Concord and BMG have announced plans to merge. Concord also completed the purchase of Mothership Music Publishing, including its catalog of 5,000 songs. iHeartRadio and SiriusXM are reportedly exploring a merger.
Universal Music Group is selling 50% of its stake in Spotify to fund a stock buyback program. Spotify has partnered with Peloton to offer guided workout experiences and has launched new verification protocols in response to the rise of artificial intelligence.
Taylor Swift filed to trademark her voice and likeness, seeking to protect her identity against potential misuse by artificial intelligence.
New albums and EPs were released this week from Kacey Musgraves, Zara Larsson, Isaiah Rashad, Shoreline Mafia, American Football, Durand Bernarr, Lil Tjay, Asake, and Junior Varsity.
Notable singles released this week include tracks from Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, Lizzo, The Black Keys, Vince Staples, Hannah Cohen, Mikayla Geier, Graham Barham, Alana Springsteen, Madeon & Slayyyter.
STELLA LEFTY released “I Know I Know,” co-written by JKash & Joe Reeves, following the track’s virality and her Stagecoach performance. Mikayla Geier released “HOTLINE,” produced by CJ Baran, as her first new music of the year. Chanel Beads released “Song for the Messenger” in advance of their upcoming album. Hannah Cohen released “Golden Chain,” marking a new phase in her work. Bella Poarch released “Ribcage,” her first track under MNRK Records. Madeon and Slayyyter collaborated on “Fire Away,” coinciding with the announcement of Madeon’s forthcoming project, Victory. Jensen McRae released “One More Cowboy.” Brutalismus 3000 released a collaboration with Boys Noize, “I Bring My Gun To The Function.” Graham Barham released “I’M THE ONE,” continuing his exploration of “club country” music. Alana Springsteen released “i loved you then,” her fourth single since signing with Santa Anna earlier in the year.
Artists with new projects expected next week include Lykke Li, MUNA, Stephen Sanchez, Royal & the Serpent, Deb Never, Black Veil Brides, Neil Diamond, The Lemon Twigs, Chris Brown, Jason Mraz, glaive, kurtains, Amy Grant, Ray Bull, Social Distortion, Testament, ZEP, and Aldous Harding.
Ariana Grande, Lizzo, Kali Uchis, Vince Staples, Madeon, TAEYONG, Arc Iris, Horse Lords, and Born At Midnite all announced new album releases this week.
Madonna partnered with Grindr to promote the launch of her album.
