This week’s music business roundup highlights a mix of industry trends, legal developments, and practical advice for professionals. From platform policies to artist successes, these stories reflect the dynamic nature of the global music landscape.
- Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio features Nandi Madida with Damie this Friday, showcasing African talent and expanding global reach for the continent’s music scene. (Source: Apple Music)
- A free sample pack of funky guitar and disco pop sounds is available, offering producers new creative tools to enhance their music production. (Source: Sample Provider)
- Live promoter Team Innovation has partnered with Odd Not Even, aiming to boost event experiences and artist collaborations in the live music sector. (Source: Live Promotion News)
- Calvin Harris wins a $13.5 million payout in a legal battle against his ex-manager, though another $12 million remains under dispute, highlighting ongoing financial conflicts in artist management. (Source: Legal News Outlet)
- Blakk Rasta criticizes Ghana’s music industry for internal competition, stating ‘We pull down our own!’, pointing to challenges in fostering supportive local ecosystems. (Source: Ghanaian Media)
- Construction begins on a $21.3 million Legends-operated amphitheater in Long Beach, with Mötley Crüe and Toto already booked, signaling growth in live music venues and infrastructure. (Source: Venue Development Report)
- Bandcamp officially bans AI-generated music from its platform, sparking debate over the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries and platform curation. (Source: Bandcamp Announcement)
- Lainey Wilson and her team celebrate their 9th No. 1 hit with ‘Somewhere Over Laredo’, underscoring continued success in country music and effective team strategies. (Source: Music Chart News)
- Hybe CEO Jason Jaesang Lee and other executives exercise $3.5 million in stock options ahead of BTS’s mega-tour, reflecting corporate moves tied to major artist events. (Source: Financial News)
This week’s news underscores key themes in the music business, including the impact of technology, legal complexities, and industry growth. Bandcamp’s ban on AI music raises important questions about authenticity and curation in digital platforms, potentially setting a precedent for other services. Meanwhile, Calvin Harris’s legal victory and ongoing disputes highlight the financial risks in artist-manager relationships, emphasizing the need for clear contracts and proactive management. For professionals, these stories suggest focusing on ethical tech integration, securing legal safeguards, and leveraging partnerships—like Team Innovation’s deal or the new amphitheater—to capitalize on live music’s resurgence. Staying informed on such developments can help navigate the evolving market, from avoiding scams to celebrating successes like Lainey Wilson’s chart dominance.
