Music Business Worldwide News

1. US musicians’ union files opposition to Universal and Warner motions to dismiss, saying members’ recordings were ‘fed into AI systems for commercial exploitation’

   The American Federation of Musicians has filed its opposition to the motions to dismiss brought by Universal Music Group, Inc., Warner Records, Inc., and Atlantic Recording Corp. in its lawsuit over the labels’ licensing deals with AI companies. In the filing, submitted to a New York federal court on Friday (September 4), the union says … Continued

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2. Judge throws out copyright claims in Wixen’s $102M lawsuit against Meta

   A judge ruled that Wixen has not shown it holds the rights that would let it sue over the 681 works it says Meta used without a license.

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3. Universal Music and Warner Chappell partner on launch of Ecuadorian music company Sonido Distrito Sur, led by Juan Fernando Velasco

   Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Juan Fernando Velasco is also president of SAYCE, the Ecuadorian authors' and composers' society.

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4. ElevenLabs’s $11B valuation is more than twice the size of Suno’s. It just struck a global AI music deal with UMG.

   ElevenLabs will launch an AI-powered music platform for fans under the deal, with the two companies also jointly developing AI audio products for artists and songwriters

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5. Former TuneCore chief Andreea Gleeson appointed CEO of beatBread

   Gleeson succeeds Tracy Maddux, who has run beatBread on an interim basis since November 2025.

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6. Annie Christensen appointed VP, Catalogue at Warner Chappell Music UK

   Christensen joins the publishing arm of Warner Music Group from a career in A&R, and will report to WCM UK President Shani Gonzales.

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7. Warner Music France boss Alain Veille elected President of SNEP, as Bertrand Burgalat steps down after six years

   The organization also set out its priorities for the new mandate under Veille

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8. HarbourView Equity Partners appoints Patrick Morin Managing Director of Business Development

   Morin joins HarbourView as the firm expands its investment platform and music catalog portfolio.

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9. France’s recorded music market grew 3.5% in H1 2026… with subscription streaming revenues up 7.5% YoY

   SNEP has also outlined its chart eligibility policies for AI-generated tracks

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10. The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour grossed $345m across 2026 Europe and UK leg, drawing over 2.3m fans across 11 countries

    The leg drew more than 2.3 million fans across 11 countries, closing with back-to-back shows at Estádio do Restelo in Lisbon on Sunday (September 6).

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