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. Joe Aboud on the Future of Digital Music Promotions: Why Artists Must Own Their Fanbase

   After years leading marketing for major labels and shaping the careers of platinum-selling artists, Joe Aboud saw a shift happening in digital music promotions—one that called for a different approach. The days of relying solely on streaming playlists and viral moments were giving way to a new reality: artists needed to take control of their […]

2. Latest Music Industry Hires: ERA, ASM Global, Prescription Songs, Wasserman Music, More

   Here’s a recap of recent music industry hires and in-house promotions as of March 28th, 2025. If you have a job shuffle to share, we’re all ears. Send us a note to news@digitalmusicnews.com. If you’d like to post a job on our Job Board, just send us a request to noah@digitalmusicnews.com. And, keep track of all the […]

3. The Indian Music Market’s Digital Revenue Slipped 11% in 2024 Despite Paid Streaming Growth, Report Shows

   Amid a major paid streaming push, the Indian music market more than doubled its subscription revenue during 2024, per a new report. However, decreases also hit total on-demand listeners and digital revenue. These and other insights come from a new EY India and FICCI report. Spanning roughly 300 pages, the all-encompassing breakdown covers multiple sides […]

4. Spotify Partner Program Expanded to Nine New Countries

   Spotify is expanding its partner monetization program for creators to nine new markets, starting on April 29. These include France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. First launched in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in January, the Spotify Partner Program (SPP) grew payouts to creators by over 300% since last […]

5. CTS Eventim Confirms Record 2024 Revenue As Online Ticket Sales Top 100 Million, Anticipates ‘Moderate’ 2025 Growth

   After reporting all-time-high revenue for 2024’s first nine months, CTS Eventim has confirmed record full-year financials. The Bremen-based events giant just recently released its earnings report for 2024, when revenue spiked 19.1% YoY to $3.04 billion (€2.81 billion). Among other things – and following a number of acquisitions – that’s nearly double pre-pandemic 2019’s $1.56 […]

6. Ambient Music Is Getting Directly Embedded Into iPhones via the iOS 18.4 Update — No Apple Music Subscription Required

   An upcoming iOS 18.4 update directly adds an Ambient Music feature to the iPhone Control Center. But how will this work, exactly? The new iOS update is currently in beta, due to be released to the general public sometime next week. As a result, the new Ambient Music feature is not widely available yet. But […]

7. Mumford & Sons Announce North American Tour, UK Tour Sold Out

   Mumford & Sons have revealed a 32-date stadium tour in North America in support of their fifth album, RUSHMERE. Dates for their UK tour are already sold out. The album is named after the spot where Mumford & Sons first met in Wimbledon. The new album marks the beginning of Mumford & Sons’ next phase, […]

8. Dua Lipa Beats Years-Old ‘Levitating’ Infringement Suit — Judge Says Certain Musical Elements ‘Cannot Possibly Be Protectable’

   A federal judge has put an end to a long-running copyright case against Dua Lipa, finding that she didn’t infringe on a pair of decades-old tracks to create “Levitating.” Judge Katherine Failla closed the suit today by granting Dua Lipa’s motion for summary judgement. We’ve covered the copyright confrontation since it kicked off in early […]

9. YouTube Shorts Changes the Way It Counts ‘Views’ — But No Changes to Monetization

   YouTube Shorts will change the way it counts ‘views’ to match industry standards starting March 31. This change will have no impact on monetization. Beginning on March 31, YouTube will change how it counts views on Shorts to align with industry standards. Currently, YouTube only registers a view after a Short has been watched for […]

10. Lady Gaga Sued by Surf Company Over ‘Near Identical’ Mayhem Logo

    Surf brand Lost International sues Lady Gaga for using a logo on her new Mayhem merch they say is ‘near identical’ to their trademark. Lady Gaga is being sued by a California surf company that claims she infringed on their trademark with the Mayhem logos featured on her newest merch. The company filed a complaint […]

11. Another Hit, Another Writ — Tyla and Her Producer Sued Over Smash ‘Water’

    Tyla and producer Sammy Soso are being sued in California over the former’s hit single, “Water.” Sony Music is also listed as a co-defendant. South African superstar Tyla and producer Sammy Soso are facing a lawsuit in California over her Grammy-winning hit, “Water.” The lawsuit was filed by Olmo Zucca and Jackson LoMastro, who claim […]

12. Kanye’s Been Sued at Least 14 Times for Using Samples Without Permission — Here’s a Rundown of Ye’s Self-Inflicted Legal Blues

    Kanye West is no stranger to sampling songs for his music—but his antisemitic behavior has resulted in more pushback over the years. He’s a prolific unlicensed sampler, resulting in at least 14 cases being filed against him. Here’s a peek at some of the legal action surrounding Ye’s ‘sample first, get permission later’ attitude. Several […]

13. GetReal Security — $17.5 Million Funding Raise for Detecting Deepfakes

    GetReal Security, a cybersecurity firm specializing in the mitigation of malicious generative AI threats—including deepfakes and impersonation attacks—has raised $17.5 million in Series A funding. The funding round was led by AI investment firm Forgepoint Capital, with participation from Ballistic Ventures, Evolution Equity, and K2 Access Fund. Strategic investors include In-Q-Tel, Cisco...

14. Drake Prepares Updated Universal Music Lawsuit — Both Sides Say ‘Settlement Discussions Would Not Be Productive’

    Let the Drake v. Universal Music Group (UMG) showdown continue: The rapper and his team are preparing to submit an amended lawsuit against the major label. Drake and his counsel told the court as much in a brief notice yesterday. As we reiterated last week, when breaking down the parties’ intensifying discovery confrontation, Universal Music […]

15. Sony Music Publishing Inks Global Deal with Producer MTech — Most Recently Produced Multiple Tracks on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’

    Sony Music Publishing announces the signing of acclaimed producer MTech, in partnership with producer Sounwave, to a global publishing deal, covering his catalog and future songs. MTech, whose real name is Matthew Bernard, has quickly established himself as a dynamic creative force, working alongside some of the biggest names in music today across various genres. […]