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. US Recorded Music Revenue Hit $11.54 Billion in 2025 — As Paid Streaming, Vinyl Growth Offset an Ad-Supported Slip, RIAA Data Shows

   Thanks in large part to 7% paid streaming growth, the US music industry generated all-time-high recorded revenue of $11.54 billion during 2025. However, both ad-supported and paid non-Premium streaming slipped. These and other stats come from the RIAA’s newly released 2025 year-end report, which, like the H1 ’25 breakdown, calculated for wholesale revenue as opposed […]

2. Travis Scott, SZA, and Future Are Still On the Hook as ‘Telekinesis’ Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Moves Forward

   The copyright claim against Travis Scott, SZA, and Future over their 2023 track “Telekinesis” will move forward after a judge refused to toss the case. The claims have been substantially trimmed, however. The copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Roc Nation singer-songwriter Victory Boyd and her publishing company against Travis Scott, SZA, Future, Sony Music Entertainment, […]

3. Tidal Offers Direct-to-Fan Downloads with a 90/10 Split—In Direct Competition to Bandcamp

   Tidal adds direct-to-fan album downloads with a 90/10 split, bypassing traditional distributors and putting the platform in direct competition with Bandcamp. Music streaming platform Tidal now allows independent artists to sell digital downloads directly to fans, bypassing the traditional distribution route at a flat 10% fee—and coming directly for Bandcamp’s lunch. Most digital service...

4. Phil Campbell, Superfan-Turned-Motörhead Guitar Legend, Passes Away Aged 64

   Motörhead superfan-turned-guitarist Phil Campbell, who played with the band for over 30 years, has passed away following “a complex major operation.” Phil Campbell, guitarist for British metal band Motörhead for over 30 years, has passed away at age 64. Motörhead, as well as his own band, Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, confirmed the news […]

5. Apple Stages an Alicia Keys Concert in Manhattan for Its 50th Anniversary

   Apple’s Grand Central Terminal store shut down to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a surprise Alicia Keys concert for several YouTubers in attendance. Apple marked the start of its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special Alicia Keys set from the iconic steps at Apple Grand Central in New York City. The company temporarily shuttered the […]

6. More Drama at the Trump Kennedy Center as Richard Grenell Abruptly Steps Down

   Ric Grenell, who oversaw extensive changes at the Kennedy Center that led to many artists walking away, is stepping down as the institution’s president. Ric Grenell, a longtime Trump ally who oversaw many of the extensive changes at the Kennedy Center over the past few months, is stepping down as president at the iconic performing […]

7. The Heat on Wasserman Isn’t Dying Down: LA City Council Approves Resolution to Reconsider Wasserman’s Position on LA28 Olympic Committee

   LA City Council approved a resolution in a 12-0 vote to reconsider Casey Wasserman’s position as chairman of the LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee. The development closely follows a major Wasserman Agency rebrand and decision to sell. On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution in a 12-0 vote to reconsider a resolution […]

8. Suno CEO Backtracks on the ‘People Don’t Enjoy Making Music’ Argument

   Suno CEO Mikey Shulman walks back on his earlier opinion that most people “don’t enjoy” making music: “I really wish I had chosen different words.” Last year, CEO and co-founder of AI music platform Suno, Mikey Shulman, made a comment about musicians that stirred quite a bit of controversy, and he seems to regret that […]

9. Live Nation Goes Into Damage Control Over ‘Robbing Them Blind’ Slack Messages—But Won’t Say Whether Those Employees Still Work at the Company

   Live Nation is doing damage control after the bombshell “robbing them blind” Slack messages dropped this week. But their response raises more questions than it answers. Yesterday, Digital Music News covered a tranche of previously hidden documents revealing Live Nation employees bragging about “gouging” customers and “robbing them blind” with fees for ancillary services. Now, […]

10. Chad Hugo Slaps Pharrell Williams With Expanded Unpaid-Royalties Suit, Demands Credits on Tracks from Tyler the Creator, Latto, and Rosalía

    Less than two months after filing a massive unpaid-royalties lawsuit against Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo has fired off an expanded complaint. Now, The Neptunes co-founder is demanding credits on releases from Tyler the Creator, Latto, and Rosalía. As we broke down closer to 2026’s beginning, Hugo and Williams established The Neptunes nearly 35 years ago, […]

11. Rumblings of an iPod Resurgence—Young Music Listeners Look to Distance Themselves From Streaming

    A growing number of people, especially Gen Z, are looking to move away from streaming services, and Apple’s old iPod devices are having a resurgence. People are buying up Apple’s retired tech like it’s going out of style—again—as an increasing number of music listeners long for a break from streaming services and smartphones. Especially among […]

12. Swifties in Vancouver Are Getting Full Refunds from StubHub After Regulators Step In

    StubHub Canada customers who purchased certain Taylor Swift tickets in Vancouver in December 2024 may be eligible for a full refund. Canada’s Consumer Protection BC (British Columbia) has reached an agreement with StubHub Canada after a consumer complaint and subsequent investigation into the company’s ticket sales practices. This legally enforceable agreement, called an “undertaking,” was...

13. Zebralution Changes Hands Again as Germany’s Bookwire Snags the Distributor

    Frankfurt-based Bookwire acquires 100% of Berlin-based digital distributor Zebralution’s shares from German rights collection society GEMA. On Monday, Frankfurt-based e-book platform Bookwire announced the 100% acquisition of Berlin-based digital distributor Zebralution from German music rights collection society GEMA. The deal comes just two months after GEMA sold Zebralution to New York-based...

14. TikTok Radio Officially Departs SiriusXM, Launches With iHeart: ‘This Station Is Built to Feel Like a Living, Breathing For You Feed’

    TikTok Radio has officially shifted from SiriusXM to iHeartMedia, which has launched the “fast-paced” listening option on its app as well as 28 broadcast stations. “TikTok Radio from iHeart” set sail today, a couple months ahead of the fifth anniversary of SiriusXM’s own TikTok Radio rollout. And while the station’s shift is noteworthy, it’s one […]

15. Netflix Green-Lights a ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Sequel — Folks, This Gravy Train Is Just Getting Started

    Netflix confirms a sequel to its enormously successful animated flick KPop Demon Hunters, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans back as directors. After the worldwide success of its animated film KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix has confirmed a sequel is on the way. Sony Pictures will produce the flick, with Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning […]