Music Industry
Siblings Detail Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson Estate
The singer’s “second family” filed the federal lawsuit in February
Record Store Day Sees Record Sales in 2026
Stores from Rough Trade Records in Manhattan to Licorice Pizza in Studio City, Calif., reported big sales in the event's 18th year.
BMG Acquires Concord Music Publishing
The tie-up creates a scaled publisher and catalog company with an estimated $2 billion in revenue that will be majority owned by BMG parent company Bertelsmann.
Michael Stipe Debuts New Solo Song on Colbert
Also discussed on Colbert: R.E.M. reunions, sea shanties, and a tree that sounds like Daft Punk
Primary Wave strikes deal with Harry Chapin estate covering singer-songwriter’s catalog, name, image & likeness rights
Harry Chapin's catalog encompasses 11 albums, 14 singles, and more than 16 million albums sold worldwide. Source
Trueno Signs Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group: ‘His Impact Has Been Undeniable’
The exclusive signing comes on the heels of the Latin Grammy winner releasing his fourth studio album, TURR4ZO.
Billboard Country Live Returning to Nashville With Red Clay Strays & Tucker Wetmore
The two-day country music celebration will take place June 4 & 5, following the Billboard Country Power Players event.
Primary Wave Acquires Stake in Harry Chapin Music Assets
The partnership with the late "Cat's in the Cradle" singer's estate includes publishing, recorded master royalties, and name, image and likeness.
Allison Jones named Executive Vice President of A&R at Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor
Veteran Nashville executive expands long-standing partnership with Borchetta amid the latest phase of Big Machine’s post-acquisition evolution. Source
BMG to Buy Concord in Major Indie Music Merger
The tie-up creates a scaled publisher and catalog company with an estimated $2 billion in revenue that will be majority owned by BMG parent company Bertelsmann.
Music Industry Urges UK Prime Minister to Uphold Ban on Ticket Touts
A government spokesperson told NME that they are still “committed to delivering on these [promises] for the benefit of fans and industry", although it is unclear whether the topic will be addressed in
Michael Stipe Debuts New Solo Song
Also discussed on Colbert: R.E.M. reunions, sea shanties, and a tree that sounds like Daft Punk
Record Store Day 2026 Report: ‘Biggest Year Ever’ for Many Retailers as Taylor Swift, Charli xcx & More Titles Fly Off Shelves
Stores from Rough Trade Records in Manhattan to Licorice Pizza in Studio City, Calif., reported big sales in the event's 18th year.
Stagecoach 2026 Recap: Ludacris, Wynonna Judd, Noah Cyrus & More | All Access
Here’s everything you missed at Stagecoach 2026 including Ludacris discussing the evolving relationship between hip-hop and country music, Wynonna Judd connecting with new audiences while honoring her legacy and more. Ludacris: What’s going on Billboard? This is Ludacris, Stagecoach 2026, I need y’a
“China has a model called technological leapfrogging, where they tend to lag behind in one technological development so they can innovate on the next”: The revolutionary history of Chinese synths
This is the complete history of China’s synthesizer industry, from Cultural Revolution to globalisation
Taylor Swift files trademark applications to protect voice and image
What do Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey have in common, apart from box-office success? Both have trademarked their voice and likeness in an effort to foil future AI deepfakes. McConaughey did it in January with eight trademark applications in the US to – in his words – “create a clear perimeter
Suno recruitment ad points to more music-industry dealmaking
Suno is still battling lawsuits from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group, but the company’s latest recruitment ad points to its desire for more dealmaking with rightsholders. The ad is for a director, business development, music industry partnerships at the AI-music company, complete with a $
"If someone creates an AI-generated version of Taylor in a jumpsuit with a guitar, now Swift has a federal trademark claim": Taylor Swift moves to trademark her voice and likeness in a bid to shake off the bots and protect her big reputation
There will be no unauthorised Life of AI Showgirl, it seems
Music industry pens open letter asking UK Prime Minister not to U-turn on promise to ban ticket touts
A government spokesperson told NME that they are still “committed to delivering on these [promises] for the benefit of fans and industry", although it is unclear whether the topic will be addressed in the King’s Speech The post Music industry pens open letter asking UK Prime Minister not to U-turn o
BMG and Concord reveal plans to merge under BMG name
The recent rumours were right: BMG and Concord are set for a merger to create “the leading independent music company in the world”. The post is from Music Ally.