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. Google Moves to Dismiss Artists’ AI Lawsuit, Says They Consented ‘To the Use of Their Recordings’ When Uploading to YouTube

   Do YouTube’s terms of service grant Google “a broad license” to train AI on uploaded music? The tech giant believes so, and it’s doubling down on the position as it aggressively pushes to dismiss an artist-led copyright lawsuit. That class action suit set sail in March and counts as plaintiffs the same individuals (including members of […]

2. Former DOJ Attorneys Express Outrage Over Live Nation Settlement

   Two former antitrust attorneys at the DOJ had strong words for the department and its abrupt settlement with Live Nation just a week into the trial. Two former antitrust attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice—both of whom were central to its case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster—have expressed outrage at the department over its […]

3. Donna Summer Estate Taps Primary Wave to Manage the Late Superstar’s Catalog, With a Share of NIL Rights

   Primary Wave Music partners with the estate of Donna Summer to manage the iconic singer’s catalog and branding, including name, image, and likeness. Primary Wave Music, a leading independent publisher, has announced its partnership with the estate of the legendary Donna Summer. Summer’s estate will work alongside Primary Wave on her award-winning music catalog and […]

4. Wu-Tang Clan Tipped to Play NBA Finals Game 4 Halftime Show at MSG

   Wu-Tang Clan will reportedly be performing during Wednesday’s NBA Finals Game 4 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Wu-Tang Clan is set to perform during Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden tonight (June 10). […]

5. Who Will Lead Hip-Hop Next? Gen Z Listening Data Points to Rage Rap and Phonk

   As mainstream rap shows signs of slowing, the search for hip-hop’s next leaders has intensified. The answer may not come from where the industry has typically looked. This article was written by Harry Levin in collaboration with How Music Charts. Music Trends on Digital Music News is powered by Chartmetric. If one were to survey […]

6. ‘Michael’ Crosses $900 Million Worldwide; Film Is Quickly Closing In On ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for All-Time Biggest Musical Biopic

   Michael is not only Lionsgate’s highest-grossing movie in history, but is now just $11 million shy of surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody as the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time. The record-smashing Michael Jackson biopic Michael just crossed another threshold with $900 million at the worldwide box office. That places the film at just $11 million behind […]

7. Secretly, Qobuz, True Panther, Geese Rack It Up at A2IM’s Libera Awards

   Secretly earns 11 wins while Qobuz, True Panther Records, and rock band Geese also clean up at A2IM’s Libera Awards 2026. Secretly and its artists, labels, affiliate companies, and distributed label partners earned 11 wins at the 2026 Libera Awards. Heading into the night with nominations across 27 different categories, the scope of recognition reflects […]

8. Warner Music Acquires AI Attribution and Monetization Platform Sureel, Says the Deal Will Ensure ‘That the Creative Community Remains in Control of Its Intellectual Property’

   After inking licensing deals with Udio and Suno, Warner Music Group (WMG) has set its sights on optimizing AI attribution with the acquisition of Sureel. WMG formally disclosed the Sureel purchase this morning – albeit without shedding light on the hard numbers behind the transaction. Founded in 2022 by former Snowcrash CTO Tamay Aykut, Palo […]

9. GMR Saddles Music Choice With $14 Million Lawsuit Over ‘Willful Copyright Infringement’

   Global Music Rights is suing Music Choice over “willful copyright infringement” for continuing to play its catalog after its licensing expired. U.S.-based performance rights organization Global Music Rights (GMR) has filed a lawsuit against Music Choice for “repeatedly and willfully infringing upon nearly 100 GMR-licensed songs.” The infringement allegedly began after Music Choice’s licensing...

10. Sony Music Applies More Pressure on Udio to Reveal Its ‘Training Number,’ Says the Total Demonstrates a ‘Sweeping Disregard for Copyright Ownership’

    Udio is facing continued pressure from Sony Music to publicly disclose its “training number,” which the major label maintains “provides necessary context” about the AI platform’s alleged use of protected recordings. Sony Music, the lone major still litigating against Udio, pinpointed that figure – referring to the total number of tracks allegedly ingested to train […]

11. The Average On-Demand Streaming User Spends $434 Per Year on Recorded Music in the U.S., Up 27% from 2020, DIMA Report Finds

    The average stateside streaming user now spends $434 on recorded music annually – up nearly 30% from 2020, according to a new study. But amid a well-documented subscriber plateau in established markets, what’s the best way to drive additional growth? Those figures come from the Digital Media Association’s (DIMA’s) 2026 annual report, which doubles as […]

12. M&G-Backed Seeker Music Taps UMG’s Virgin to Amplify Its $400M Catalog

    Seeker Music Group, backed by M&G, has announced a global distribution partnership with Virgin Music Group, building on years of collaboration to expand its $400 million catalog. Seeker Music Group, led by creative executive and songwriter Evan Bogart and with backing from M&G, has announced a global distribution partnership with Virgin Music Group. The deal […]

13. Are the Right Songs Getting Tracked? MVT and Audoo Challenge PRS Proxies With Real-Time Tracking In Over 120 UK Venues

    Music Venue Trust and Audoo announce a partnership aimed at uncovering how music played in grassroots venues is represented in royalty distribution. On Tuesday, the Music Venue Trust (MVT) and Audoo announced a new partnership aimed at uncovering how music played in grassroots music venues is represented within performance royalty distribution administered by PRS for […]

14. ASCAP Litigates Against Four US-Based Radio Groups for ‘Prolonged Unauthorized Use of Members’ Music’

    Four US-based radio groups operating a total of 15 stations have been accused of broadcasting ASCAP members’ music without payment or license. Four radio groups located in South Dakota, Indiana, Mississippi, and New Hampshire have been accused of repeatedly refusing to renew their licenses to play music by members of the American Society of Composers, […]

15. Universal Music Confirms Nearly $1.2 Billion Euronext Bond Offering, Scheduled June 16th Close

    Universal Music Group (UMG) has officially confirmed plans to sell €1 billion (currently $1.2 billion) worth of bonds. Meanwhile, the major’s share price is once again sagging – to the tune of a 36% falloff during the past year. UMG disclosed the offering today, pointing in part to a €500 million ($578 million) collection of […]