Regulatory attention toward performance licensing is increasing as questions surface about how certain organizations present their catalogs and solicit licenses. These concerns highlight the need for clearer standards that support creators, protect businesses, and maintain transparency across the music ecosystem.

Music piracy remains a major challenge for the industry, and a recent case involving Cox Communications highlights how copyright enforcement and internet access intersect. The situation shows how both music rights holders and internet providers are navigating responsibility in a fast-changing digital landscape.

A new study from Australian researchers suggests that consistent music engagement in later life may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. The findings highlight music as an accessible activity that could support long term cognitive health, though more research is needed to confirm causation

A new set of AI licensing agreements between a music technology company and all three major music groups marks a notable shift in how AI driven music tools are developed. The framework focuses on licensed training, creator protection and responsible expansion across the wider industry.

A new global survey reveals that 97% of listeners can no longer tell the difference between human-made and AI-generated music. As artificial intelligence reshapes the sound of modern music, questions about authenticity, creativity, and transparency are becoming harder to ignore.

Universal Music Group has settled its lawsuit with AI music generator Udio, marking a major turning point for the industry. The two companies are now partnering to launch a new AI-powered music creation and streaming platform in 2026, signaling a shift toward collaboration between technology and music rights.

ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have officially updated their registration policies to include works that are partially generated by AI. The move marks a major step in defining how performance rights organizations handle authorship in an era where human creativity and machine assistance increasingly overlap.

YouTube just announced its biggest payout to the global music industry yet, signaling how video has become a powerful force in music revenue. The platform’s growing ecosystem—spanning official videos, livestreams, and fan-made content—is reshaping how artists earn, connect, and sustain their careers.

After four decades of defining pop culture, MTV is pulling the plug on its music channels. As Paramount Global shifts focus to streaming, the network’s legacy as a hub for music discovery comes to a close, marking a major turning point in how audiences experience music.

A new study reveals how music taste evolves through life — from the curiosity of youth to the nostalgia of adulthood. Researchers found that younger listeners explore a wide range of genres, while older listeners return to the songs that shaped their past, showing how music becomes a lifelong reflection of identity and memory.

A new audio fingerprinting tool is being developed to detect copyright infringement in AI-generated music. Backed by major record labels, the technology could provide the industry with a much-needed way to protect artists, enforce copyright, and manage the growing challenges of generative music.

Scientists from Mexico presented new research at ACC Latin America 2025 showing that music therapy can lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and improve outcomes for patients in the cardiac ICU.

A new study shows that positive music doesn’t just lift mood—it can also delay and temporarily relieve driving fatigue. Researchers found that upbeat tracks helped drivers stay alert longer and even restored attention once fatigue set in, highlighting the functional power of music beyond entertainment.

An investigation by the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) accuses major tech companies of illegally scraping millions of copyrighted songs to train AI systems. The findings, described as the largest intellectual property theft in history, raise urgent questions about music rights and the future of AI.

A new study reveals that predictable music structures may help regulate blood pressure. Researchers found that classical piano tracks with clear phrasing synchronized with listeners’ cardiovascular rhythms, opening the door for potential music-based therapies.

AI-generated music is increasingly being released under the names of real artists, with fake albums appearing on official streaming profiles. Indie musicians like Emily Portman and Josh Kaufman have seen fraudulent releases in their catalogs, raising new challenges for streaming platforms, copyright, and artist rights.

A 300-year-old violin once owned by Niccolò Paganini is returning to the stage. Crafted in 1743 by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, the Carrodus violin will be performed on at the BBC Proms, marking a rare chance to hear one of the world’s most valuable instruments brought back to life.

A new study reveals how background music habits differ between young adults with and without ADHD, showing distinct preferences for when and what they listen to—and how it impacts focus and mood.

The HITS Act is now law, allowing music creators to deduct up to $150,000 in qualified recording expenses in the same year they're incurred. While it's a meaningful tax shift for larger-scale projects, most independent artists won’t see major changes unless operating at higher budgets.

A new study reveals that AI-generated music can trigger stronger emotional and physiological responses than human-composed music in video content. The findings could shape how music is used in film, TV, and advertising.