News and Trends

A Texas judge found that the plaintiffs sued in the wrong place, and that the plaintiffs didn't have a copyright registered for their song when they filed the case. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/cardi-b-wins-dismissal-of-copyright-lawsuit-over-enough-miami/

The German collection society described the results as "excellent," but total revenues grew less than 1% Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/germanys-gema-distributed-1-3b-to-rightsholders-in-2025-up-1-4-yoy/

With concert revenues up 53% in Q4 2025, a new boy group set for 2026, and plans to ramp up acquisitions, SM Entertainment is betting big on its next chapter. In this exclusive interview, Co-CEOs Daniel Jang and Dmitry YJ Tak take us inside a K-pop powerhouse... Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/we-must-continue-evolving-how-k-pop-is-made1/

Lewis joined Epic Records in 2018 as Executive Vice President, A&R Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ezekiel-lewis-named-chairman-and-ceo-of-epic-records/

The publishers said they acquired Robert Resnik's stake as they seek to ask the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit's January ruling. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/publishers-acquire-stake-in-rock-song-at-center-of-landmark-termination-rights-case-as-they-plan-to-pursue-supreme-court-challenge/

UMG says Drake used AI-generated voices of Snoop Dogg and the late Tupac Shakur “to goad Lamar into responding to his diss tracks. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/umg-fires-back-at-drake-appeal-over-not-like-us-lawsuit-dismissal-3-takeaways-from-response-brief/

UMG's plan to repurchase EUR €500M (USD $575m) worth of its own shares marks the company's first-ever share buyback program Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-announces-e500-million-share-buyback-program/

About two months ago, Russ became the second-highest RIAA-certified independent rapper in history. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/russ-talks-ownership-fan-engagement-and-making-music-every-day-at-sxsw/

A motion for default judgment and an accompanying memorandum of law were filed on March 25. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/record-labels-and-spotify-seek-322m-default-judgment-from-pirate-group-annas-archive/

Elevations span UTA LIVE, Creators, Sports and Filmed Entertainment as agency expands senior leadership ranks Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/united-talent-agency-promotes-seven-execs-to-partner-within-music-division/

CMO becomes first in Hungary to deploy Deezer's AI detection tech. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/deezer-licenses-ai-music-detection-technology-to-hungarian-rights-organization-eji/

The tech giant is likely positioning the technology as a direct competitor to royalty-free production music services like Epidemic Sound. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/watch-out-epidemic-sound-google-launches-lyria-3-pro-ai-model-that-can-generate-3-minute-tracks/

Ko takes on an additional role as Chief Platform Officer, overseeing a newly created unit responsible for Kakao Entertainment's platform services Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/kakao-entertainment-appoints-junghee-ko-as-co-ceo-alongside-joseph-chang-in-leadership-restructure/

BMG says that its underlying recorded music streaming subscription revenue grew by double digits in 2025 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-revenue-dipped-to-e900m-in-2025-but-ebitda-margin-hit-record-32-as-catalog-investment-topped-400m/

The program helped facilitate 15 billion track discoveries, with 515,000 independent artists currently enrolled. That’s up from 450,000 reported a year ago. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tunecore-says-that-tracks-within-its-accelerator-platform-have-generated-50b-streams-since-2023/

The unanimous decision was handed down on Wednesday (March 25). Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/us-supreme-court-sides-with-cox-communications-in-landmark-music-piracy-case-brought-by-record-labels/

Invitation-only music rights platform names specialist division as it renovates after six years and $50M+ in deals. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/with-50m-in-music-rights-deals-to-date-larrosas-musictraders-builds-out-new-ma-team-targeting-latam-and-emerging-market-catalogs/

The deal names Pacific Music as exclusive Asia manager and worldwide label for the AI project that confirmed its Filipino heritage. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/timbalands-ai-artist-tata-taktumi-signs-with-ne-yos-pacific-music-group/

When a user plays a song, they can pull up the artist, see upcoming dates nearby, and buy a ticket without switching apps. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/apple-music-now-surfaces-concert-listings-and-ticket-links-via-bandsintown-and-ticketmaster-deals/

Firebird has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based artist management company Goodlife Management, the home of Fred again.., The Blessed Madonna, Ki/Ki, and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, among others. MBW understands that Firebird has acquired a majority stake in the company. The deal brings Goodlife founders Oliver Sasse, Lucy Sasse, Ellie Shaw, and David Watters — … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/firebird-acquires-stake-in-fred-again-management-company-goodlife1/

Janus Barnewitz succeeds Henrik Daldorph, who is leaving the company after serving 20 years leading Sony Music Denmark. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-acquires-nordic-dance-label-one-seven-music-taps-co-founder-janus-barnewitz-as-new-md-of-sony-music-denmark/

The figures mark a tenth consecutive year of growth for the world's sixth-largest recorded music market. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/frances-recorded-music-revenues-hit-1-21bn-in-2025-up-3-9-yoy-subscription-streaming-revenues-grew-5-9-yoy/

