#Music industry

Taylor Swift's 'Reputation' has rapidly become the best-selling album of 2017 with 3X Platinum certification, highlighting traditional success amidst artists like Lizzo and Also Eden navigating evolving digital music landscapes.

Q1 2026 saw major music companies like Spotify, UMG, and HYBE report strong earnings, yet investor reactions varied. Live Nation and Sphere Entertainment soared while iHeartMedia faced advertising challenges.

Believe and TuneCore artists gain access to Google's AI music creation platform, Flow Music, a move to democratize creativity, amidst industry debates on AI training data and copyright.

Universal Music Group's sale of Spotify shares, influenced by Taylor Swift's 2018 negotiation, will ensure non-recoupable payouts for thousands of artists, setting a new industry precedent.

Lil Tjay discusses his new independent album, "They Just Ain't You," reflecting on his recent arrest, the Offset drama, and Justin Bieber's unexpected musical inspiration, signaling a career shift.

Navigate the demanding modern music industry by adopting sustainable release strategies that prioritize creative health and longevity over algorithmic chasing.

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk details the meticulous 18-month process behind BTS' record-breaking 'ARIRANG' album, their post-military service comeback, and the intentional shift in their musical identity.

Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon, 72, releases her third solo album 'PLAY ME,' venturing into industrial trap and rap to critique technology and streaming culture.

Jonathan Azu, founder of Culture Collective and manager for Grammy-winning artists Leon Thomas and Jon Batiste, redefines the modern artist manager as an intimate partner, not just a facilitator, highlighting a shift in the music industry.

Legendary bluegrass singer and songwriter Ronnie Bowman, 64, has died following a motorcycle accident, leaving the music community in deep mourning.

Producer Labrinth's harsh criticism of the music industry and labels like Columbia and Euphoria has sparked a chorus of support from fellow artists, highlighting widespread disillusionment with transactional relationships and creative compromise.

James Blake discusses his new album ‘Trying Times,’ the 'Sinners' soundtrack, and his bold transition to a fully independent, DIY artist, detailing his unique business model and reclaiming creative freedom.

Spanish artist Bad Gyal celebrates the release of her second studio album, Más Cara, focusing on crafting club-ready hits over conceptual "eras."

Washington's Zach Top secured a Grammy for Best Traditional Country Album at the 68th awards, a new category. UW Tacoma student Tam Cureaux weighs in on the significance for local artists.

Prog metal band Everon returns after a 16-year hiatus with "Shells," a new album driven by songwriter Oliver Philipps' unexpected resurgence of creativity and a surprising label option.

As streaming and social media dominate, artists face a "boiling frog" scenario, where commercial gains mask profound cultural costs, threatening creativity and artist longevity.

Popular Florida rapper Lil Poppa (Janarious Wheeler) has died at 25, with authorities investigating the cause of death. Wheeler recently released a new single.

The 2026 Billboard Power 100 list highlights key leaders forging strategic partnerships with tech giants, revolutionizing how fans engage with music, and addressing the challenges posed by AI and evolving streaming models.