UN Issues Volume Guidelines for Audio Devices – Warns That 1.1 Billion People Are at Risk

According to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, more than 900 million people may suffer from hearing loss by 2050. The United Nations (UN) has issued a new report. Unveiling new guidelines to address the problem, more than a billion …

Spotify, Deezer Demand ‘Fairness In the Platform Economy’ from European Lawmakers

Spotify and Deezer continue to flex their digital music muscle in the EU political arena. A little over a year ago, major streaming music services teamed up in Europe. Spotify, Deezer, and SoundCloud, among other music streamers, launched a new digital…

SoundCloud Is Getting Blocked In India – But Why?

Apparently, SoundCloud provides services deemed unethical by Indian ISPs. A little over three months ago, the Indian government started cracking down on websites it deems ‘unethical.’ Users found the government had blocked almost a thousand pornographi…

Katy Perry Pulls Ill-Advised ‘Blackface’ Shoes

Maybe Katy Perry hadn’t really thought her new shoe lines through. Last week, Gucci released a brand-new black wool balaclava jumper. The $890 sweater featured a partial face mask closely resembling blackface costumes. Unveiled during Black History Mon…

Fired MusiCares VP Files a Lawsuit Against Neil Portnow

Changing her story, MusiCares’ former VP Dana Tomarken has taken aim at Neil Portnow and the Recording Academy. Last year, Dana Tomarken, former Vice President at MusiCares, made serious allegations against Neil Portnow, Chairman and President of the R…

Librarian of Congress Appoints a New Chief Copyright Royalty Judge and Interim Copyright Royalty Judge

 Carla Hayden has just named two judges at the Copyright Royalty Board. The Librarian of Congress has confirmed a major appointment. Carla Hayden has selected Judge Jesse Feder as the new Chief Copyright Royalty Judge.  He’ll also serve as Head of the …

Grammy Ratings Hit Another Near-Low, Down 24% from 2017

Despite record ‘social media conversations,’ the Recording Academy has simply failed to provide audiences with a compelling reason to watch the Grammys. Last Sunday, Donald Glover – better known as Childish Gambino – made history.  His song, ‘This Is A…

Billy McFarland Ordered to Pay $3 Million with Interest to a Defrauded Investor

Things just keep getting worse for Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland. A county court in New York has ruled against embattled convicted felon Billy McFarland. New York County Judge Joel H. Cohen wrote McFarland failed to “appear, answer, or make a m…

Spotify Isn’t Wasting Time on Its Podcast Expansion – Chuck D Among the First to Be ‘Signed’

Spotify hasn’t wasted any time rolling out more exclusive podcasts. Last week, during its Q4 2018 earnings call, Spotify confirmed two new acquisitions. Betting big on podcasts, the streaming music giant has acquired Gimlet Media and Anchor. Financial …

Major Infighting Breaks Out Between Artists and Labels/Publishers over Article 13

The European music industry has gone to war with itself over Article 13. Last week, when the Copyright Directive – most notably, Article 13 – appeared to fade into obscurity, France and Germany reached a new agreement. Under the compromise, the bill wo…