Stability AI has successfully raised $76 million in a new funding round, with significant backing from major music industry players including Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group, as well as Electronic Arts. This investment highlights growing interest in AI technologies from entertainment giants.
The Beatles' Apple Corps has partnered with Universal Music Group for a global e-commerce and merchandise licensing deal. This agreement will expand the availability of official Beatles merchandise and is timed with upcoming biopics.
Major music labels, including Universal Music, Warner Music, and Sony Music, along with independent labels, are proposing new rules to prevent songs created by artificial intelligence from being included in official music charts.
Elon Musk's X Corp and a consortium of major music publishers, including Universal Music Group and Sony Music, have reached an agreement to end their legal dispute over the use of music on the X social media platform.
Latin music star Ricardo Montaner has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that the music giant is making wrongful claims of ownership over his music catalog and interfering with a new independent distribution deal.
Universal Music Latino and Telemundo have joined forces to launch the official soundtrack for 'Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos,' a reality show set to premiere on July 7 with David Bisbal as a judge.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) has filed lawsuits against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG), alleging they were excluded from landmark AI licensing deals and denied compensation.
Universal Music Group, the entertainment giant behind acts such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, has rejected a takeover offer by billionaire Bill Ackman's investment firm.
Music giant Universal Music Group has rejected a takeover bid from billionaire Bill Ackman, stating that Pershing Square's offer fundamentally undervalued the business.
A major investor in Universal Music Group has reportedly rejected an offer made by Bill Ackman's Pershing Square, indicating disagreement over the proposed terms.
Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new licensing agreement for fan-created music, with Spotify planning to launch a paid AI tool for generating covers and remixes of popular songs.
Spotify and Universal Music have signed a significant agreement that will allow fans to create AI-generated covers and remixes, a move that follows Spotify's previous stance against AI-generated 'slop' on its platform.
Spotify and Universal Music Group have reached an agreement that will allow subscribers to create song covers and remixes using artificial intelligence. This licensing deal marks the first time listeners can use AI to generate content on the streaming platform.
Spotify is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence, highlighted by a new deal with Universal Music and the announcement of ambitious growth targets. The company aims to leverage AI to enhance its platform and expand its market presence.
R&B-pop artist Dawn Richard, singer-songwriter Valerie June, Nigerian guitar innovator Mdou Moctar, and electronic artist Porches are slated to perform at the 2026 Libera Awards.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has argued that an appellate court should reject Salt-N-Pepa's legal challenge regarding music ownership, citing a "foundational deficiency" in their appeal.
Latin Grammy winner Trueno has signed an exclusive deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, following the release of his fourth studio album, "TURR4ZO."
AI company Anthropic is arguing for fair use in a copyright lawsuit brought by Universal Music Group, stating that training AI on lyrics is transformative.
Universal Music Group's stock is currently trading at only two-thirds of the value of the offer made by investor Bill Ackman, indicating a significant market valuation discrepancy.
Industry observers and music executives are weighing in on the true value of Universal Music Group (UMG) following a bid from Pershing Square, with some believing the offer is too low.
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman is reportedly offering approximately 56 billion euros to acquire Universal Music, according to a German business ticker.
Bill Ackman held a call with shareholders to discuss Pershing Square's bid for Universal Music Group, outlining plans to increase UMG's share price to over 30 euros by 2030 and addressing Lucian Grainge's contract.
Pretnje Donalda Trampa da izvrši masovno bombardovanje civilne infrastrukture u Iranu stavljaju američke vojne oficire pred dilemu: da li da se ogluše o naredbe ili da pomognu u izvršenju ratnih…
Universal Music Group has reached a settlement in its $500 million copyright lawsuit against Believe and TuneCore, which had alleged that TuneCore's DIY business model facilitated widespread piracy through fake songs.
Universal Music Group has strongly opposed Drake's appeal in a lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," stating that the rapper's legal arguments are not supported by law. UMG asserts that the lawsuit should not be revived by a federal appeals court.
New Zealand music star Lorde announced that she has ended her 17-year contract with the record label Universal Music Group, stating that she is entering a new phase of her career marked by greater creative...
Hollywood producer Shannon McIntosh and Universal Music U.K.'s Globe Originals team are collaborating on a slate of music-driven feature films, including a love story and a Dusty Springfield project.
The European Union has approved Universal Music Group's $775 million acquisition of Downtown, allowing the major music company to expand its portfolio.
