Despite Threats from Michael Jackson’s Family, HBO Moves Forward With ‘Leaving Neverland’

Ten years after dying from a drug overdose a court later ruled involuntary manslaughter, Michael Jackson is back in the news because of Leaving Neverland. The documentary is about two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom accuse Michael of…

Despite Threats from Michael Jackson’s Family, HBO Moves Forward With ‘Leaving Neverland’

Ten years after dying from a drug overdose a court later ruled involuntary manslaughter, Michael Jackson is back in the news because of Leaving Neverland. The documentary is about two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both of whom accuse Michael of…

And the 61st Annual Grammy Award Winners Are…

Childish Gambino didn’t show up, but Drake did.  And so did Michelle Obama.  Here are winners list for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, which wrapped up Sunday night. Record of the Year “This Is America” — Childish Gambino Album of the Year “Golden Hour”…

Gucci Faces a Boycott Following Its Blackface Sweater — T.I., Soulja Boy, Spike Lee, Others Urge Action

Despite an apology from Gucci, calls for a boycott against the fashion designer are gaining steam. It’s unclear what Gucci was thinking when it released its near-$900 black ‘wool baclava jumper’ last week.  The sweater featured a partial face mask that…

Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino Rejected Offers to Perform at the Grammys

Are the Grammys simply becoming irrelevant? It’s the most celebrated awards show in music, and winning a Grammy is a very big deal.  So why are mega-superstars like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, and Ariana Grande — not to mention Jay-Z and B…

Our Latest Podcast: Fraud In the Music Industry — How Big of a Problem Is This?

It’s a scary question — with a potentially horrifying answer. What?  You’re not subscribed to the Digital Music News Podcast?  We’re available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, and pretty much everywhere else.  Or, simply listen to the embed b…

Can Free Streaming Work? Global’s DAX Is Now Slacker Radio’s Exclusive Audio Advertising Partner

Global-owned DAX has just scored an exclusive deal with Slacker Radio. But how well can they monetize it? Ad-supported audio has always been a soggy revenue source.  But smarter ad technologies and approaches — across all forms of media — could be turn…

U.S. Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) Officially Submits a 44% Songwriter Streaming Royalty Increase — Publishers Say a Spotify Challenge Would be ‘Declaring War’

The U.S. Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) has officially published a significant streaming royalty rate increase for songwriters and publishers.  Will it be challenged? Last year, songwriters and publishers scored a major increase in streaming royalty rat…

Swizz Beatz Says Streaming Services Should Pay Artists 50/50: ‘We’re Not Getting Paid Enough’

 Acclaimed hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz is calling for a serious compensation overhaul from streaming music services. Without artistic content, streaming music services would be worthless.  So now that platforms like Spotify are worth billions, why are…

Swizz Beatz Says Streaming Services Should Pay Artists 50/50: ‘We’re Not Getting Paid Enough’

 Acclaimed hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz is calling for a serious compensation overhaul from streaming music services. Without artistic content, streaming music services would be worthless.  So now that platforms like Spotify are worth billions, why are…