Music Business Worldwide

The latest music news from Music Business Worldwide, News, jobs and analysis for the global music industry and on artists new releases and where to get new mp3 songs.

1. From UMG’s €1B bond sale to Warner Music’s Sureel AI acquisition… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-up

   The biggest headlines from the past few days...

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2. South Korean prosecutors decline to charge HYBE executives over Min Hee-jin’s criminal complaints (report)

   The complaints stemmed from a statement that HYBE issued in 2024, which alleged that Min had consulted a shaman on matters related to running ADOR.

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3. Francisco Partners exits its minority investment in Muse Group, owner of Audacity, Hal Leonard and Ultimate Guitar

   Muse Group remains majority owned and controlled by founder and CEO Eugeny Naidenov, alongside Mo Chahdi as Executive Chairman and COO.

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4. Napster’s ‘$3bn investor’ charged with fraud as US authorities say the money never existed

   A North Carolina man faces fraud charges for allegedly using a fake banking website and forged records to acquire hundreds of millions of Napster shares.

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5. REPUBLIC Collective strikes joint venture with ZIZA Inc. focused on breaking South Asian artists globally

   The joint venture will prioritize signing and developing artists from the South Asian diaspora

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6. US music publishing revenues hit $7.3B in 2025, NMPA reveals at Annual Meeting honoring P!nk, Julian Bunetta and Harvey Mason jr.

   NMPA Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer Danielle Aguirre said publishing outpaced the growth of recorded music for the fourth year in a row.

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7. ‘There’s nothing wrong with success and chasing your dreams, but don’t forget to bring your true self with you.’

   Philip Lawrence has been Bruno Mars’ key creative partner for over 15 years, co-writing smash-hit singles and landmark albums along the way.

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8. Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge and Jackson Browne to perform at City of Hope’s 2026 Spirit of Life Gala honoring Primary Wave’s Larry Mestel

   Primary Wave Founder & CEO Larry Mestel will be honored for his leadership and commitment to cancer research, with proceeds supporting City of Hope’s immunotherapy and breast cancer programs.

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9. Judge gives Muvox 14 days to serve BMG with patent lawsuit – or the case gets dismissed

   The lawsuit filed in 2024 centers on a patent titled 'Music streaming, playlist creation and streaming architecture.'

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10. RARE Entity, the venture group co-founded by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, takes stake in Simon Cowell-backed livestreaming platform Lounges.tv

    Cowell bought a stake in Lounges.tv in 2023

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