Music Business
Sam Smith & Normani Try Again to Dismiss ‘Dancing With a Stranger’ Copyright Lawsuit: ‘Fatal Defect’
The case was revived by an appeals court last year. Now, the musicians say it should be thrown out for a second time.
Analyzing the 12 Top Music Business Stories of 2026 So Far
Billboard rounds up the year's biggest developments to date across all sectors of the industry.
Taylor Swift Copyright Lawsuit Appeal
Kimberly Marasco waited less than 48 hours to launch an appeal prolonging litigation that Taylor's attorneys have called “absurd” and “harassing.”
Jermaine Dupri sues Sony Music over “wilful deceitful actions” that resulted in $18 million in unpaid royalties
Jermaine Dupri has had a 34 year relationship with Sony Music after first partnering with the major back in 1992. But he now reckons that Sony has systematically underreported and underpaid royalties he is due on many of the records he was involved in, so he’s suing for more than $18 million
Taylor Swift Copyright Accuser Immediately Appeals Dismissal of Her Lyrics Theft Lawsuit
Kimberly Marasco waited less than 48 hours to launch an appeal prolonging litigation that Taylor's attorneys have called “absurd” and “harassing.”
Mick Jones Sells Catalog Rights to Primary Wave
The agreement includes Jones' share of the band's publishing and master recordings, along with name, image and likeness rights.
NewJeans face copyright lawsuit from US music publisher over ‘ETA’
All Surface Publishing claims "ETA" copied a combination of musical elements from a dance track released nearly two decades earlier, without a license. Source
Balanka Talks F To This Beat And The History Behind His Club Sound
Balanka (@balankamusic) steps onto Hot Creations with a new two-track EP, marking his first release on Jamie Jones’ long-running label and another clear step in a busy run for the Brazilian DJ and producer. The release follows his recent appearance on OMRI.’s Collecting Dots Records an
Balanka Talks Command Your Soul And The History Behind His Club Sound
Balanka (@balankamusic) returns to OMRI.’s Collecting Dots Records with Command Your Soul, a two-track EP built for the late-night part of the room where tension starts doing most of the work. The Brazilian producer first appeared on the label with Shut Up in 2025, and this follow-up keeps hi
Foreigner’s Mick Jones Strikes Catalog Deal With Primary Wave
The agreement includes Jones' share of the band's publishing and master recordings, along with name, image and likeness rights.
Michael Huppe: EU Move Could Put American Music Royalties at Risk
The following MBW op/ed comes from Michael Huppe, President and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-headquartered SoundExchange. Source
Primary Wave strikes deal with Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones, covering catalog, touring, and name, image & likeness
Primary Wave said its marketing team and publishing infrastructure will support branding, digital, sync and film and television projects for the band. Source
Foreigner’s Mick Jones Strikes Catalog Deal With Primary Wave
The agreement includes Jones' share of the band's publishing and master recordings, along with name, image and likeness rights.
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Sandbox Guides are for music marketers: They explain how you can use new platforms, create new strategies, and build new audiences. The Guides feature cutting-edge case studies, expert interviews, benchmark data, and a series of actionable takeaways, so that you can get started immediately. Publishe
WMG expands ADA including rebrands of African and MENA distros
Warner Music Group’s distribution and label-services division ADA is getting a significant expansion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Suno expands music team with former Atlantic and YouTube execs
Suno may still be locked in litigation with two major labels, but it continues to expand its music team, ahead of its planned launch of a new, licensed AI-music model later this year. Former Atlantic Records marketing executive Grace James has joined as VP and head of artist marketing and editorial,
Primary Wave Closes Kobalt Acquisition, Creating a $7B Indie Powerhouse
The deal, which was first reported in February, includes Kobalt's worldwide operations, catalog and digital collection society AMRA.
"Lately I have felt so disconnected from everything. I have felt in pain a lot and I don't know why": Artists and fans shower Yungblud with love after emotional response to "industry plant" accusations
Thousands of supporters and musicians have responded to a heartfelt speech in which the Doncaster artist opened up about his mental health struggles
Primary Wave Closes Kobalt Acquisition, Creating a $7B Indie Powerhouse
The deal, which was first reported in February, includes Kobalt's worldwide operations, catalog and digital collection society AMRA.
Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def sues Sony Music for $18m over alleged unpaid royalties on Kris Kross, Xscape, Mariah Carey and Usher records
The complaint alleges Sony never reported producer or override royalties on Kris Kross's first two albums until 2023. Source