Music Business Worldwide News

1. HYBE’s newest venture in the US is a label called HYBE AMERICA x AU in partnership with Alan Chikin Chow

   Label is described as "a first-of-its-kind label" that will launch a "groundbreaking franchise spanning both scripted content and music."

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2. Exclusive: Morrissey launches legal action against alleged online fraudster, as Web Sheriff investigation uncovers ‘decades-long defamation campaign’

   MBW obtains letter from Morrissey's lawyers accusing alleged perpetrator of defamation and illegal conduct

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3. Mdundo launches strategic review that ‘could lead to change in ownership, merger, strategic investor or other consolidation’

   Africa-focused music streaming service has launched a strategic review as it grapples with what it calls ‘persistent billing challenges’

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4. Daniel Ek pockets another $27.6m from selling Spotify shares – cashing out over $750m since 2023

   The Spotify CEO has so far sold $751.6 million worth of Spotify shares since mid-2023

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5. ADOR reveals continued payments to NewJeans despite contract dispute

   The HYBE-owned agency said a total of $20 million had been invested in NewJeans’ debut

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6. Amazon makes last-minute bid for TikTok as US ban deadline looms (report)

   Amazon previously attempted to replicate TikTok with Inspire, its own short-form video shopping feature

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7. Court says discovery process can move forward in Drake’s defamation lawsuit against UMG over ‘Not Like Us’

   UMG's motion to dismiss is still pending

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8. Tony Blair’s institute just published an AI report calling for the UK to rip up copyright law. Here’s what it says…

   The report is titled Rebooting Copyright: How the UK Can Be a Global Leader in the Arts and AI

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9. South Korea’s largest music copyright collective just banned registration of songs created with AI

   KOMCA’s decision comes at a time when lawmakers and courts around the world are grappling with the issue of copyrighting AI-made works

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10. Tim Pithouse named General Manager at Def Jam Recordings

    Pithouse previously held roles at Three Six Zero, The Orchard, and Sony Music Entertainment Australia

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