Music Industry News: Global Festivals, Legal Battles & Artist Tips

This week’s music business digest highlights a mix of global events, industry challenges, and practical advice for artists and professionals. From festival lineups to regulatory demands and personal stories of resilience, the news reflects the dynamic and often turbulent nature of the music world.

  • Kazakh musicians are set to perform at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival in India, showcasing cross-cultural collaborations. (Source: Kazakh Musicians to Perform at Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival in India)
  • An FL Studio session emphasizes creative freedom without pressure, highlighting the value of experimentation in music production. (Source: Fl Studio cookup with no expectations)
  • Indie rapper Don Law shares his story of overcoming significant losses, offering inspiration for perseverance in the industry. (Source: This Indie Rapper Lost Everything And Kept Going – Don Law | LFTU)
  • A live sector coalition in the EU is calling for stricter regulations against ticket resale abuse, advocating for faster enforcement measures. (Source: Live Sector Coalition Demands EU Regulatory Action Addressing ‘Ticket Resale Abuse’)
  • A guide outlines steps to secure a YouTube Partner Manager by 2026, focusing on platform growth strategies. (Source: How to Get YouTube Partner Manager in 2026?)
  • Part 3 of a series details the launch phase of starting a record label, providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs. (Source: How to Start a Record Label – Part 3 – “Launching Your Label”)
  • An interview with a music industry legend reveals tips for breaking artists, emphasizing mentorship and strategic planning. (Source: We Sat Down With a Music Industry Legend—He Told Us How To Break Any Artist!)
  • The Winnetka Music Festival lineup is announced for June 19-20, featuring diverse acts for live music enthusiasts. (Source: Winnetka Music Festival lineup set for June 19-20)
  • Steve Aoki faces a class action lawsuit over undisclosed NFT and trading card affiliations, highlighting legal risks in digital ventures. (Source: Steve Aoki Slapped with Class Action Lawsuit Over Undisclosed NFT and Trading Card Affiliations)
  • A discussion on music video sites explores platforms for visual content distribution in the digital age. (Source: Music video sites)
  • Analysis of Hip Hop Twitter’s decline examines social media dynamics and community fragmentation in music scenes. (Source: Hip Hop TWITTER is Falling Apart.. | Lemme Explain)
  • Holly Herndon discusses AI, music, and creativity in the Imagination Age, addressing technological impacts on artistic expression. (Source: AI, Music & Creativity in the Imagination Age with Holly Herndon)
  • Tips are shared on distributing music to platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to monetize content effectively. (Source: Wanna know how to get your music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and get paid? #musicdistribution)
  • The 2025 GRAMMY nominations for Best Song Written For Visual Media spotlight achievements in film and TV music. (Source: GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Song Written For Visual Media)
  • Brit Taylor announces a new album titled ‘Land Of The Forgotten’, adding to the indie music landscape. (Source: Brit Taylor Slates New Album ‘Land Of The Forgotten’)
  • ZEE MACHINE discusses challenges faced by indie artists, offering a realistic perspective on industry hurdles. (Source: ZEE MACHINE gets real about indie artist challenges)
  • Riley Green maintains his top position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, demonstrating consistent success in country music. (Source: Riley Green Continues No. 1 Reign On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart)
  • Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues announces a 2026 tour launch for The Story in Your Eyes, catering to classic rock fans. (Source: The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward Announces 2026 The Story in Your Eyes Tour Launch)
  • The music industry continues to navigate a landscape marked by both opportunity and adversity. On one hand, global festivals like those in India and Winnetka foster cultural exchange and live performance revenue, while regulatory efforts in the EU aim to protect consumers from ticket resale abuses, signaling a push for fairer market practices. However, legal challenges, as seen with Steve Aoki’s NFT lawsuit, underscore the risks associated with emerging digital assets, reminding artists and businesses to prioritize transparency and compliance in new ventures.

    For those in the music business, this week’s stories emphasize the importance of resilience, strategic planning, and adaptability. Indie artists can draw inspiration from personal narratives like Don Law’s and practical advice on distribution and label launches, while professionals should heed calls for regulatory action and explore AI’s creative potential as discussed by Holly Herndon. Ultimately, success hinges on balancing innovation with ethical considerations, leveraging platforms for monetization, and staying informed on industry trends to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.