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. SoundCloud and Twitch Team Up for DJ Performance Series ‘SoundCloud Sessions’

   SoundCloud and Twitch announce the launch of SoundCloud Sessions, a collaborative effort enabling DJs to reach new audiences across both platforms. This week, Twitch and SoundCloud announced the launch of SoundCloud Sessions, a collaborative partnership focused on helping DJs reach new audiences and increase their visibility across both platforms. The performance series aims to combine […]

2. HBO Tees Up 8-Part Jay-Z Documentary Series with Rick Rubin Producing

   Jay-Z will be featured in an eight-part documentary series on HBO, directed by storied producer and Def Jam Recordings co-founder Rick Rubin. On Thursday, HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery announced an upcoming eight-part documentary series interviewing legendary rapper and mogul Jay-Z. The series, Jay-Z in 8, will be directed by producer and Def Jam Recordings […]

3. English-Language Tracks Account for 86% of U.S. On-Demand Streams — But the Share Is ‘Eroding,’ Report Claims

   English-language tracks now account for an even 86% of on-demand streams in the States – a share that’s said to be “steadily eroding” amid the continued rise of Latin, K-pop, and more. Both the percentage and the “steadily eroding” assessment come from Luminate, which framed the data as indicative of “how the U.S. music streaming […]

4. San Antonio Amends Kanye’s Contract to Ensure He Does Not Sing About Hitler or Sell Swastika Merch

   San Antonio city staff have been directed by the mayor to amend Kanye’s contract so he agrees not to perform songs about Hitler or sell swastika merch. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has announced that she has directed city officials to amend Kanye West’s contract so that he refrains from performing his song “Heil […]

5. ‘Michael’ Box Office Gross Now Surpasses Two Lord of the Rings Movies

   As the Michael Jackson biopic inches closer to $1 billion, the film surpasses two Lord of the Rings films in its box office gross. Michael continues to grow larger than life, much like the career of the man on which it is based. Now, the biopic is fast approaching $1 billion, and it’s achieved yet […]

6. Pandora Doubles Down on Push to Invalidate the MLC’s ‘Asserted Authority to Prosecute’ Royalty Disputes

   Pandora is doubling down on its aggressive push to effectively invalidate the MLC’s ability to sue – this time by citing a new appellate court decision. Meanwhile, the MLC is firing back against the argument. Those developments surfaced in a pair of filings, the newer of which, containing the MLC’s retort, having been submitted yesterday. […]

7. 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 […]

8. Bassnectar is Now Plotting a Serious Comeback, Spearheaded by the Person Who First Signed Him In 2005

   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 […]

9. 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 […]

10. 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 […]

11. 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...

12. 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...

13. 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 […]

14. 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 […]

15. 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 […]