Music Business
2026 Music Industry's Top Stories
On the latest episode of On the Record, Billboard reporters gather to discuss the most important developments in 2026 so far and where the industry is going next.
AFEM, YOYAKU, SACEM, CLIP: Understanding the Life of an Electronic Music Release
Designed for artists, labels and music professionals, the session will trace the full lifecycle of an electronic music release.
2026’s Biggest Music Business Stories So Far: Live Nation, AI & Mergers
On the latest episode of On the Record, Billboard reporters gather to discuss the most important developments in 2026 so far and where the industry is going next.
AFEM endorses EMMA-led call for artist consent in AI music deals
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.
Chris Brown ordered to pay $13 million after housekeeper's dog attack lawsuit
Maria Avila was mauled by his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd in December 2020. Jury Says Chris Brown Must Pay $13 Million to Housekeeper Over Dog Attack Eddie Fu
Megan Thee Stallion Enters Fragrance Industry With Hot Girl Summer Perfume ‘That Captures My Essence’
Early access purchases will be available starting in July.
IMPALA publishes new digital music plan, calling for the adoption of provenance labelling and an end to royalty thresholds
Pan-European indie label trade group IMPALA has published a new plan to transform the digital music market, with five headline objectives. Among other things it criticises the controversial payment thresholds introduced by some streaming services and proposes new ‘provenance’ labelling
US Department Of Justice defends its Live Nation settlement, which delivers “real reform today” rather than “waiting years” for “judicial resolution”
The deal agreed between the US Department Of Justice and Live Nation earlier this year, settling the DoJ’s antitrust lawsuit against the live music company, has been heavily criticised. But in new court papers the DoJ defends the deal, saying it will deliver solid live sector reforms much quicker
AFEM Joins Call for Artist Consent in AI Music Deals
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.
Chris Brown to Pay $13 Million Following Dog Attack Lawsuit
Maria Avila was mauled by his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd in December 2020. Chris Brown Ordered to Pay $13 Million in Housekeeper Dog Attack Trial Eddie Fu
Music Industry Headlines of 2026 So Far
We’re halfway through 2026, and the music industry has already had its fair share of headline-making moments. From Spotify’s AI remix plans and Drake’s surprise three-album drop to company mergers and
AFEM and EMMA Advocate for Artist Consent in AI Music Deals
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.
New Law Firm Hewitt Glass Law Established for Arts Industry
Billboard can exclusively reveal the new specialist law firm serving Australasia's music, media and arts industries -- Hewitt Glass Law.
Breaking Wave Group Formed by U.K. Industry Leaders
The new company will operate as a record label, management company, publisher and on special projects.
Drake, AI & The Live Nation Case: Breaking Down Music’s Biggest Stories | Billboard On The Record
We’re halfway through 2026, and the music industry has already had its fair share of headline-making moments. From Spotify’s AI remix plans and Drake’s surprise three-album drop to company mergers and antitrust battles, Billboard‘s business editorial team breaks down the biggest stories shaping the
Firebird Music reveals $750m fund for catalogue acquisitions
Firebird Music Holdings has a new $750m fund for acquiring music catalogues, following its investments in management firms and labels.
U.K. Industry Titans Behind U2 & Ed Sheeran Form Breaking Wave Group
The new company will operate as a record label, management company, publisher and on special projects.
Pandora Cites Horse Racing Ruling in Copyright Case
Pandora and The MLC are locked in a legal dispute over what mechanical royalties the streaming service should pay. Pandora has claimed that The MLC shouldn’t even be allowed to pursue this lawsuit. No
Live Nation Seeks Private Arbitration for Lawsuit
Live Nation has formally responded to the lawsuit filed a former employee who accuses the company of “financial misrepresentation and misleading disclosures”. It says those claims are without merit, b
AFEM Backs Call for Artist Consent in AI Music Deals
AFEM has signed the EMMA-led joint industry statement calling for artists and songwriters to retain meaningful consent, control, transparency and fair compensation in AI music deals.