Midweek Music Update: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Welcome to this fortnight's round-up of news, commentary and industry announcements that you may have missed from the past few weeks.
If you are looking for advice in relation to any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Legal updates
HYBE ordered to pay $17.7 million after wrongfully terminating shareholders’ agreement (CMU)
Salt-N-Pepa file notice of appeal against dismissal of UMG lawsuit (MBW)
Live Nation file motion to delay antitrust trial to appeal ruling (Variety)
Despite legal proceedings, Anna's Archive allegedly release scraped Spotify files (Mashable)
Producers drop copyright suit against Karol G and apologise for accusations (Rolling Stone)
Judge dismisses suit, ruling that Maverick City Music did not coerce buyout deal (Billboard)
Udio seeks to dismiss copyright suit filed by independent musicians over jurisdiction (MBW)
In the news
Universal Music obtains EU approval for Downtown with sale of royalty service (Hollywood Reporter)
Anna's Archive asks AI to make donations or persuade their humans to do so (CMU)
Spotify partners with SeatGeek to connect fans seamlessly to ticket website (MBW)
Lyria 3: Google launches new AI music model as part of Gemini (Billboard)
PRS for Music commits to supporting LIVE Trust's £1 contribution (PRS for Music)
Superfan platform Even strikes deal with UMG (Music Ally)
Filing reveals Independent Franchise Partners has taken a 3% stake in Universal Music (Reuters)
Sony Group develops technology to recognise original music in AI generated works (Nikkei Asia)
Ticket Unlocks by Openstage launches as an artist-controlled fan first platform (Record of the Day)
Ticketmaster error causes fans to be turned away from Raye concert (Billboard)
Features and commentary
WIN calls for fair guaranteed competition after Downtown EU decision (Record of the Day)
WEC chair calls for stronger legislation to tackle misogyny in music (Music Week)
Jennifer Smithson reveals why live gigs now matter more than ever (Guardian)
Industry changes and developments
Charities and organisations launch initiative for mental health in UK music industry (Music Week)
MPs call for government to extend new NDA protections to freelancers to tackle misogyny (CMU)
