors are true: Ed Sheeran has left Warner Music after 15 years with the company (and an impressive eight studio albums).
Saxophonist Dick Parry, who played on some of Pink Floyd’s biggest songs and tours, passed away on Friday at the age of 83. Dick Parry, the saxophonist who played on some of Pink Floyd’s biggest songs and tours, passed away on Friday of unspecified causes. He was 83.
ArtHouse Media Group launched a new venue in Toronto and the industry mourns Cris Derksen
Rob Base, one-half of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, who was best known for the hit “It Takes Two,” has died. He was 59. The rapper, who celebrated his 59th birthday just four days ago, died on May 22 while surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy […]
The alleged shooter was an active-duty Army specialist purportedly high on mushrooms
Dick Parry, who created some of the most indelible saxophone solos in rock music history through his association with Pink Floyd and lifelong friend David Gilmour, died Friday at age 83.
Earlier this year, Phil Collins spoke out about his health issues, sharing that he’s undergone five knee surgeries and developed kidney problems from drinking.
Longtime friend of David Gilmour played on band’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Us and Them,” and “Money,” and often joined the group on tour
Forget about a 5% “streaming tax”: Now, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has moved to require Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other video streaming platforms to cough up 15% of their domestic revenue annually.
Tune in Saturday May 23rd to Faction Talk, channel 103, at 4 PM East, 1 PM West. If you miss the episode, you can hear it on demand on the SiriusXM app. Search: Lefsetz
Ricky Martin is reportedly safe after a concertgoer disrupted his show in Europe on Thursday by discharging tear gas near the stage. Ricky Martin’s publicist reports that he is “safe” after a concertgoer disrupted his European show on Thursday by discharging tear gas near the stage.
Warner Music and GZ Media launch a landmark pilot with Abbey Road Studios to process unsold vinyl into new, commercial-grade pressings. Warner Music Group (WMG) and GZ Media have completed a landmark pilot showing how unsold records can be reprocessed and incorporated into new vinyl pressings...
The singer exhibited “drastic mood swings” during the March 4 incident in California, officers claim
Harry Styles, presenting to the Radiohead singer, also reveals he lost his virginity to “the intro” of the band’s “Talk Show Host”
Universal Music Group’s inked a fresh multi-year licensing deal with TikTok, which is teeing up expanded marketing campaigns and doubling down on efforts to decommission AI deepfakes.
“There’s not enough mystery in the world,” Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard says in a new interview on SiriusXM’s Pearl Jam Radio
“My life is hugely different now to what it was when I was a teenager, and I’ve been feeling in my gut for a long time that a lot of things in my professional life need to change,” he says
Hollywood is giving Miley Cyrus her flowers. On May 22, the Grammy winner and former Disney icon will receive a star on the Walk of Fame. The honor comes a couple months after the “Hannah Montana” 20th anniversary special, in which Cyrus suited up once again as the fictional pop star to perform...
The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source
“Something that we all felt like we had to do for ourselves, for anyone who’s lost anyone, for the fans, for anyone that knew Liam,” the musician told Rolling Stone about the Dinner Party single
As rumored, Ed Sheeran has left Warner Music after 15 years and eight full-length albums, the singer announced via a statement to fans in his newsletter. The news was confirmed by the company in a statement to the U.K. publication Music Week.
Prompt something better than Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” I dare you. | Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge | Photo from Getty Images AI covers and remixes of songs are already a blight on the internet.
Musician and frequent Lady Gaga collaborator, Brian Newman has released his first single, “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” The track is the first release from Newman’s upcoming album.
Kolander has spent 13 years at the company, having joined as an assistant in 2013 Source
IQ Magazine has incorporated Hearby’s gig discovery platform into its Manchester Report 2026, offering a data-backed view of one of the United Kingdom’s most active live music markets. This article was created in collaboratio nwith DMN partner Hearby.
Live Nation settled with the US Department of Justice a few days into its antitrust trial, but a number of state attorneys general continued with their lawsuit… and won.
