Music & Tech
Executive Turntable: Tinashe Manager Simonne Solitro Launches New Company
Also: MusiMap hires former UMG chief technology officer Ty Roberts, Mom+Pop brings on vp of digital marketing Daria Stachera and more.
Universal Music Alleges DistroKid's Valuation Fueled by AI and Copyright Infringement
Universal claims that distributor DistroKid achieved its recent $2 billion valuation by providing a pipeline for AI slop and copyright infringing music, to the detriment of artists and labels. It has
As Some Labels Strike Deals With Suno, Artist Reps Sound Off: ‘It’s the Wild, Wild West’
With Suno unveiling its new v6 music models in partnership with WMG and others, managers and lawyers offer their takes on the rapidly evolving AI music landscape.
As Some Labels Strike Deals With Suno, Artist Reps Sound Off: ‘It’s the Wild, Wild West’
With Suno unveiling its new v6 music models in partnership with WMG and others, managers and lawyers offer their takes on the rapidly evolving AI music landscape.
Universal Music Group Sues DistroKid, Alleging $2 Billion Valuation Fuels AI and Copyright Infringement
Universal claims that distributor DistroKid achieved its recent $2 billion valuation by providing a pipeline for AI slop and copyright infringing music, to the detriment of artists and labels. It has
MAXIMILIAN Keeps House Music on Wax
MAXIMILIAN’s Mikrokosmos EP. 8 is the kind of release that immediately tells you what it cares about. Two tracks, vinyl only, 180g pressing, 45 RPM, no sample packs, no digital shortcuts, and an entire production method built around hardware. In a time when most house records are released into the s
Universal Music Sues DistroKid
Universal claims that distributor DistroKid achieved its recent $2 billion valuation by providing a pipeline for AI slop and copyright infringing music, to the detriment of artists and labels. It has
Universal Alleges DistroKid's Valuation is Tied to Copyright Infringement
Universal claims that distributor DistroKid achieved its recent $2 billion valuation by providing a pipeline for AI slop and copyright infringing music, to the detriment of artists and labels. It has
Universal and Sony Sue Suno Over AI Model Infringement
US copyright law sets damages for willful infringement at up to USD $150,000 per work. At that ceiling, the 60,202 recordings would carry a theoretical maximum of just over $9 billion. Source
Universal and Sony Take Legal Action Against Suno and DistroKid
The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source
UMG & Sony Sue Suno Over AI Music Model
Suno says its new model is a way to "move forward together" with the music business, but UMG and Sony say it's still "trampling" the rights of human artists.
UMG & Sony Hit Suno With New Lawsuit After Label-Backed Model: ‘Fruit of the Same Poisoned Tree’
Suno says its new model is a way to "move forward together" with the music business, but UMG and Sony say it's still "trampling" the rights of human artists.
From Universal suing DistroKid (for the first time) to UMG and Sony suing Suno (again)… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-Up
The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source
Universal and Sony sue Suno for a second time, claiming platform’s v6 models are ‘the fruit of the same poisoned tree’
US copyright law sets damages for willful infringement at up to USD $150,000 per work. At that ceiling, the 60,202 recordings would carry a theoretical maximum of just over $9 billion. Source
Andy Martinez's Viral Cowboy Boots
Andy Martinez invites Billboard into his home studio to talk about the creation of his viral “Andy Boot,” a custom sneaker-cowboy boot hybrid made from Nike Air Force 1s. He explains how his New York
How Andy Martinez Turned Nike Air Force 1s Into Viral Cowboy Boots | Billboard News
Andy Martinez invites Billboard into his home studio to talk about the creation of his viral “Andy Boot,” a custom sneaker-cowboy boot hybrid made from Nike Air Force 1s. He explains how his New York upbringing, love of design and passion for customization shaped his work, and how a simple online po
Universal and Warner tell judge ‘new use’ clause in AFM agreement is “clear and unambiguous” and does not apply to their AI deals
In June the American Federation Of Musicians sued Universal and Warner over their AI deals, insisting the majors should be sharing their AI money with the union’s members under its Sound Recording Labor Agreement. Both sides have made new court filings as the majors try to get the lawsuit dismissed
Advertising campaigns handled by AI are on the rise
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has revised its 2026 U.S. ad spend growth forecast upwards from 9.5% to 12.3%, driven in large part by increased spending through automated, on-platform AI […] The post is from Music Ally.
Neil Young on the creative process of his 50th studio album
“There’s a lot of mistakes – but I know where I’m trying to go”
Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast reveals new book title and cover
The "immersive and deeply personal" memoir is out next spring