ElevenLabs says that 14m+ 'studio-grade tracks have been created' since the launch of its Eleven Music AI music generator last year Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/having-paid-11m-to-voice-creators-to-date-elevenlabs-launches-music-marketplace-to-let-its-users-monetize-their-ai-generated-tracks/

Kobalt to continue standalone operations under current management Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/confirmed-primary-wave-music-to-acquire-kobalt-from-francisco-partners/

All 14 tracks from the album also occupied spots on the Spotify Global Top 50, with the lead single SWIM, debuting at No. 1. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bts-smash-k-pop-records-with-new-album-arirang-but-hybe-shares-drop-after-comeback-concert-draws-smaller-crowd-than-expected/

The verdict capped a legal fight that began in 2020 when Pat Corcoran sued Chance the Rapper alleging unpaid commissions. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/chance-the-rapper-beats-pat-the-managers-3-8m-lawsuit-but-wins-just-35-in-countersuit/

The streamer will develop "documentary series and films exploring the lives, music and legacies" of WMG's roster. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/warner-music-group-inks-exclusive-netflix-deal-to-make-artist-and-songwriter-documentaries/

The global music industry just crossed a symbolic threshold. Worldwide recorded music revenues reached USD $31.7 billion in 2025, surpassing $30 billion for the first time and marking the industry’s eleventh consecutive year of growth. That figure, revealed within the IFPI’s Global Music Report 2026, is more than double the industry’s nadir of $13.1 billion … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/as-recorded-music-revenues-hit-31-7b-globally-ifpi-ceo-victoria-oakley-explains-the-opportunities-and-the-threats-ahead/

Deal with BMG also covers the late superstar's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tina-turner-music-interests-acquired-by-pophouse-in-strategic-transaction-with-bmg/

Company recently disclosed that it was receiving approximately 60,000 fully AI-generated tracks per day — around 39% of all daily deliveries Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/deezer-posts-first-ever-annual-profit-despite-total-subscriber-base-declining-in-2025/

Deal includes the singer's 17 studio albums, eight live albums and more than 50 singles, including Santa Baby. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/primary-wave-partners-with-estate-of-eartha-kitt-acquiring-music-catalog-and-name-likeness-rights/

BMG Rights Management has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Anthropic, the AI giant behind the Claude AI chatbot. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-sues-anthropic-alleging-ai-giants-380b-valuation-was-built-on-stolen-copyrighted-works/

IFPI has published its new 'Global Music Report 2026' showing that global recorded music revenues grew by 6.4% YoY in 2025 Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/global-recorded-music-revenues-hit-31-7bn-in-2025-up-6-4-yoy-users-of-paid-music-subscriptions-reach-837m/

The product is aimed at music producers who can treat technology like an “active collaborator." Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/instrument-maker-roland-launches-ai-melody-generator-powered-by-research-from-sony-computer-science-laboratories/

The agreement takes effect once Mars completes his existing arrangement with BMG/Warner Chappell. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bruno-mars-signs-global-publishing-administration-deal-with-avex-music-group/

Alibaba's live entertainment arm is making its first move into international ticketing, landing a primary ticketing role for a concert in Malaysia. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/alibaba-wants-to-be-a-global-ticketing-player-starting-with-malaysia-tour-stop-for-chinese-rap-superstar-gai/

Executive joins from Columbia Records and will work across marketing campaigns for artists including Ayra Starr, DJ Khaled, and John Legend. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/toure-shiver-named-vp-marketing-strategy-at-republic-records/

Segments include a weekly countdown of TikTok's 10 biggest songs, trending topics, new music highlights on Friday, and more. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tiktok-radio-launches-on-iheartradio-as-tiktok-ends-siriusxm-partnership/

Too Lost will use funds to expand tech, invest in artist advances, and execute catalog acquisitions Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/too-lost-strikes-nine-figure-investment-round-led-by-goldstate-and-ta-associates/

The biggest headlines from the past few days... Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-chance-the-rappers-courtroom-revelations-to-live-nations-doj-settlement-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/

Investment firm acquires recorded music, publishing, and ancillary rights from the estate of the legendary producer. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/quincy-jones-estate-sells-catalog-and-ancillary-rights-to-harbourview/

The Warner Music Group chief will be recognised with The Paley Honors Award at the May 14 event. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/robert-kyncl-to-receive-paley-centers-highest-honor-at-2026-spring-gala-in-new-york/

Judge says defendants came "nowhere near" proving key claims invalid. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/travis-scott-sza-and-futures-telekinesis-copyright-lawsuit-trimmed-but-survives-bid-for-dismissal/

The deal covers the ownership of US publishing rights and a participation in publishing income of the band’s catalog globally. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-acquires-publishing-and-recording-catalog-of-uk-new-wave-band-a-flock-of-seagulls/

Agreement comprises a $1.295B term loan, the proceeds of which will be used to pay off WMG's existing term loan debt and related fees, and a $350M revolving credit facility Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/warner-music-group-signs-new-1-645bn-credit-agreement-with-jpmorgan-refinancing-existing-debt/

