Author: Musicians Today Contributor
Musicians Today Contributor
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On May 23, 2025, the legendary American pop-rock duo Sparks—brothers Ron and Russell Mael—released their 28th studio album, Mad!, through Transgressive Records. The album debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, marking the highest chart position in the band’s more than 50-year career. It also clinched the No. 1 spot on both the Scottish Albums Chart and the UK Independent Albums Chart. This milestone is a testament to the enduring appeal and creative vitality of Sparks. Formed in Los Angeles in the late 1960s, the Mael brothers have continuously reinvented themselves across decades, influencing countless artistMay 5, 2025…
In a groundbreaking cultural moment, the New York Philharmonic has officially announced the appointment of an artificial intelligence entity—named “Orion”—as its Composer-in-Residence for the 2025–2026 season. This historic decision makes the Philharmonic the first major orchestra in the world to place an AI system at the heart of its creative leadership. Developed in collaboration with leading musicologists, software engineers, and classical composers, Orion is not just a passive tool but an actively contributing creative partner. Its appointment represents a bold move into the future of orchestral performance and composition, signaling a shift that could redefine how music is written, performed,…
Deezer, a prominent player in the global music streaming industry, has posted an impressive €134 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s financial journey, showcasing its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for streaming services across the world. The €134 million revenue figure is a testament to Deezer’s consistent growth, further solidifying its position in the competitive music streaming market. With an increasing number of users flocking to platforms like Deezer for easy access to vast libraries of music, podcasts, and other audio content, the company has been able…
In 2025, social media has evolved from a supplementary marketing tool to a central element in the way new artists build their careers and gain exposure. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become indispensable for emerging musicians, offering unprecedented opportunities to connect with fans and grow a global audience. However, as these platforms continue to shape the music industry, they raise important questions about authenticity, the pressure to maintain a public persona, and the fleeting nature of viral success. TikTok, in particular, has revolutionized how music goes viral. The platform’s algorithm allows songs to gain massive traction quickly, with…
Christian hip-hop artist Forrest Frank unveiled his eighth studio album, Child of God II, on May 9, 2025. The project, which includes collaborations with country music sensation Thomas Rhett and Afro-gospel star Limoblaze, represents a bold fusion of musical styles, carrying spiritual messages set against a backdrop of lo-fi and contemporary beats. The album immediately struck a chord with fans and critics alike, praised for its heartfelt lyrics, innovative production, and genre-defying collaborations. As a continuation of Frank’s previous work, Child of God II not only reinforces his position in the Christian hip-hop scene but also expands his reach to…
The music streaming industry is facing a major disruption as AI-generated tracks and bot farms begin to infiltrate platforms, leading to serious financial consequences for independent musicians. These new technologies, which allow for the automated creation of music and manipulation of streaming numbers, are causing significant challenges for artists trying to make a living from their work. One of the main culprits of this upheaval is the rise of AI tools that generate music tracks. Platforms such as Deezer report the addition of thousands of these AI-created tracks every day, with some estimates indicating as many as 20,000 new AI…
Lana Del Rey has released Moonlit Horizon, an album that blends her signature cinematic approach to music with lush orchestral arrangements and deeply emotional storytelling. Known for her melancholic and nostalgic songs, Del Rey’s latest project delves into themes of love, heartache, and personal introspection with a heightened sense of maturity. Moonlit Horizon represents a natural evolution in Del Rey’s sound, showcasing her ability to craft vivid, cinematic moments while embracing a deeper emotional complexity. The album’s first single, “Chasing Moonlight,” introduces the record’s dreamy, atmospheric sound with sweeping string sections and Del Rey’s haunting vocals. The track builds slowly,…
In a landmark development for the music industry, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group announced on May 12, 2025, that they will begin sharing royalties from AI-generated content with songwriters whose original works were used to train the artificial intelligence models. This unprecedented move marks a pivotal shift in how copyright and intellectual property are treated in the digital age. The decision arrives amid growing concerns over how generative AI technologies utilize copyrighted material. Both Universal and Warner have confirmed that this new policy will ensure songwriters receive compensation when AI-generated music includes elements derived from their original compositions.…
In a groundbreaking move that will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the music industry, Taylor Swift has regained ownership of her first six studio albums, officially concluding her “Taylor’s Version” re-recording journey. This milestone follows her acquisition of the rights from Shamrock Capital Advisors, effectively bringing an end to the ongoing saga that began in 2019. At that time, Swift was embroiled in a highly publicized dispute when Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings purchased the rights to her original recordings, sparking a fierce battle over her masters. For years, Swift has voiced her dissatisfaction with the sale, criticizing both…
As we move into 2025, the way artists make money from their music has evolved dramatically, reflecting the broader shifts in how music is consumed. With streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube dominating the market, traditional revenue streams such as album sales and physical distribution have diminished significantly. Independent artists, in particular, have had to rethink their approach to music monetization, as they navigate the challenges of lower royalties and the ever-changing dynamics of the digital music ecosystem. While streaming royalties remain a small fraction of what they used to be, new opportunities are emerging that allow artists…