We all knew that AI-music firm Udio is working on a new service to launch later this year, based on its licensing deals with labels. We also knew that the new service would enable fans to play with the music and sound of artists who’d opted in, and that it would be a ‘walled garden’ […]
Music-streaming services have been campaigning hard in the last two years against a levy on their Canadian revenues by the country’s telecommunications regulator the CRTC, to fund local content and creators.
This appears to be ‘third-time lucky week’ for proposed US legislation relating to the music industry. We reported yesterday on the return of the deepfakes-tackling No Fakes Act after two previous attempts to get it onto the statute books.
The last year or two has seen a dispiriting growth in the number of artists finding AI-slop tracks uploaded to their streaming profiles pretending to be them. So much so that Spotify took action in March, launching its ‘Artist Profile Protection’ feature.
Five years ago, techno titan Richie Hawtin teamed up with AI-music startup Endel to launch ‘Deeper Focus’ – an “adaptive soundscape” based on his samples and creative DNA. Since then, it has been streamed for more than 5m hours. Now it’s getting a reworking: ‘Deeper Focus: Remastered and Reduced’.
Recycled vinyl has been A Thing for a while now… but is it really A Thing that sounds as good as non-recycled vinyl? A pilot scheme from Warner Music Group and GZ Media aims to prove that it does.
One of the big industry talking points in recent years has been about artists from the most exciting non-Anglo territories collaborating with one another – no English-language artists required to break a track globally.
You can’t fault the promo campaign for Sir Paul McCartney’s new album ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’, which has seen the veteran Beatle popping up on podcasts, late-night talk-shows and various other places. And now TikTok.
All right — now you’re ready for Olivia Rodrigo’s third album. Not that the first single from the LP, “Drop Dead,” didn’t properly prime her audience for what’s coming. It wouldn’t have debuted at No.
P!NK will receive this year's NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Source
Connected television (CTV) has transformed how audiences consume content on YouTube, rapidly becoming a massive driver of the platform’s overall viewership and strategic focus.
Meta has released a three-part series and a 16-page report detailing a fundamental shift in how consumers find products, including artist merch and physical products.
The Jonas Brothers have revealed the launch of their podcast titled “Hey Jonas!”, the first episode having just dropped across podcast listening platforms. The podcast will feature candid, unfiltered conversations between the brothers about family, touring, personal moments and more.
With the US facing myriad political and economic challenges – most recently brought on by Trump’s war in Iran – it’s safe to say the country is in the midst of a rocky period.
We reported yesterday on two of the big announcements from Spotify’s ‘Investor Day’: its new ‘Reserved’ ticketing feature for superfans and its deal with Universal Music Group for AI fan covers and remixes. But there were plenty of other talking points from the day.
The event will kick off TikTok LIVE Premiere – the platform's new flagship LIVE series Source
Global deal will also see TikTok and UMG work together to remove unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform Source
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Rio2C’s wide-ranging 2026 program is set to feature top Brazilian creative industry speakers, such as helmers Wagner de Assis, Esmir Filho and Carlos Saldanha, journalist and writer Caco Barcellos, writer Thalita Rebouças, doc maker Ricardo Calil and comedian João Vicente...
As veteran indie label and music retailer Rough Trade approaches its 50th anniversary, and French music streaming platform Qobuz (nearly) its 10th, the two are launching a new two-year partnership […] The post is from Music Ally.
As ever, the latest issue is packed with insight about the past, present, and future of the music business... plus impressive people. Source
What do the federal government, video game publisher GameMill Entertainment, Heritage Auctions, and belt-buckle specialist Buckle-Down have in common? For one thing, they’re facing infringement lawsuits from Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP), which controls the Peanuts music catalog.
A group of state attorneys general demand the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster a month after the trial that determined them to be a monopoly. On Thursday (May 21), the coalition of over 30 state attorneys general that sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in a trial that found the live events...
Though he died last year, Ozzy Osbourne’s “digital DNA” will live on thanks to a partnership between the Osbournes and entertainment company Hyperreal. Sharon and Jack Osbourne, the late Ozzy’s wife and son, detailed plans to create an interactive digital avatar of the Prince of Darkness during the...
The music industry runs the risk of excluding working-class musicians without saving small venues, Tinie Tempah said at the Ivor Novello Awards. Without efforts to save small venues that help grow budding artists and work to promote talent from diverse backgrounds, the music industry is likely to...
Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a licensing agreement for a ‘responsible AI’ tool to launch as a paid add-on for Spotify subscribers. It’s another step forward for UMG’s controlled, walled-garden AI licensing vision, one that isn’t quite working for companies like Suno.
Wixen's lawsuit against Meta highlights allegations of copyright infringement and deceptive practices during licensing negotiations. Notably, it omits an accusation regarding Meta's potential misuse of licensed music for AI training.
Are not really about AI. They’re about reduced prospects for college graduates, the detachment of techies from the general public and the fanning of the flames of AI by prognosticators and the media. It’s income inequality run rampant, I tell you.
Is Spotify the key to ensuring that superfans, not scalpers, secure face-value tickets to high-demand tours? We’re about to find out, as the streaming platform has debuted “Reserved” to set aside passes for diehard supporters.
Stability AI launches Stable Audio 3.0, AI music models trained entirely on licensed data and able to generate tracks of over six minutes in length. Stability AI has announced the launch of Stable Audio 3.0, a family of four new AI music models that the company promises are trained entirely on...
Dan Beck was Michael Jackson’s product manager and has written a book about the experience, “‘You’ve Got Michael’: Living Through HIStory.” If you want to know what it was like working at a record label in the pre-internet era, this is the place. Apple:...
Mick Jagger has arrived on the island of Stromboli, near Sicily, to film Italian director Alice Rohrwacher’s adaptation of “Three Incestuous Sisters.” Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was postponed by a day, but arrived via helicopter this week on the island of Stromboli, off the coast of...
Spotify bugün, 20’nci yıl dönümümüzü kutladığımız bu yılda, finans camiasına, iş modelimiz, ürün stratejimiz ve uzun vadeli vizyonumuz hakkında daha detaylı bir bakış sunmak amacıyla New York’ta üçüncü Investor Day etkinliğini düzenledi.
Hoje, o Spotify realizou seu terceiro Investor Day em Nova York, oferecendo à comunidade financeira uma visão detalhada sobre o negócio e a estratégia de longo prazo da companhia em um ano que também marca o aniversário de 20 anos da plataforma.
You can buy physical plates to pair with your AI effects. | Photo: Terrence O’Brien / The Verge I'm not sure anyone was really asking for an AI guitar pedal. But it was inevitable that someone would build one.
Zerza appeared at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on Wednesday (May 20) Source
Ontario’s ban on resale-for-profit is now the most aggressive ticket resale law in North America, overtaking Maine’s 10% resale price cap that passed in June 2025.
스포티파이 2026 인베스터 데이: 다음 시대의 미디어를 향한 새로운 비전 오늘 스포티파이는 미국 뉴욕에서 세 번째 인베스터 데이(Investor Day)를 개최하고, 금융 업계 관계자들을 대상으로 스포티파이의 비즈니스와 프로덕트 전략, 그리고 장기적인 비전에 대해 공유했습니다. 올해는 스포티파이의 20주년이 되는 해이기도 합니다. 이번 인베스터 데이는 올해 초 공동 CEO로 취임한 알렉스 노스트롬(Alex Norström)과 구스타브 소더스트롬(Gustav Söderström)이 처음으로 Investor...
Hari ini, Spotify menyelenggarakan Investor Day yang ketiga di New York City, memberikan komunitas finansial pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang bisnis, strategi produk, dan visi jangka panjang kami alam tahun yang juga menandai.
Hoy Spotify celebró su tercer Investor Day en Nueva York, donde ofrecimos a la comunidad financiera una mirada más profunda a nuestro negocio, estrategia de producto y visión a largo plazo, en un año que, además, marca nuestro aniversario número 20.
Oggi, a New York City, Spotify ha presentato il suo terzo Investor Day, offrendo al mondo della finanza uno sguardo più approfondito sul proprio business, sulla strategia di prodotto e una visione a lungo termine, nell’anno che segna anche il suo 20° anniversario.
Aujourd’hui, Spotify a organisé son troisième Investor Day à New York. En pleine célébration de notre 20ème anniversaire, c’était l’occasion de fournir à la communauté financière un aperçu plus approfondi de notre activité, stratégie produit et vision à long terme.
