Dylan Smith

Spotify’s Self-Serve Ad Studio is Out of Beta and Running in 18 Countries

April 9, 2020

(photo: Heidi Fin) Spotify Ad Studio, which enables advertisers to craft custom audio commercials for Spotify streamers, has officially left beta and rolled out in 18 countries around the globe. Spotify’s Ad... Read More...

Photographers' Association Openly Slams Ariana Grande's Copyright Grab

A Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Ariana Grande Isn’t Getting Tossed, After All

Dylan Smith

April 8, 2020

photo: celebrityabc (CC by 2.0) According to a new legal filing obtained by Digital Music News, the Ariana Grande "7 Rings" copyright infringement lawsuit might not be getting tossed out after all. Digital M... Read More...

Counterpoint Sees Big Gains for Music Streaming Subscriptions In 2020 — But Can People Afford It?

Dylan Smith

April 8, 2020

Despite the recent music streaming decline and the far-reaching economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, market-research company Counterpoint is anticipating a sizable uptick in streaming-service... Read More...

Post Malone Countersues as ‘Circles’ Songwriter Credit Battle Intensifies

Dylan Smith

April 8, 2020

Post Malone has filed a lawsuit against Tyler Armes, the individual who claims that he co-wrote “Circles.” Armes, for his part, submitted a complaint against Post Malone. Both filings were finalized yesterda... Read More...

Disney Floats the Idea of Taking Temperature Checks at Parks — Could It Work?

Dylan Smith

April 8, 2020

A section of a Disney amusement park stands idle (photo: Daniela Araya) In a recent interview, Bob Iger spoke of his long-term vision for reopening Disney’s beloved theme parks, all of which are closed becaus... Read More...

MGM Picks Up Lady Gaga True Crime Drama About the Gucci Family

Dylan Smith

April 8, 2020

MGM has purchased the rights to Gucci, a Ridley Scott drama film based upon the 1995 murder of Maurizio Gucci, whose grandfather, Guccio Gucci, founded the namesake fashion house. Lady Gaga is set to star as ... Read More...

After Nearly Three Months After Launch, Spotify Officially Unveils Lite App in India

Spotify Stock Downgraded by Raymond James as Quarantine Listening Shrinks

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

Investment banking company Raymond James has downgraded its rating of Spotify (SPOT) stock, due in large part to music streaming’s popularity decline amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Raymond James ana... Read More...

SNL Music Supervisor Hal Willner Dead at 64; Entertainment Industry Mourns the Loss

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

Hal Willner (r) presenting in 2018 Veteran music producer and Saturday Night Live music supervisor Hal Willner has passed away from coronavirus (COVID-19) complications. He was 64 years old. Willner publicly... Read More...

Juice WRLD Copyright Infringement Lawsuit On Hold Until July

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

Juice WRLD and the members of Yellowcard, who have accused the late rapper of copyright infringement. Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, Yellowcard’s copyright-infringement lawsuit against the ... Read More...

Is Legal Sanity Being Restored? Federal Judge Tosses Copyright Lawsuit Against Josh Groban

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

A federal judge has tossed out Icelandic musician Jóhann Helgason’s copyright infringement lawsuit against the individual who composed “You Raise Me Up,” which was made popular by John Groban in 2003. In 201... Read More...

SACEM Successfully Distributes $153 Million to Its Members — Celebrates ‘Maximum Continuity of Its Operations’

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

Just over one week after announcing a $6.6 million coronavirus relief fund, French royalty-collection society SACEM has distributed $153 million worth of royalties and aid to its members. SACEM announced the... Read More...

Judge Dismisses Universal Music Lawsuit Stemming from 2008 Fire

Dylan Smith

April 7, 2020

Judge John A. Kronstadt has dismissed the lawsuit filed against Universal Music Group (UMG) by artists (and artists’ estates) whose master tapes were damaged in the 2008 Universal Studios fire. Digital Music... Read More...

Author Dylan Smith