Digital Music News – studio recording, publishing, streaming, live concerts, talent development

The latest music news from Digital Music News, affecting recording industry, music publishing, mp3 streaming, concert industry, talent development, venture capital, and music technology, with reporting on artists new releases and where to get new mp3 songs.

1. Are Older Artists Pushing Themselves Too Hard? Rod Stewart and Lionel Richie Both Experience Near-Collapses On Stage

   Lionel Richie and Rod Stewart both experienced unsteadiness on stage this week, sparking concerns that older musicians are pushing themselves too hard. Following reports that he was battling a respiratory illness, Rod Stewart had to use an oxygen mask to finish his performance in Utah over the weekend. The 81-year-old legend said he nearly fainted—but […]

2. Bassnectar is Now Plotting a Serious Comeback, with Paula Moore Spearheading the Effort

   Bassnectar is making a comeback in a big way, with Paula Moore’s Greater Music Group signing the EDM legend to a new management deal. Paula Moore, the CEO of Greater Music Group (GMG) has announced a comprehensive business transformation initiative for longtime EDM darling Bassnectar, highlighted by significant growth across the artist’s catalog, merchandise, audience […]

3. Suno Launches ‘Spark’ Artist Incubator Program, Offering Unsigned Acts ‘A Grant to Support Their Creative Process’

   As it grapples with multiple copyright suits – and continued criticism – Suno has launched an artist incubator program called Spark. The AI music platform formally announced Spark today, as it remains embroiled in litigation spearheaded by indie artists, the majors, and others yet. With plenty of capital (like $400 million plenty) in the bank […]

4. Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino Personally Met with Trump Prior to DOJ’s Abrupt Settlement, Legal Disclosures Reveal

   Legal documents reveal that Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino personally met with Trump and other White House officials ahead of the DOJ settlement. Legal documents shared with Digital Music News confirm previous speculation of President Trump’s involvement in talks leading up to the Department of Justice’s abrupt settlement with Live Nation. While the president wasn’t […]

5. HarbourView Snags Plum IP from Max Martin + Shellback Songwriting Duo

   HarbourView Equity Partners announces a strategic partnership with powerhouse songwriting duo Shellback and Max Martin. IP-focused investment firm HarbourView Equity Partners has announced a strategic partnership with Wolf Cousins, the renowned songwriting collective founded by hit-making powerhouse producers and songwriters Shellback and Max Martin. As part of the deal, HarbourView has acquired...

6. Gaming-Focused Licensing Platform Reactional Music Scores $2.8 Million EU Grant, Plots ‘Transition to Large-Scale Commercial Deployment’

   As it eyes a “transition to large-scale commercial deployment,” gaming-focused licensing platform Reactional Music has scored a €2.5 million ($2.8 million) European Innovation Council (EIC) grant. Stockholm-headquartered Reactional, having previously made the EIC’s funding shortlist, just recently confirmed the grant and the expansion plans. On the former front, the EIC also has the option of...

7. Leonard Cohen Estate Strongly Objected to ‘Hallelujah’ Being Performed at Wednesday’s Freedom 250 Celebration — Though It Was a Pretty Good Performance

   The Leonard Cohen Estate objected to Trump using the song “Hallelujah” at the Freedom 250 rally in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday — though the warning was promptly ignored. The Leonard Cohen Estate posted a statement objecting to Donald Trump’s intention to use the song “Hallelujah” at Wednesday night’s Freedom 250 rally in Washington, D.C. The […]

8. NASCAR Inks Major Rolling Stones Collaboration Spanning Merch, Vinyl, and the Drivers Themselves

   NASCAR and The Rolling Stones have announced a bespoke collaboration celebrating two cultural institutions built on performance and life on the road. Today, NASCAR and The Rolling Stones have announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration designed to celebrate two cultural icons built around performance and life on the road. Launching ahead of the July 10 release of […]

9. Core Music Industry Funding More Than Doubled During Q2 2026 — Catalog and AI Raises Topped $3.2 Billion, DMN Pro Data Shows

   Thanks to a handful of massive raises, core music industry funding more than doubled during Q2 2026. Meanwhile, the three-month stretch also brought with it an uptick in seed and pre-seed announcements. As usual, these valuable insights are made possible by DMN Pro’s Music Industry Funding Tracker, which compiles raises from in and around the […]

10. Deezer Leapfrogs Spotify With ‘Remix Lab’—With No AI Use

    Deezer announces the launch of its Remix Lab, which enables fans to remix songs with the full consent of the original artists and rights holders. On Wednesday, Deezer unveiled the launch of its new Remix Lab, allowing fans to remix songs with the full consent of the original artists and rights holders. The music streamer […]

11. Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia Acquires Sound Pollution Songs Catalog

    Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia announces its acquisition of the rights to Sound Pollution Songs’ catalog of approximately 5,000 works. Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia has announced its acquisition of the rights to Sound Pollution Songs’ existing catalog of approximately 5,000 works. The deal represents one of the largest recent catalog sales for a Swedish indie publisher. […]

12. Taylor Swift ‘Life of a Showgirl’ Trademark Lawsuit Resumes With Amended Complaint — Plaintiff Says the Alleged Infringement ‘Has Threatened to Overwhelm’ Her Brand

    Let the Life of a Showgirl trademark battle continue: Taylor Swift is officially facing an amended lawsuit from entertainer Maren Wade, who’s doubling down on far-reaching infringement and brand-confusion allegations. The self-described showgirl Wade (real name Maren Flagg) recently submitted the updated action to a federal court in her native California. Last time around, the […]

13. Lizzo’s Latest Album Tanks With Fewer Than 3 Million First-Week Streams and Under 3,000 Units Sold — What Happened?

    How did Lizzo go from being a top-ranking, ubiquitous artist to shipping bombs like her latest album, Bitch, which failed to sell even 3,000 units in its first week? Lizzo’s latest album, Bitch, is out now via Atlantic/WMG, and it’s a flop. That’s especially clear compared to the former pop darling’s previous efforts when she […]

14. Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean Sued for $1.4 Million in E3 Chophouse Nashville Lawsuit

    Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean are being sued over the unpaid rent of their recently closed restaurant alongside their co-owner, MLB alum Adam LaRoche. Country stars Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean are being sued by GBT Realty Corporation as the owners of E3 Chophouse Nashville, alongside restaurant co-owner and MLB alum Adam LaRoche. The realty […]

15. SZA Slams Suno and ‘Equity Investor’ Diplo, Calls Out ‘Disgusting’ Musicians Using AI Platforms

    After her music was found among AI training datasets, SZA called out artists using AI music generators like Suno and alleged that Diplo has an equity stake in the company. On Saturday, SZA took to her private Instagram to call out artists using AI music generators, specifically Suno. She also alleged that popular producer Diplo […]