Symphonic Expands Beyond Distribution; Spotify Debuts Verified Artist Badges; Kalshi Adds Trading for Music Streams
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Spotify introduces verified artist badges to help distinguish humans from AI
As AI-generated artists and tracks flood music streaming platforms, Spotify is rolling out a new “Verified by Spotify” badge to help listeners more easily identify authentic human artists. To receive the badge, artists must meet certain criteria.
Symphonic targets catalog acquisitions and indie artist financing deals with launch of Symphonic NEXT
On the scope of transactions the program is designed to support, Symphonic CEO Jorge Brea told MBW that “NEXT is designed to be flexible across a wide range of opportunities, typically supporting transactions from catalogs generating around $25,000 in LTM earnings to larger, multi-million dollar acquisitions, depending on the opportunity.”
Believe and TuneCore are blocking distribution of Generative AI tracks made on ‘pirate studios’ like Suno – while inking new partnerships with ElevenLabs and Udio
Believe has unveiled a significant update to its Generative AI policy – one that simultaneously hardens the company’s stance on unlicensed music AI platforms, while deepening its investment in other AI tools.
Prediction-market firm Kalshi adds trading for music streams
“Drake. Taylor Swift. Justin Bieber. Bad Bunny. Trade weekly streams on your favorite artists. Available now,” it announced this week.
Pulse Check: Influur Launches AI Music Marketing Agent
Miami-based influencer-marketing firm Influur has announced the launch of Pulse, an AI agent built specifically for music promotion. The tool was designed for record labels and artist management teams to manage and execute viral influencer music campaigns from start to finish.
Tech startup Nebula partners with Ghazi Shami’s Supply Chain to launch what it calls an ‘earn-before-you-stream’ music distro service
The platform lets fans buy a stake in an upcoming track through Nebula’s marketplace, effectively investing in a song before it’s released.
ElevenLabs launches ElevenMusic as ‘not just a listening app’
AI firm ElevenLabs’ march into music has been swift.
Dune App Announce Exclusive Music Release From When In Rome UK
This release marks the proof of concept of Dune as comprehensive fan-engagement hub, where artists can provide direct rewards and exclusive media to their stakeholders.
Techsurvey: Digital Consumption of Radio Hits New High
Even among devoted listeners, It is closing the gap quickly on OTA
A Vinyl Bar in Shibuya reveals a music-making app called Bop
Users can search its collection of tracks and then “drop in cool presets, instruments, and wacky sound effects; speed your track up or slow it down; and when it’s all said and done, record and save your mix for later”.
How GRAMMYS On The Hill 2026 Fought To Protect Human Creativity In The Age Of AI
Celebrating 25 years of music advocacy, GRAMMYS On The Hill 2026 championed the music community, advanced policy priorities that protect creators’ rights, and celebrated the industry leaders and lawmakers fighting for a stronger creative ecosystem.
TikTok scam ads are using deepfakes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift
Why has Taylor Swift filed ‘sound marks’ for her voice? You can watch a few reasons why in this blog post by deepfake experts Copyleaks.
Study Reveals Why Some Scandals Kill Streams, While Others Increase Them
A new Cornell study on so-called “cancel culture” has found that music streaming platforms like Spotify hold tremendous swaying power over whether fans listen to a given artist, while social media boycotts have far less impact. Instead, the clearest declines appeared when streaming platforms reduced visibility by changing playlists or recommendations.
Tamber Raises $5M to Launch Assistive AI Music Tool Backed by Adobe Ventures
A new wave of AI music tools is starting to take shape, and Tamber is positioning itself right in the middle of that shift. The LA-based startup has raised $5 million ahead of its official launch. With backing from Adobe Ventures and several other investors focused on music and tech innovation, Tamber aims to lead the way for the new generation of creative tools.
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