By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of the late disco queen Donna Summer is suing Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign, alleging they used her song I Feel Love without permission. The suit is being brought by Summer's widower Bruce Sudano, who is also the executor of her estate. Filed in California on Tuesday, the lawsuit alleges West and Ty initially asked for permission … [Read more...] about Donna Summer’s Widower Sues Kanye West for ‘Stealing’ Hit Song
Music Licensing
Molang in Concert With Top K-Pop Band Tomorrow x Tomorrow
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Millimages and Tomorrow x Tomorrow (TXT) are hosting a live Molang and TXT-themed fan event for the K-pop band's fifth anniversary. “K-pop culture is a part of Molang’s brand identity. said Millimages director, Alexandra Algard-Mikanowski. "With TXT members being genuine fans of our Molang, it seemed only fitting to accompany this … [Read more...] about Molang in Concert With Top K-Pop Band Tomorrow x Tomorrow
Who’s News: Wasserman Adds Four New Execs to Global Team
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wasserman Music has announced the addition of Rebecca Prochnik, Gideon Shay Royale, Josh Dick and Jonathan Insogna to its global team of music executives. "We are excited to welcome Josh, Jonathan, Rebecca, and Shay to our growing global team of outstanding agents and career strategists," said Wasserman Music EVP, Lee Anderson. "Their … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Adds Four New Execs to Global Team
“Godfather of Soul” James Brown Celebrated With New Apparel Collection
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Roots of Fight is putting out a new apparel capsule collection inspired by a documentary and album release from the late James Brown. The collection from the high-end streetwear clothier Roots of Fight is being launched in collaboration with the James Brown Estate and licensing agency Perryscope Productions. The launch is timed for the just … [Read more...] about “Godfather of Soul” James Brown Celebrated With New Apparel Collection
Bravado Marks 60th Anniversary of The Beatle’s First US Tour
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Arguably the most influential rock band of all time, The Beatles turned 64 this year, and also mark the 60th anniversary of their epic first US tour. And yes, the world will still need them, and still feed them, as they're 64. In fact, the leading music artist merchandise and brand management company Bravado will be working with Apple … [Read more...] about Bravado Marks 60th Anniversary of The Beatle’s First US Tour
Must Read: Universal Music Calls Time Out on TikTok Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group just dropped a bomb on TikTok, saying it will back out of its music licensing agreement with the social media giant. The music publisher, one of the global 'Big Three' that dominates the industry, says it will remove all songs from TikTok, accusing the company of trying to bully them into taking a bad deal over … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music Calls Time Out on TikTok Agreement
Universal Music Places Big Bet on A Musical Metaverse
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group has just launched a massive new metaverse project on Roblox, in partnership with virtual world developer Supersocial. The two companies collaborated on the creation of Beat Galaxy, which they describe as "an innovative new music hub on Roblox, the immersive platform for communication and connection." In doing … [Read more...] about Universal Music Places Big Bet on A Musical Metaverse
Branding Flashback: Morton Salt’s Brilliant Collab on Mindbending OK Go Video
By Gary SymonsTLL Editor in ChiefSometimes brands come up with collaborations that are just so memorable people will gladly come back to it years after the partnership is ended. That's the case for me with Morton Salt's amazing collaboration with the innovative rock band and music video producer OK Go. The band is known for their fantastical, tightly choreographed videos, … [Read more...] about Branding Flashback: Morton Salt’s Brilliant Collab on Mindbending OK Go Video
Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial intelligence is turning the licensing world on its head, and this week saw major announcements from YouTube and the artist Grimes. The Google-owned YouTube streaming service has licensed the voices of John Legend and Sia for AI-created soundtracks, while Grimes' company Create Safe is creating a new tool for publishing and … [Read more...] about Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes
Update: Angry Shareholders Vote to Restructure Hipgnosis Song Fund
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The future of Hipgnosis Songs fund is looking bleak, as 83.2% of shareholders voted to restructure the company. As well, investors rejected a proposal by the company's senior management, including CEO Merck Mercuridadis, to prop up its finances by selling off $440 million worth of its music catalog to a sister fund backed by … [Read more...] about Update: Angry Shareholders Vote to Restructure Hipgnosis Song Fund