The UK music industry is optimistic about 2026, with potential major comebacks from Harry Styles and Oasis, ongoing AI controversies, a shift in the Brit Awards location, and new government measures to protect grassroots venues and regulate ticket resale, all amid a recovering market and emerging UK artists.
Michael Lippman, a prominent music manager known for guiding artists like George Michael, Matchbox Twenty, and David Bowie, has died at age 79. He had a significant impact on the music industry, representing legendary artists and shaping their careers, and was recognized for his formidable presence and dedication. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Country singer Chase Matthew celebrated his first No. 1 on the Billboard country radio chart with his song 'Darlin.',' amid discussions about the impact of AI-generated country hits and the opinions of Nashville artists on this trend.
The article highlights five notable albums from 2023 across various genres, including Annahstasia's introspective debut, Valentina Magaletti's experimental percussion, Madison Cunningham's emotionally rich folk, Sarz's genre-blending Afrobeats, and Daniel Avery's dark techno, showcasing diverse and compelling music releases that may have been overlooked this year.
The article discusses the early and widespread popularity of Christmas music, driven by streaming platforms like Spotify, which have made holiday songs more accessible and popular than ever, with older classics maintaining their timeless appeal and new campaigns boosting specific tracks' popularity. This surge reflects both a desire for comfort during testing times and the enduring emotional bonds associated with holiday music.
The film is a heartfelt and entertaining tribute to a Milwaukee couple, Mike and Claire Sardina, who formed a Neil Diamond tribute act, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and performances, with standout roles by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, transforming their true story into a feel-good movie about perseverance in the margins of the music industry.
The documentary series 'The End of an Era' about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour offers a cozy, lighthearted look at her tour's success, focusing more on brand consolidation and personal branding than on revealing new insights or challenges, ultimately portraying her as a business-oriented artist rather than exploring deeper emotional or artistic growth.
The 2025–2026 GRAMMY U Mentorship Program, sponsored by Amazon Music, expanded its offerings and welcomed its largest cohort ever, connecting over 1,200 mentor-mentee pairs globally across various music industry tracks, with enhanced virtual programming and a new three-phase structure to support emerging professionals. The program aims to foster industry careers, promote diversity, and provide valuable networking and educational opportunities, culminating in the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Addison Rae, the Guardian's artist of the year, has transformed from a TikTok star to a respected pop artist with her debut album Addison, known for its raw honesty and her influence in the industry, especially as a young woman working with female producers. She embraces fame despite its challenges, values control over her image, and is optimistic about her future in music, aiming to release new work when ready.
Toni Basil, best known for her hit 'Mickey,' has had a diverse 40-year career in entertainment, working with icons like Elvis, Bowie, Tina Turner, and others. Her background in vaudeville, dance, and choreography has made her a significant figure in pop culture and street dance, and she continues to influence and teach dance today.
Guardian readers express mixed opinions on AI in music, emphasizing the importance of human emotion and creativity, concerns over copyright and reliance on technology, and the need for transparency and protections for musicians.
AI-generated music has become mainstream, with major labels embracing it despite musicians' fears that it could devalue human creativity and threaten their livelihoods. Labels are forming deals with AI companies to allow the use and remixing of artists' work, claiming it will foster new creative possibilities and democratize music creation. However, artists and critics remain skeptical about the long-term implications, transparency of deals, and the potential for AI to undermine traditional revenue streams and artistic integrity.
The Recording Academy will celebrate its 25th anniversary of the Producers & Engineers Wing during GRAMMY Week 2026, honoring legendary producer and engineer Jimmy Douglass, with additional events including the Recording Academy Honors for Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin, and updates to the Grammy categories and schedule. The 2026 GRAMMY Awards will be held on February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
The U.S. Supreme Court is examining a case involving Cox Communications and allegations of facilitating music piracy, with significant implications for internet liability and free speech, as the court questions whether internet providers should be responsible for user copyright violations and the potential overreach that could result.
The Supreme Court is considering a case where the music industry is suing Cox Communications for copyright violations committed by its users, with the industry claiming Cox's negligence led to significant damages, while Cox argues it should not be held liable for its customers' actions. A decision is expected this summer.