Complete Music Update

AEG are seeking bar staff for their new venue in Olympia, British Airways ARC. £14.80 p/h. Zero hours contract. Closes 21 April

This week, we caught up with Juliet Kennedy; founder and curator of Brick Lane Jazz Festival

Last month’s big ruling in the majors v Cox case continues to have an impact. The majors had also sued another ISP, Verizon, but have ditched that case after the US Supreme Court sided with Cox. Music publishers suing Anthropic have also dropped some of their claims, likely because of the Cox ruling

The Attorney General of Texas has launched an investigation into payola in music streaming. He wants to know if any music companies have “undisclosed financial arrangements” with the streaming services that result in their music being unfairly prioritised, and which violate Texas state law

The US government has published its annual report on global IP concerns, adding a short section on AI, much to the delight of the music industry. The report also notes that a proposal in India to introduce statutory licensing for AI training “has raised deep concerns” among US rightsholders

Organisers of Mighty Hoopla have cancelled a Malta edition of the festival due to take place in September because current jet fuel shortages will reduce the number of flights to the island, and increase the cost for both performers and festival-goers in getting to the festival

Sony has bought all the music rights currently controlled by Recognition Music Group, the company previously known as Hipgnosis. The major acquired some smaller catalogues from Hipgnosis owner Blackstone last year. This latest bigger deal could be worth as much as $4 billion

Four US songwriters say that NewJeans hit ‘How Sweet’ incorporates a topline they wrote for a demo track they shared with an agency that works with the K-pop group. That agency said they weren’t using the writers’ topline but, it’s alleged, then included it in the NewJeans track without permission

A new version of the NO FAKES Act, which will help performers and creators protect their voice and likeness in the context of AI, has been introduced in Washington. Spotify, which previously expressed concerns about the act, says the latest draft is an improvement, but there’s “still work to do”

The Canadian government seems to have scrapped the controversial streaming levy which would have seen a 5% levy charged on music and video streaming services. Instead it is committing to introduce “federal investments” of $600 million a year to support Canada’s audio and audiovisual sectors