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. David Byrne Declined an $80M Offer for a Talking Heads Reunion

   Live Nation offered David Byrne $80 million for a Talking Heads reunion in 2024. He turned them down. Talking Heads have been having an interesting resurgence thanks to younger generations discovering them on TikTok; their timeless classic “This Must Be the Place” has become the quintessential “ultimate comfort track” for road trip footage, aesthetic bedroom […]

2. As Robert Kyncl Embraces AI, South Korea’s Music Industry ‘Declares War’ — New Organization Aims to Tackle the Technology’s ‘Unprecedented Disruption’

   Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl is lauding artificial intelligence’s perceived ability to unlock value. But the technology is eliciting a far different response in South Korea, where industry orgs are coordinating to address the “unprecedented disruption” ushered in by gen AI. Technically, the group behind the initiative, the K-Music Rights Organizations Mutual Growth Committee, formally […]

3. Spotify Tees Up a Splashy SXSW Shindig—And ‘You Oughta Know’ the Marquee Performer

   Spotify celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a birthday bash at SXSW featuring Alanis Morissette, Ella Langley, and St. Vincent. Spotify turns 20 in April, and to celebrate, the Stockholm streaming giant is holding an event at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, featuring headliner Alanis Morissette. Other performances include Ella Langley, St. Vincent, […]

4. Music Industry Coalition Urges Senate Committee to Strengthen Ticketing Reform Bill

   A national alliance of independent music and live entertainment industry figures sent a letter to the Senate urging improvements to the TICKET Act. The Fix the Tix Coalition, a national alliance of music and live event organizations led by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on […]

5. Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The Strokes, The xx, Baby Keem Lead 2026 Outside Lands Lineup

   Outside Lands reveals its 2026 lineup, featuring Charli xcx, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The Strokes, The xx, Baby Keem, Subtronics, GloRilla, Ethel Cain, and more. Now in its 18th year, Outside Lands is returning to celebrate the finest music, food, wine, beer, cocktails, art, and cannabis in Golden Gate Park on August 7, 8, and 9. […]

6. Who Are the Biggest Music Pirates in the Land? United States Trade Representative Releases Latest ‘Notorious Markets Report’

   The United States Trade Representative releases its annual Notorious Markets Report, identifying markets in which widespread piracy is taking place. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its annual Notorious Markets Report, revealing digital and physical markets where widespread copyright piracy is taking place, and identifying the biggest offenders. “With the United States...

7. Create Music Group Scores $450 Million Raise at $2.2 Billion Valuation

   Three months after launching a half-billion-dollar fund, Create Music Group has officially wrapped a $450 million raise secured at a $2.2 billion valuation. 11-year-old Create formally disclosed that funding blast this morning, 21 months removed from a $165 million strategic round. More recently, besides the mentioned catalog fund, Create earlier in February powered a $300 […]

8. Another Big AI Music Hire: Charlie Puth Named Chief Music Officer at AI Music Platform Moises

   Charlie Puth joins AI music platform Moises as Chief Music Officer to develop AI tools aimed at amplifying artists’ creativity. Music creation software Moises has announced that musician Charlie Puth has joined the company as its Chief Music Officer. In this role, Puth will help guide Moises’ creative and product direction, bringing the perspective of […]

9. USA v. Live Nation Day One Is a Wrap — Opening Arguments Explore the Promoter’s Alleged ‘Gouging,’ Michael Rapino’s Alleged ‘Threats,’ and the Eras Tour Ticketing Fiasco

   Day one of the high-stakes USA v. Live Nation trial is in the books, and following opening arguments, “logistical issues” delayed an initial witness testimony until tomorrow. Meanwhile, the promoter has fired off fresh motions in an attempt to exclude artist-compensation evidence. As we previously broke down, Live Nation’s prior set of motions – including […]

10. Supreme Court Declines to Review a Monumental AI Copyright Decision — Leaving the ‘Human Authorship’ Standard In Place

    The Supreme Court has opted against hearing a case concerning an attempt to copyright AI-generated artwork – thereby leaving in place an appellate court’s determination that the Copyright Act “requires all eligible work to be authored in the first instance by a human being.” That cert rejection surfaced (along with a number of others) in […]

11. Pipeline Officially Acquires Clarty, Says It’s Transformed ‘Into a Data-Driven, End-to-End Music Asset Financing Platform’

    B2B advance specialist Pipeline is putting its $200 million war chest to good use, as it’s officially acquired catalog appraiser Clarty Partners. London-based Pipeline reached out with word of the Clarty purchase today, a month and change after setting sail with the aforementioned funding in place. As we noted then, the debuting business’s executive roster […]

12. Amazon to Sunset Wondery After Acquiring It Nearly Six Years Ago

    Amazon plans to sunset the Wondery podcast app and subscription service Wondery+ in the coming months, after acquiring the brand in late 2020. Amazon is ready to sunset the Wondery podcast app and Wondery+ subscription service, according to customer notices posted on Tuesday on the Wondery website. While Amazon hasn’t provided a specific date by […]

13. Robert Kyncl Say Music Streaming Is Way Too Cheap — And the Music Industry’s ‘Wallet Share’ Way Too Low

    Robert Kyncl publishes a letter to Warner Music Group shareholders talking up the value of AI and renegotiated deals with digital service providers. Warner Music Group (WMG) CEO Robert Kyncl has released a letter to shareholders that pushes the potential of AI to drive WMG’s value ever upward in the financial market. The timing is […]

14. Time for More Korean Global Blow-Ups? WMG Locks Arms With Lee Young Ji’s Management Agency, Mainstream

    Warner Music Group secures a partnership with South Korean management agency Mainstream, home to talent like Lee Young Ji. Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a new music partnership deal with South Korean management agency Mainstream, the agency responsible for talent like Lee Young Ji and Kik5o. The first co-production release under this deal is […]

15. 90s Band Lit Says Sony Music Is Their Own Worst Enemy — And Still Owes Them $800,000

    90s rockers Lit are suing Sony Music Entertainment over an alleged breach of contract and unpaid streaming royalties of over $800,000. Rock band Lit, best known for the 90s hit “My Own Worst Enemy,” has filed a lawsuit against Sony Music Entertainment (SME) over an alleged breach of contract. The band claims the music giant […]