AI music companies Udio and GRAI have licensed a significant portfolio of patents from Music IP Holdings, a company backed by Universal Music Group and Liquidax. This agreement allows the AI firms to utilize these patents in their operations.
Hook, an AI-powered app enabling fans to create minute-long music clips, has struck a deal with Universal Music Group, aiming to stand out in the evolving AI music industry with its social-forward approach.
Major music labels, including Universal Music, are facing challenges in the new AI-era of music and are struggling to demonstrate their value to investors.
Shares of Universal Music, the world's largest music group, plunged by a quarter due to concerns over streaming growth and the potential impact of AI-generated songs.
Tseyin Foo, formerly head of global supply chain planning and strategy at Skechers, has been appointed President of Global Supply Chain at Universal Music Group.
Naoshi Fujikura of Universal Music Japan shared insights on Japan's distinctive superfan culture and the challenges the country faces in expanding its music industry overseas during a Billboard interview.
Blackstone is reportedly looking to sell $2 billion of private fund stakes, while Universal Music is sounding out investors for a €1 billion bond sale. These moves indicate significant financial activities in the private equity and music industries.
Billionaire Bill Ackman's Pershing Square has divested its stake in Universal Music Group, following unsuccessful takeover bids, leading to a 7% slump in the stock.
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square is unwinding its position in Universal Music Group, with UMG repurchasing €250M of shares. This move follows Pershing Square's failed acquisition bid for the music company.
Music giant Universal Music Group has declined a takeover offer from billionaire Bill Ackman, stating that Pershing Square's bid fundamentally undervalued the company.
Bolloré Group, a major shareholder in Universal Music Group (UMG), has urged UMG's board to reject Bill Ackman's $64 billion acquisition proposal. Bolloré stated that the offer price was too low, dealing a blow to Ackman's bid.
Vincent Bollore has reportedly urged Universal Music Group (UMG) to decline Bill Ackman's substantial $64 billion acquisition bid, indicating a significant development in the corporate takeover attempt.
Universal Music Group and Spotify have announced a partnership to introduce AI-generated music remixes. This collaboration will place AI music content behind a paywall, marking a new development in the music industry's approach to artificial intelligence.
Spotify is intensifying its artificial intelligence initiatives, securing a deal with Universal Music and outlining ambitious growth targets for the company.
Universal Music Group CFO Matt Ellis stated that Downtown is expected to add 15 to 20 million Euros to Virgin Music Group's revenue in the coming years, with physical distribution and publishing currently growing faster than recorded music.
Universal Music Group has partnered with Amber Health and Project Healthy Minds to launch new initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care within its creative community through various programs.
Universal Music Group, Taylor Swift's record label, is preparing to sell nearly $1.4 billion of its stake in Spotify, a move highlighted as an example of how Taylor Swift helps artists make money.
Universal Music Group announced it would sell half of its stake in Spotify, with proceeds intended for stock buybacks and to benefit its artists. This move is expected to generate millions for artists, partly attributed to a clause in Taylor Swift's record contract.
Several key executive changes have been announced in the music industry, including Warner Chappell launching direct operations in India, Chris Knight's promotion at Roc Nation, and Sam Hu's appointment as managing director of Universal Music China.
Despite a prematurely terminated deal, the music group Sauti Sol reportedly still owes Universal Music one album, with Universal retaining rights to their 'Midnight Train' album.
The Rolling Stones have collaborated with Los Angeles-based label Paly and Universal Music Group to launch a limited-edition streetwear collection. The new line features the band's iconic Hot Lips logo and other seminal images and lyrics from their vintage tour merchandise.
Billionaire Bill Ackman's investment firm, Pershing Square, has made a $64.3 billion offer to acquire music giant Universal Music Group, with plans for a U.S. stock market listing.
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has unveiled a $64 billion plan to acquire and improve Universal Music Group, believing the entertainment giant is significantly underperforming.
Iconic hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa are appealing their copyright termination lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging that the music company is unfairly withholding the majority of their royalties.
The Eartha Kitt estate has partnered with Primary Wave, while Universal Music Group is expanding its presence in India and Thailand, among other recent music business deals.
Apple Corps Ltd and Universal Music Group have announced a significant partnership for upcoming four-part cinematic event biopics about The Beatles, set to arrive in 2028.
Universal Music Group (UMG) reported a healthy revenue gain of 5.3% to $7.2 billion in the first half of 2026, with overall revenue hitting $3.8 billion. Despite this, the company noted a dip in artist touring income.
Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group and the highest-ranking female executive in the music industry, shares insights on leadership, mentorship, signing artists like Kendrick Lamar, and the publishing sector's increasing prominence.
Singer-songwriter Ashe has signed with Atlantic Records and Universal Music Publishing Group, while Virgin Records announced a new upper management structure following an acquisition.
Música mexicana star Xavi has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, while Ellie Goulding returns to WME and top Filipino group SB19 inks with UTA.
The band Interpol has announced their new album will be titled 'This Mirror Weighs a Ton' and has signed with Partisan Records. The group expressed their determination to make this album particularly impactful.
The American Federation of Musicians has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, alleging they refused to compensate musicians whose work was used to train AI machines for profit.
Bill Ackman is selling $290.5 million in stock back to Universal Music Group after his takeover offer was rejected. This move marks the end of his attempt to acquire the company.
Chinese pop artist Jason Zhang has signed a comprehensive deal with Universal Music Greater China, covering recorded music, management, and live performances. Additionally, Universal Music Group has invested in Thai distributor Solution One.
Universal Music Publishing Group has named Sunita Kaur as its new President for Asia, where she will lead the company's activities across the continent from Singapore.
Universal Music Group's board has declined a $64 billion takeover proposal from billionaire Bill Ackman's Pershing Square. The company stated that the offer fundamentally and materially undervalued UMG.
Spotify Technology S.A. is drawing attention after announcing an AI remix collaboration with Universal Music Group, signaling new developments in music technology.
Spotify announced its financial targets for 2030 and revealed a new AI remix tool developed in collaboration with Universal Music Group during its Investor Day event.
Universal Music Group and TikTok have reached a new global licensing deal, marking a significant agreement for the AI era. This partnership will impact music distribution and usage on the platform.
Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new licensing deal that will allow premium subscribers to create AI-generated covers and remixes using Universal's catalog. This agreement was highlighted during Spotify's investor day, where the company also unveiled new concert ticket perks.
Funk legend George Clinton has filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, alleging that the company has unfairly paused all of his royalties due to ongoing litigation over his music catalog, causing him financial hardship.
Hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa is continuing its legal pursuit of copyrights for its first four albums, facing strong opposition from Universal Music Group in an appeals court.
Universal Music Group is reportedly halving its stake in Spotify, a move that puts pressure on Universal's stock price and brings a specific Taylor Swift clause into focus.
Universal Music Group has announced the sale of half of its stake in Spotify and simultaneously doubled its share buyback program, signaling significant financial maneuvers.
Universal Music Group announced plans to significantly promote a vocalist's career on a global scale, aiming to expand their international reach and audience.
Universal Music Group has filed a lawsuit against the e-commerce startup Quince, alleging "rampant and brazen" unauthorized use of Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean songs in its TikTok posts.
An American investor known for his aggressive business tactics is reportedly seeking to acquire Universal Music Group, the world's largest music corporation.
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman is reportedly interested in purchasing Universal Music. The article also touches on Epidemic Sound and a discussion around the song 'Love is blind'.
Investor Bill Ackman is reportedly making a substantial $64 billion bid for Universal Music Group, drawing comparisons to Warren Buffett's investment strategies.
Universal Music Group's Board of Directors has issued a statement affirming its 'complete confidence' in CEO Lucian Grainge, following a proposal from Pershing Square.
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square has made an offer to purchase Universal Music Group for approximately $60 billion, signaling a major potential acquisition in the music industry.
Universal Music Group's stock price surged after investor Bill Ackman made an offer to acquire the major music company, home to artists like Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny.
Universal Music Latin America has announced several key strategic appointments, including Alfredo Delgadillo as CEO & President of Universal Music Latin Entertainment, along with Angel Kaminsky and Daniel Luna, as part of its ongoing evolution.
Universal Music Group has strongly opposed Drake's appeal in a lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us,' calling Drake's attempt to revive his defamation lawsuit 'astoundingly hypocritical' and asserting that his legal arguments are not supported by law.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has presented its argument to a judge, asserting that Anthropic AI's training methods clearly do not constitute fair use, in a legal battle over AI training and copyright.
Lucian Grainge, chairman-CEO of Universal Music Group, doesn’t tend to shy away from new technologies, as he explained on Tuesday in a future-focused conversation with Nvidia entertainment exec…
In other music industry news from up north, Canadian and Australian rights orgs release a joint statement on AI and Universal Music Canada signs a rising artist.