Spotify Adds Prompted Playlist to U.S., Canada; AI’s Most Critical Role in 2026 Will Be Rescue, Not Creation
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Spotify brings AI-powered Prompted Playlists to the U.S. and Canada
Prompted Playlists builds on an earlier AI playlist product, launched in 2024, which allowed for simpler prompts like “get focused at work with instrumental electronica,” or “get pumped up with fun, upbeat, and positive songs.”
Marshall's new music streaming hub brings vinyl playback to multiroom audio
A bridge between modern streaming and traditional formats, Heddon enables room-to-room audio across Marshall’s Acton III, Stanmore III and Woburn III speakers using Wi-Fi and Auracast technology.
Why AI’s Most Critical Role in 2026 Will Be Rescue, Not Creation
The recent landmark ruling won by GEMA against OpenAI serves as a critical reality check. It confirms that AI operators must comply with copyright law and obtain licenses. This is a massive victory; it establishes the legal right to compensation, which is the bedrock of our industry. However, viewing this legal victory as the finish line is a dangerous mistake. It is merely the starting gun.
The 10 weirdest and wildest musical instruments of 2026
The 28th annual Guthman Musical Instrument Competition includes a Fiddle-Henge, a modified bicycle wheel, and a ‘Demon Box.’
Spotify and Asian Cinemas’ AMB Kapali partner to celebrate the music of Mahesh Babu
Cinema-goers who visit the theatre will come across a Spotify wall where they will find a scannable code directing them to the Mahesh Babu Hits playlist.
After launching with $200m in capital for indie sector, Pipeline teams with licensing agency Merlin
Under this initiative with the digital music licensing partner for independent labels and distributors, Pipeline will provide Merlin member companies with advances against digital royalties generated by Merlin. It marks a significant expansion of Merlin’s suite of member services.
Why listening parties are everywhere right now
In an era where listening to music largely happens via streaming services, in-person listening parties offer an alternative which demands our time and attention – and fosters community in the process.
Watch Ed Sheeran’s Dublin Concert in a New Billions Club Live Film on Spotify
The film captures Ed’s full performance, where top fans gathered for an unforgettable show. In addition to the concert itself, viewers will get a look at behind-the-scenes moments from the night.
Universal launches Def Jam Recordings China division in Chengdu, ‘the capital of Chinese hip-hop’
Universal Music Greater China named three local rappers, Xie Di, Yitai Wang, and Deng Dianguo, as special guest curators to scout and mentor new talent. Def Jam Recording China plans to focus on “Guofeng Hip-hop,” a style that blends Chinese language, cultural references and storytelling traditions.
Pilot Radio is Reborn, 50 Years Later: Talking With CEO Barak Epstein
In 2025, Barak Epstein, the great-grandson of Isidor Goldberg, has re-launched the Pilot Radio brand with designs that hearken back to the past, while incorporating modern design attributes.
Santa Fe Opera to Screen ‘La Bohème’ Around New Mexico
The screening comes from a recording made during the 2025 Season and features a cast that includes Sylvia D’Eramo, Long Long, Szymon Mechliński, Emma Marhefka, Soloman Howard, and Efraín Solís.
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