Music News Stream

RSS Jan 20, 2026 1:00pm · Pitchfork News

A New Era for Pitchfork: Introducing Reader Scores and Commenting

After 30 years, we’re expanding the role readers have in our music criticism and giving you full access to the reviews archive

RSS Jan 20, 2026 1:00pm · Pitchfork News

How to Rate Albums Using Pitchfork Scores

A public guide to evaluating music using our 101-point scale

RSS Jan 20, 2026 12:41pm · Music Business WorldWide

UMG strikes licensing deal with NetEase Cloud Music for China including ‘artist-centric’ terms covering AI, plans to expand Super VIP tier

The agreement includes provisions addressing artificial intelligence, with both companies committing to what they called artist-centric AI principles. Source

RSS Jan 20, 2026 11:45am · Music Business WorldWide

Matt Spetzler’s Jamen Capital launches $200M-backed independent music financing platform, Pipeline

The Jamen Capital-backed firm says that its launch comes at a "pivotal moment for the global music industry" Source

RSS Jan 20, 2026 8:03am · Musically

Udio strikes another licensing deal – this time with Merlin

AI-music firm Udio has signed its third significant licensing deal. Its agreement with indie licensing agency Merlin. The post is from Music Ally.

RSS Jan 20, 2026 8:02am · Music Business WorldWide

Udio strikes AI licensing deal with Merlin after UMG and Warner Music settlements

The deal includes terms intended to protect what the companies called “the value of human artistry.” Source

RSS Jan 20, 2026 8:00am · Rolling Stone Music News

A$AP Rocky Enlists Tim Burton for Riotous ‘Air Force (Black Demarco)’ Video

The track appears on the rapper's new album, Don't Be Dumb, released last week

RSS Jan 20, 2026 8:00am · Billboard

Udio Strikes AI Licensing Deal With Merlin for Independent Labels

After sealing licensing deals with Universal and Warner, Udio is expanding again.

RSS Jan 19, 2026 10:39pm · Rolling Stone Music News

Wake Up, Babe: Hilary Duff Just Performed ‘What Dreams Are Made of’ for the First Time Ever

At her first concert in over a decade, the actress-singer closed the set with her Lizzie McGuire anthem

RSS Jan 19, 2026 10:04pm · Billboard

Nicki Minaj Blasts Don Lemon With Derogatory Remarks Over ICE Protest Coverage at Minnesota Church

The former CNN anchor clapped back, saying the rapper needs to “sit the f—k down” and “grow some brains.”

RSS Jan 19, 2026 9:54pm · Rolling Stone Music News

Billie Eilish Condemns Civil Rights Violations, ICE-Inflicted Violence Under Trump Administration

"It’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets,” Eilish said while receiving the MLK Jr. Beloved Community Award for Environmental Justice

RSS Jan 19, 2026 9:11pm · Rolling Stone Music News

Brooklyn Beckham Accuses Parents of Trying to ‘Ruin’ His Marriage: ‘I Do Not Want to Reconcile With My Family’

"I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life," Beckham wrote in a lengthy post

RSS Jan 19, 2026 8:44pm · Billboard

Watch Keith Urban’s Sweet Birthday Message for Dolly Parton

Parton turned 80 on Jan. 19, and Urban has a musical memory to share.

RSS Jan 19, 2026 8:36pm · Music Business WorldWide

On… Warner’s cutbacks, and the bigger story.

The following article originally appeared in Tim Ingham’s latest ‘Tim’s Take’ email, issued exclusively to MBW+ subscribers. Source

RSS Jan 19, 2026 8:29pm · Music Business WorldWide

Max Lousada and Julie Greenwald have quietly registered two companies together. The structure might be telling.

The two companies – 26.2 Music Ltd and 26.2 Services Ltd – were established in November last year, according to UK Companies House Source

RSS Jan 19, 2026 7:51pm · Billboard

Valentino, Fashion Designer to the Jet Set, Dies at 93 in Rome

The iconic Italian designer was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars.

RSS Jan 19, 2026 7:25pm · Music Business WorldWide

AI music firm Udio is hiring for a Head of Artist Partnerships to lead negotiations with the music industry

Successful candidate will 'define and lead how artists engage with Udio at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth' Source

RSS Jan 19, 2026 7:11pm · Billboard

New Sphere Planned for Washington, D.C., Marking Venue’s Second U.S. Location

A scaled-down version of Las Vegas’ orb-shaped facility is coming to National Harbor in Maryland.

RSS Jan 19, 2026 6:45pm · Billboard

Jacob Alon Crowned 2026 BRITs’ Critics’ Choice Winner

Elton John heaped praise on Alon saying that that they were “destined for big things.”

RSS Jan 19, 2026 6:32pm · Hypebot

Songs in the Key of Change: a Martin Luther King Jr. Playlist

Today, January 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. From the team here at Hypebot, we're sharing a playlist of tracks that were inspired by or speak to the musical legacy of Dr. King's historic influence on the Civil Rights Movement.…