Music Industry
TikTok’s SoundOn is using ACRCloud to crack down on music fraud
An announcement last week by TikTok’s distribution arm SoundOn sounds dry, but it’s part of the bigger debate about distributors’ role in the spread of fake or infringing music on streaming services. SoundOn is now using ACRCloud’s ‘Derivative Works Detection’ tool to identify any copyrighted tracks
Two amicus briefs weigh in for UMG in its battle with Drake
Last week we reported on Universal Music Group’s sharp response to Drake appealing the dismissal of his ‘Not Like Us’ defamation lawsuit against the major label. Now it has some backup. The Floyd Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression at Yale Law School and a group of other social scientists and
US music-market trends in 2025: ‘America streams American…’
Music-industry economist Will Page’s world tour continues: he appeared at the recent Vanderbilt Music Law Summit in Nashville with a presentation on ‘The Global (and American) Value of Music Copyright’. Page shared details of his session with Music Ally, including key data points. ‘America streams A
UMG settles copyright-infringement lawsuit with Believe and TuneCore
While we’re on a ‘majors suing companies’ tip… Universal Music Group locked horns with Believe and TuneCore late in 2024, accusing them of “industrial-scale copyright infringement”. The case focused on “fraudulent ‘artists’ and pirate record labels” who were releasing tracks via Believe and TuneCore
Impala has mixed feelings about WMG’s acquisition of Revelator
We wondered what independent music bodies would make of Warner Music Group’s announcement last week that it is buying B2B firm Revelator, whose services are used by a number of indie artists. Now European body Impala has offered its response, with mixed feelings on what the acquisition represents, a
The Verge criticises Suno’s copyright-infringement guardrails
AI-music firm Suno may have settled the lawsuit filed against it by Warner Music Group, but it remains locked in litigation with the other two majors. Their lawyers will be eagerly reading The Verge’s latest investigation, which claims that the guardrails in the Suno Studio software designed to prev
Pershing Square submits bid to buy UMG in a $63.5bn deal
Yes, you read that right: for once Universal Music Group is part of a corporate-acquisition story as the company that is potentially being acquired. The buyer? Hedge fund Pershing Square, owned by billionaire Bill Ackman. The price? Potentially €55bn ($63.5bn at current exchange rates). That’s accor
RAYE’s ‘THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.’ Makes Top 10 Debut on 4 Billboard Album Charts
Among its arrivals, the set bows at No. 8 on Top Album Sales.
Salim-Sulaiman have crossed 100 performances with TribeVibe
Indian composer duo Salim-Sulaiman, comprising siblings Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, have crossed a milestone 100 performances with TribeVibe, the division of promoter BookMyShow that stages gigs at college campuses across […] The post is from Music Ally.
Music publishers tell judge X’s antitrust lawsuit is ‘retaliation’ against their 2023 copyright lawsuit
The publishers claim X never attempted to secure an individual license and that X cannot cite an example of a music publisher rejecting such a request. Source
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square bids to buy Universal Music Group in $64 billion deal
"UMG's stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business and importantly, all of them can be addressed with this transaction," says Ackman Source
Zakk Wylde on Musical Identity and Black Label Society's Return
The maestro of the pinched harmonic and pentatonic blitzkrieg sits in to talk Engines Of Demolition, Randy Rhoads' greatness, and the origin of his style
Zakk Wylde on Musical Identity and Black Label Society
The maestro of the pinched harmonic and pentatonic blitzkrieg sits in to talk Engines Of Demolition, Randy Rhoads' greatness, and the origin of his style
Offset Stable Following Florida Shooting Incident
The Migos rapper is "stable and being closely monitored," his reps tell Billboard.
Offset Shot & Hospitalized in Florida
The Migos rapper is "stable and being closely monitored," his reps tell Billboard.
Lady Gaga & Doechii Hit the ‘Runway,’ Sabrina Carpenter Gives a ‘House Tour’ & Olivia Rodrigo Enters Her ‘Sad’ Girl Era: This Week in Pop
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about the biggest pop news from some of the biggest women in pop.
Billboard’s Music Industry Events Calendar
A complete rundown of the most important events across the music business.
Lady Gaga & Doechii Hit the ‘Runway,’ Sabrina Carpenter Gives a ‘House Tour’ & Olivia Rodrigo Enters Her ‘Sad’ Girl Era: This Week in Pop
On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about the biggest pop news from some of the biggest women in pop.
BTS and Tame Impala/JENNIE Top Billboard Global Charts
Plus, Tame Impala and JENNIE’s “Dracula” hits the top 10 on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S.
BTS’ ‘Swim’ Spends Second Week at No. 1 on Billboard Global Charts
Plus, Tame Impala and JENNIE’s “Dracula” hits the top 10 on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S.