The civil trial between Chancelor Bennett (Chance the Rapper) and his former manager Patrick Corcoran is now well underway in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois — a case MBW has been covering since 2020. At the heart of the dispute is an oral agreement that Corcoran says he struck with Bennett in 2013, … Continued Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/chance-the-rapper-vs-pat-the-manager-trial-seven-revelations-from-the-first-week-of-testimony/

The companies are also rolling out 'Listening Party,’ allowing fans to hear songs from an artist in real time and interact with each other. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/apple-music-lands-exclusive-tiktok-partnership-to-bring-full-song-streaming-into-social-app/

The former Sony Music India and ByteDance veteran will exit on April 30. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hari-nair-to-exit-as-ceo-of-indias-tips-music/

The renewed agreement keeps WCM as the global representative for Stromae's catalog. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/stromaes-mosaert-label-renews-global-deal-with-warner-chappell-music/

TikTok will implement "security gateways and privacy-enhancing technologies" in Canada under the new terms. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tiktok-avoids-shutdown-in-canada-after-security-review/

Lilly Raye Music founder will be based in Stockholm and work across Warner Chappell’s international songwriting network and its A&R strategy. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/edward-matthew-named-vp-international-ar-and-head-of-creative-for-scandinavia-at-warner-chappell/

Sheeran's legal team argues the copyright registration underpinning the case was never valid. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ed-sheerans-lawyers-push-to-end-remaining-thinking-out-loud-copyright-case/

HYBE will produce original podcast content through its in-house studio, with the first show launching later this month. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybe-and-spotify-team-up-on-k-pop-video-podcasts/

Politico report was published Monday (March 9), citing three people familiar with the matter. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/live-nation-reaches-settlement-with-doj-in-antitrust-battle-politico-reports/

The song in question has amassed over 115 million Spotify streams. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/suicideboys-sued-in-the-uk-by-rough-trade-and-beggars-music-over-alleged-unauthorized-sample-report/

MBW listened in to UMG's latest earnings call. Here's what we learned. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sir-lucian-grainge-talks-ai-strategy-downtown-d2c-superfans-and-more-on-umgs-q4-earnings-call/

PRS represents the rights of more than 180,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/andrea-czapary-martin-to-exit-as-ceo-of-the-uks-prs-for-music-at-the-end-of-2026/

Fix the Tix also pushes for disclosure of the base ticket price, and a prohibition on speculative ticketing. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/music-industry-groups-push-senate-to-tighten-ticket-act-cap-resale-fees-at-10/

London-based 7Wallace has worked with artists across hip-hop, soul, electronic, and alternative music Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/idris-elba-owned-indie-label-7wallace-strikes-strategic-partnership-with-nas-mass-appeal-records/

Nashville-based executive expands oversight of digital licensing and royalty tracking operations as publisher continues broader leadership reshuffle. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/michael-riggs-promoted-to-svp-licensing-income-tracking-at-sony-music-publishing/

The company remains majority-owned by its founders, with institutional investors Ares Management, 2 Mile, and Flexpoint Ford each holding minority stakes. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/create-music-group-at-2-2-billion-valuation-completes-450-million-fundraise/

The committee pushed for the prohibition of unauthorized AI training without creator consent, and transparency in the AI creation process. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/south-koreas-music-rights-groups-form-coalition-to-confront-ai-copyright-crisis/

The group claims Sony has been using the wrong royalty formula for their streams. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-sued-by-lit-the-band-behind-pop-punk-hit-my-own-worst-enemy-over-alleged-unpaid-streaming-royalties/

Warner said it will work closely with MAINSTREAM and its roster on talent development, music production, and promotion to help grow its artists’ global careers Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/warner-music-group-strikes-deal-with-south-koreas-mainstream-the-management-firm-behind-superstar-lee-young-ji/

Here are three things to know as the trial gets underway. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/live-nation-antitrust-trial-3-things-to-know-as-landmark-case-kicks-off-in-new-york-court/

HYBE posted the deposit as part of its request for a stay of enforcement to delay payment until the ruling is finalized, Korea JoongAng Daily reported. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybe-posts-20m-court-deposit-to-delay-min-hee-jin-payment-as-ex-ador-ceo-offers-settlement-report/

Symphonic promotes Guji Lorenzana, expands APAC team, and announces new Asia signings Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/guji-lorenzana-promoted-to-director-ar-and-client-development-apac-at-symphonic-distribution/

AI-generated tracks that appear to have been uploaded fraudulently will be removed from Qobuz. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/high-res-music-service-qobuz-joins-frances-deezer-in-flagging-ai-generated-tracks-on-its-platform/

MBW founder, Tim Ingham, on Suno, streaming fraud statistics, Fortnite, funerals, red lights, and sad eyes. Source source https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/an-open-letter-to-sunos-mikey-shulman/