Interviews ‘I’ve worked at all the majors, I’ve seen how they operate, and I genuinely don’t know what they could do that we can’t do.’ Nick Burgess looks back at his career so far – and to the future of his new venture, Artist Theory
Analysis ‘This isn’t about limiting fan creativity. It’s about ensuring creators, performers and rights-holders are paid.’ Columnist Sammy Andrews dives back into the AI-verse, concentrating on the tsunami of AI covers flooding DPSs and social media platforms. It’s time, she concludes, that we stopped circling the issue and started collecting the money…
News AI-powered music production platform LANDR acquires Stockholm-based DAW developer Reason Studios The deal brings together LANDR’s AI-powered production tools with Reason Studios’ digital audio workstation Reason DAW and Reason Rack.
News Live Nation acquires Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest indoor venue Venue has a capacity of 45,000 when configured for concerts
News UMG’s latest major AI partnership arrives via tech giant NVIDIA, with promise of ‘antidote to generic AI slop’ Collaboration aims 'to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement'
News Confirmed: Universal poaches Warner’s communications chief, James Steven Steven joins UMG from Warner Music Group, where he served as Chief Communications Officer for the past 10 years
News Paul Smelt promoted to Chief Operating Officer at peermusic Amsterdam-based Smelt will oversee both publishing and neighboring rights administration globally, reporting directly to CEO Mary Megan Peer.
News Defunct ticketing startup Fanimal files antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, Ticketmaster Live Nation and Ticketmaster are accused of illegal practices such as long-term exclusive contracts with venues, threats of retaliation and more.
News Hayley Dukes promoted to SVP of Licensing at ASCAP Dukes steps up from VP role and continues reporting to EVP and Head of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle.
News Triller booted from Nasdaq after missing financial filing deadlines Triller was delisted/suspended from Nasdaq trading effective December 30
News Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Key Production’s Karen Emanuel and more amongst those recognized in UK New Year’s Honours list Max Richter and Ellie Goulding also awarded in latest New Year's Honours list
News UK audio music stream volume topped 210 billion in 2025 – but YoY growth slowed Growth in streaming consumption has slowed down in the UK, but vinyl continues to soar in popularity
News Electronic music experiences firm Pacha Group booked $139m in revenue between January and September 2025, after ‘record-breaking’ season at Pacha Ibiza nightclub Pacha Ibiza nightclub drew 583,834 guests across 156 events this season, up 20% YoY.
News Drake hit with RICO lawsuit over alleged gambling and stream manipulation scheme via Stake.US Drake is being accused of using Stake's "Tipping" feature to obscure payments to bot operators who then generated fake streams of his music.
News BTS to officially return on March 20 with new album; tease first world tour in four years Dates and venues of the upcoming BTS world tour will be announced on January 14 at midnight Korean Standard Time.
News Universal Music acquires 30% stake in India’s Excel Entertainment, valuing Bollywood production house at $267m As part of the deal, UMG will roll out a dedicated Excel music label with global distribution capabilities.
News Bandcamp Fridays hit $154m in payouts since 2020, with $19m paid in 2025 alone The latest figure represents a $31 million increase from the $123 million Bandcamp reported in May 2024.