Spotify hat heute seinen dritten Investor Day in New York City veranstaltet und der Finanzwelt tiefere Einblicke in das Geschäft, die Produktstrategie und die langfristige Vision des Unternehmens gegeben. Die Veranstaltung fand anlässlich des 20. Spotify Jubiläums statt.
Today, Spotify hosted our third Investor Day in New York City, offering the financial community a deeper look at our business, product strategy, and long-term vision during a year that also marks our 20th anniversary.
A federal lawmaker has reintroduced the Protect Working Musicians Act, which is designed to enable indie musicians “to collectively negotiate music licensing terms with” on-demand streaming and gen AI platforms.
Singer Skye Newman also highlights how becoming a performer is becoming inaccessible to those without money The music industry risks becoming a more hostile place for working-class artists, Tinie Tempah and Skye Newman have said at the Ivor Novello awards.
Four weeks after the biopic's release, Michael Jackson gained 40 million Spotify listeners and 748 million additional streams. Here's what the Michael biopic did to one of the biggest catalog in music history.
Eligible fans will have what Spotify describes as 'a reserved window to purchase before tickets are on sale to the general public' Source
Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) just announced a licensing deal that will allow users to prompt the creation of AI-generated remixes and covers for streaming songs. The tool will be a paid add-on for Premium subscribers.
Opening remarks ALEX Good morning everyone, I’m Alex [Norström]. GUSTAV And I’m Gustav [Söderström]. ALEX Whether you’ve been following our journey since the beginning or are taking a fresh look today, thank you for joining us.
The agreements span both recorded music and music publishing, and will see the tool powered by generative AI technology. Source
Most music fans are musically creative. This doesn’t necessarily mean they aspire to be artists or producers, but simply that they are engaged in at least one of the musical creativity behaviours tracked by MIDiA, such as producing music, learning or playing an instrument, writing music,...
Disability rights campaigner Robin Millar reveals he is taking owners of music business he founded to a tribunal The head of one of the UK’s biggest disability charities is planning a legal challenge against the owners of the music business he founded in a dispute over its alleged failure to...
The bill has attracted support from Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, the RIAA, the Recording Academy, and more. Source
Winners of the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards have been announced, including Thom Yorke, George Michael, Sam Fender, Calvin Harris, Rosalia, and more. On Thursday, May 21, the winners of the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards were announced at the annual awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House, London, recognizing...
The first version of the NO FAKES Act “died in committee” after being introduced in the summer of 2024. But a 2026 version has reared its head. Will the new-and-improved version make headway?
Two friends tell the story of their friendship through every generation of K-pop.
Senate & House Reintroduce Bill to Combate AI Deepfakes Creative Communities, AI Developers, Child Safety Groups, Labor Unions, Conservatives & Free Speech Advocates Align on Landmark Protections for Individuals While Enabling Innovation The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA)...
Stability Audio 3.0 small model can run on-device and generate two-minute long tracks.
In Waco, Coweta County, and Box Elder County, residents oppose opaque AI infrastructure projects promising jobs and growth while facing industrial transformation, unclear benefits, and significant public financial burdens, raising concerns about long-term consequences.
Does he know how bad he was? Is he in a bubble, is it the emperor’s new clothes, does he not know how he comes across? In case you missed it, try this: It’s positively sad. Then again, athletes retire, why not musicians? Then again, musicians never retire, they say they do a few times, […]
As of May 13, Meta has announced the rollout of Instants: a new feature for Instagram that doubles as its own app. Instants are quick snapshots that can only be viewed by followers once and disappear after 24 hours. Source
A new UK scheme is encouraging venues to provide accommodation for touring acts. But what if someone hurls a TV through a window? Touring has become increasingly financially precarious for grassroots artists, pinched by issues including the cost of living crisis and increasing fuel costs.
Two weeks ago I introduced Achordion — the web-and-community front door to the open music stack. A week later, the follow-up post was about how Parachord is quietly building a community-owned table of multi-service streaming links every time you play something.
Data center takings may be the new Kelo: public power, tax credits, and utility monopolies used to build private AI infrastructure while homeowners absorb the damage.