Adobe introduced soundtrack-generation software for videos via its Firefly artificial intelligence platform on Wednesday. The Generate Soundtrack feature creates licensed instrumental music from written descriptions and automatically adjusts its length to match the video’s duration. The company trained its audio model using content from Adobe Stock and public domain materials rather than unauthorized sources. The…
Drake appealed a federal court decision that threw out his defamation case against Universal Music Group on Wednesday. The rapper contested an October 9 ruling that dismissed his claims about the label promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss track Not Like Us despite false accusations about sexual misconduct with minors. Both artists record through Universal subsidiaries. Judge…
Bandsintown launched a marketplace connecting 700,000 independent musicians with external services for distribution, fan engagement and sales. The New York company reached 100 million registered users and assembled partnerships with more than 30 platforms to help artists bypass algorithm challenges and reduce advertising expenses. The service synchronizes tour schedules across Apple Music, Google, Spotify and…
BTS member RM became the first K-pop performer to deliver a keynote at the APEC CEO Summit on Wednesday when he addressed approximately 1,700 business leaders and government officials in Gyeongju, South Korea. The rapper spoke about cultural industries as forces that connect communities across borders and described K-pop as a blend of Korean identity…
Major record companies rejected arguments from the artificial intelligence platform Udio that sought dismissal of claims the company illegally downloaded YouTube videos to train its software. Labels from Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group filed court papers on Friday stating Udio misunderstood federal copyright law by treating access restrictions as absolute barriers….
Artificial intelligence music generator Suno updated its free software tier while pursuing $100 million in financing at a $2 billion company value. The platform released version 4.5 to replace its previous free tool and added features for vocal layering and instrumental backing tracks. The company released its most sophisticated product for subscribers last month alongside…
Three major North American performance rights organizations will accept registrations for songs that combine artificial intelligence tools with human composition. ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN announced on Monday that partially AI-created works may join their licensed repertoires, though fully automated compositions remain ineligible. The organizations defined qualifying material as content that blends computer-generated elements with human…
The European Commission resumed its investigation into Universal Music Group’s planned purchase of Downtown Music Holdings after a temporary suspension in September. Regulators extended their decision deadline to February 6, 2026, while examining whether the $775 million transaction threatens competition in European music distribution markets. Officials expressed preliminary concerns that Universal could access sensitive business…
Amsterdam investment firm Pythagos Music Fund purchased catalogs from songwriter Joe Janiak and the late lyricist Peter Sinfield in separate transactions. The company did not reveal financial details for either acquisition. Janiak contributed to recordings by Ellie Goulding, Britney Spears, and Lewis Capaldi, which generated billions of streams and earned platinum certifications worldwide. Sinfield wrote…
Primary Wave Music advanced Peter Kurczaba to vice president of creative sync and Cleome Barber to director of creative A&R. The Los Angeles-based executives will report to their respective division presidents at the music publishing company. Kurczaba spent nine years at Primary Wave and secured placements for Apple TV programs and advertising campaigns for Dr….
