Sony Music Isn’t Firing Dr. Luke, Lawyer Confirms

Sony Music Entertainment isn’t firing Dr. Luke, according to a statement just issued by the producer’s lawyer.  The statement, from attorney Christine Lapera, is as follows: “This is not true. Luke has an excellent relationship with Sony. His representatives are in regular contact with executives at the highest levels at Sony and this has never come […]

The post Sony Music Isn’t Firing Dr. Luke, Lawyer Confirms appeared first on Digital Music News.

SoundCloud ‘Not Shutting Down,’ Top Executive Says

Despite nagging rumors of impending shutdown, a top SoundCloud insider says this is a long-term play. SoundCloud isn’t at risk of an immediate shutdown and has ‘ample resources’ to continue for ‘years,’ according to a well-placed source within the company.  In a somewhat contentious conversation with Digital Music News on Tuesday, the top-level source pointed to a number […]

The post SoundCloud ‘Not Shutting Down,’ Top Executive Says appeared first on Digital Music News.

‘Fifth Beatle’ George Martin Dies at 90

Sir George Henry Martin, the ‘Fifth Beatle’ who produced and guided the core catalog of Beatles’ works, has now died at 90. Martin, who passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, is being celebrated after a six-decade career that produced 30 number one songs in the UK and 23 in the United States, among other chart-smashing accomplishments […]

The post ‘Fifth Beatle’ George Martin Dies at 90 appeared first on Digital Music News.

Spotify Faces $30 Million, ‘Quick-n-Dirty’ Settlement Over Unpaid Royalties

Spotify is negotiating a fast-track settlement over unpaid publishing royalties that could reach $30 million.  But that may only cover part of the liability. Please note: The following is a breaking story with quickly shifting details.  Please check back for ongoing updates and developments. Spotify may wriggle its way out of a perilous publishing royalty lawsuit […]

The post Spotify Faces $30 Million, ‘Quick-n-Dirty’ Settlement Over Unpaid Royalties appeared first on Digital Music News.

Streaming Startup CÜR Pays $8 Million for Major Label Licenses

According to the Wall Street Journal, CÜR Media has received ”licenses from all three major record companies, giving them a collective $8 million in advance money.” In addition to the $8 million advances, CÜR has given each record company a ”5% stake in the company.” However, despite receiving such a high volume of investment cash, CÜR Media ”still […]

The post Streaming Startup CÜR Pays $8 Million for Major Label Licenses appeared first on Digital Music News.

Kanye West Vows That He Will Never Make a CD Ever Again

Kanye West says he’s never making another CD. Maybe he should consider other formats as well. Kanye West is probably one of the most talked about artists today, and has become an absolute pro at placing himself front-and-center of controversial situations.  There was the Taylor Swift scandal, the Tidal exclusive that didn’t even chart, the Twitter […]

The post Kanye West Vows That He Will Never Make a CD Ever Again appeared first on Digital Music News.

After Skipping Spotify, The 1975 Scores a Number 1 Album

Kanye West skipped Spotify and didn’t even chart.  The 1975, on the other hand, have a number 1 album in several countries. It’s another vote in favor of windowing, the emerging art of strategically rolling out releases to different platforms to maximize sales and impact.  In the case of Kanye, the ‘strategy’ wasn’t windowing at […]

The post After Skipping Spotify, The 1975 Scores a Number 1 Album appeared first on Digital Music News.