You Can Now Text Spotify's AI DJ; beatBread Launches $100M Global Indie Fund
2247 | Your Daily Dose of Music Streaming News
You can now text Spotify's AI DJ
Spotify on Wednesday upgraded its AI DJ feature — available to Premium subscribers — with a handful of new features, including the ability to send in your requests by typing, not just using voice commands.
9 pieces of new music-making tech
New releases from Akai, Boss, Roland and more help shape the future of music-making technology.
beatBread launches $100m global indie fund in partnership with AIM, WIN, IMPALA
Labels will be able to borrow against existing catalog revenue streams, securing advances for artist signings and more.
Spotify rolls out controls to keep kids music out of your algorithm
Managed accounts are launching in the US, making it easier to curate what your children can listen to.
UMG AI Strategy Shifts from Reaction to Innovation
Universal Music Group (UMG) CEO Sir Lucian Grainge shared a memo outlining how the world’s largest record label is approaching artificial intelligence (AI) in music. His open letter blends optimism with caution, showing how UMG hopes to lead in generative AI while defending the rights of artists and songwriters.
Musixmatch Scores ‘AI Innovation Deals’ With UMPG, SMP, and WCM, Tees Up ‘New Analytical and Non-Generative AI Services’
The majors’ publishing divisions have officially inked “AI innovation deals” with lyrics provider Musixmatch, which intends to leverage their catalogs while developing new services.
Rap Battle Anime Film ‘Hypnosis Mic’ Breaks Japanese Box Office Records
A new interactive anime has broken Japanese box office records on limited release. ‘Hypnosis Mic – Division Rap Battle’ earned JPY2.5 billion ($16.5M) despite averaging a run of fewer than 60 screens throughout its theatrical run.
Ivors Academy launches campaign to ‘End Ghostwriting’ when music is created for film and TV
The Ivors Academy has launched a campaign to ‘End Ghostwriting’ when music is created for film and TV, ending a practice where some contributors go uncredited. Lead composers on such projects are being asked to ensure all contributors are credited, including on cue sheets and award submissions.
AI artist-development startup Mngrs·ai raises $1m funding round
Three elite French footballers are among the investors chipping into a $1m funding round for startup Mngrs·ai, which has built a platform to use AI to help artists develop and market their music.
APRA AMCOS Reports Record Revenue, But Aussies Are Discovering Less Local Music
APRA AMCOS has released its 2025 Year In Review report. By and large, the report is a positive one, marking a record high in returns for the group. However, some concerning user consumption trends have also been flagged.
Why industry-standard labels for AI in music could change how we listen
As AI becomes more embedded in music creation, the challenge is balancing its legitimate creative use with the ethical and economic pressures it introduces.
Ireland Makes Basic Income for Artists Program Permanent In 2026
Ireland is set to make its basic income for artists program permanent beginning in 2026—three years after launching a trial.
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