Music Industry
“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.
Spotify's Q1 Performance: MAUs Increase, Ad Revenue Declines
The streaming giant reported first quarter revenue grew by 8%, meeting guidance, despite a 5% decline in ad-supported account revenue, as the total MAUs topped 760 million.
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
BMG and Concord confirm merger, with Bertelsmann as majority-owner; Bob Valentine named CEO of combined company
The combined company will be owned approximately 67% by Bertelsmann, and 33% by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners, a long-time investor in Concord Source
Spotify added 10m users and 3m subscribers in Q1 2026
Spotify has published its latest quarterly financial results, revealing that it ended Q1 2026 with 761 million monthly active users. The post is from Music Ally.
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and likeness amid crackdown on AI deepfakes
The applications include recordings of Swift saying, 'Hey, it's Taylor,' and 'Hey, it's Taylor Swift,' as well as an image showing her holding a pink guitar on stage. Source
Spotify’s 10 Million New Monthly Users Drive Double-Digit Growth in Ad-Supported Revenue
The streaming giant reported first quarter revenue grew by 8%, meeting guidance, despite a 5% decline in ad-supported account revenue, as the total MAUs topped 760 million.
Publishing update: Market shares, Avex fund, Mothership, Chord…
What was the story of music publishing in 2025 as seen through the lens of market share? According to Music & Copyright’s annual research, it was another year of a widening gap between the top two publishers. But only a slight one. Sony Music Publishing’s share of the market grew from 25.2% to 25.9%
Michael Stipe Shares New Solo Song and Discusses Influences
Also discussed on Colbert: R.E.M. reunions, sea shanties, and a tree that sounds like Daft Punk
HYBE’s Taeho Park on expanding the superfan market via ‘transmedia’ content – and why the firm’s NEB unit is its ‘future business frontier’
MBW's World Leaders series meets Taeho Park, who leads the NEXT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS (NEB) and Data Strategy Center units at Korean entertainment giant HYBE, the home of BTS Source
Taylor Swift seeks trademark for voice and image amid AI deepfake concerns
The mega-popstar has been the target of several AI deepfakes over the years
Watch Michael Stipe Debut New Solo Song
Also discussed on Colbert: R.E.M. reunions, sea shanties, and a tree that sounds like Daft Punk
Taylor Swift files to trademark voice and image after AI concerns
The mega-popstar has been the target of several AI deepfakes over the years
Unison's Approach to Digital Music Publishing Rights Management
In this Member Feature, we speak with David Serras Pereira, Licensing and International Manager at Unison about how they've built an independent, multi-territorial publishing rights management platfor
AFEM to Engage in Activities at Miami Music Week 2026
As Miami Music Week (MMW) returns, AFEM will be on the ground supporting a programme of gatherings that connect our global community.