Music Weekly Brief: June 24–30, 2025
This week in music, we saw some big moves that could reshape how artists are paid and how music is made. From legal challenges against major streaming platforms to exciting new AI tools for producers, there’s a lot to unpack. Plus, the Supreme Court is stepping into the digital copyright arena, which could have wide-ranging effects.
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Senators Call for FTC Probe into Spotify’s Bundling Practices
Two U.S. Senators, Marsha Blackburn and Ben Ray Luján, have formally urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Spotify. Their concern centers on Spotify’s strategy of bundling audiobooks with music subscriptions, which they suggest might be a tactic to reduce royalty payouts to songwriters and publishers. This action has raised questions about transparency and fair compensation within the streaming ecosystem, particularly regarding whether users were clearly informed about the upgraded plans. This development extends beyond a simple pricing dispute; it represents a direct challenge to a fundamental business model that major streaming platforms are adopting. The bundling strategy, while presented as a value-add for consumers, is being scrutinized as a potential loophole in copyright law that allows for reduced royalty rates. Should the FTC rule against Spotify, it could establish a significant precedent for how all digital subscription services bundle content, potentially necessitating a re-evaluation of royalty structures across the entire streaming landscape. This could lead to either more transparent pricing for consumers or a complete overhaul of how bundled services are licensed under copyright law, impacting every artist and publisher.
Published: June 24, 2025
Senators Urge FTC Probe into Spotify’s Pricey Bundled -
SoundExchange Sues Sonos and Napster Over Unpaid Royalties
SoundExchange, the U.S. collecting society for neighboring rights, has filed a lawsuit against Sonos and Napster, seeking over $3.3 million in allegedly unpaid royalties and fees. The dispute originates from missing payments for Sonos Radio content from 2022 and 2023, particularly after Napster’s acquisition by blockchain companies in May 2022. SoundExchange contends that Sonos, as the operator of Sonos Radio, bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring these payments are made, despite the backend being powered by Napster. This lawsuit highlights the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in royalty collection, especially when new technologies or corporate acquisitions disrupt established payment flows. The situation, partly caused by a key Napster employee’s departure after the acquisition, underscores a systemic vulnerability in the “human element” of royalty reporting. The outcome of this case will likely clarify the accountability of platform operators like Sonos for third-party services they integrate, emphasizing that the ultimate responsibility for artist compensation cannot be easily outsourced. This could lead to stricter due diligence requirements for partnerships involving content licensing and a push for more automated, immutable royalty tracking solutions.
Published: June 24, 2025
https://creativeindustriesnews.com/2025/06/soundexchange-sues-sonos-and-napster-for-alleged-unpaid-statutory-copyright-royalties/ -
Avid Unveils Pro Tools 2025.6 with Deep Splice AI Integration
Avid has released Pro Tools 2025.6, a significant update to its widely used digital audio workstation. The new version features deep integration with Splice, providing users direct access to a vast royalty-free sample library right within the software. This update also introduces AI-driven Speech-to-Text capabilities for faster editing and improved MIDI creation, all designed to streamline workflows for music producers and audio post-professionals. This update signifies a major step towards AI-powered tools becoming standard, rather than merely experimental, in professional music production. The integration of AI directly into a leading DAW like Pro Tools legitimizes and accelerates the adoption of AI in creative workflows. It indicates that AI is moving beyond niche tools to become a core component for efficiency and creative exploration in mainstream production, driven by the industry’s continuous push for faster content creation and new sonic possibilities. This could lower the barrier to entry for complex production tasks, potentially broadening access to music creation. However, it also prompts questions about the evolving role of human producers and engineers, and how “originality” is defined when AI plays a more significant role in sound design and editing.
Published: June 24, 2025
https://rbr.com/avid-empowers-music-creators-with-new-pro-tools-release/ -
:gavel: U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Landmark Internet Copyright Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a significant case that will address who bears responsibility for copyright infringement on the internet. The case, involving Cox Communications and Sony Music Entertainment, challenges a lower court’s ruling that held internet service providers (ISPs) secondarily liable for user infringements unless they terminate service. The outcome of this case could set a national precedent for online copyright liability, with immense implications for the digital landscape. This legal battle is critical, as it could redefine the legal framework for online content and intellectual property rights in the digital age. It represents the ongoing struggle of applying traditional copyright law to the decentralized and rapidly evolving internet. The “terminate-or-else” theory highlights a tension between copyright enforcement and open internet access. Depending on the ruling, it could either compel ISPs into a more active role as content police, potentially leading to censorship or privacy concerns, or it could reinforce their role as neutral conduits, shifting the burden of enforcement back to rights holders. This case will undoubtedly shape future legislative efforts around digital copyright and online liability, impacting how music is consumed and protected online for years to come.
Published: June 30, 2025
https://www.courthousenews.com/supreme-court-tees-up-2025-term-with-internet-copyright-fugitive-tolling-and-removal-deadlines/
Tools & Tips
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Avid Pro Tools 2025.6: Enhanced Production with AI and Splice
The latest update to Avid’s Pro Tools introduces integrated access to Splice’s massive royalty-free sample library, allowing users to find sounds without leaving their project. Additionally, new AI-driven Speech-to-Text features can significantly speed up editing workflows, particularly for dialogue and lyric information. This tool reflects the industry’s movement towards more integrated and intelligent production environments. The emphasis on maintaining “creative flow” and accelerating workflows through integration and AI directly addresses the increasing demand for rapid content creation and iteration in the music industry. Tools that reduce friction in the creative process are becoming indispensable. This trend suggests that future music production tools will increasingly prioritize seamless integration and intelligent assistance, potentially leading to more efficient studios and a focus on creative output rather than technical hurdles.
https://www.avid.com/pro-tools -
YouTube Music’s New Lyric Sharing Feature
YouTube Music has rolled out a new feature allowing users to share lyrics directly from songs within the app. This makes it easier for fans to connect with music on a deeper level and offers artists a new way to boost visibility through social sharing. This feature aligns with the broader trend of social media and streaming platforms blurring lines, encouraging more interactive and shareable music experiences. It acknowledges that lyrics are a powerful connection point for fans and a valuable promotional asset for artists. Such features empower fans to become active promoters, turning individual listening moments into viral opportunities. This could influence how artists write and present their lyrics, knowing they can be easily shared and highlighted, potentially leading to more lyrically-driven viral moments.
https://routenote.com/blog/music-industry-news-june-2025/
Fun Fact
The concept of a conductor using a baton to lead an orchestra is a relatively recent development in music history. The first documented conductor to use a baton was Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687), a French Baroque composer. Before his time, musical groups typically followed their first violinist or keyboard player. Lully’s “baton” was a heavy, six-foot-long staff which he famously pounded on the ground to keep time. This practice, unfortunately, led to his demise when he accidentally struck his foot, causing an abscess that became gangrenous and ultimately fatal. This historical anecdote highlights the evolution of musical performance practices and the often-unforeseen consequences of innovation, reminding us that even fundamental aspects of music, like conducting, have a rich and sometimes surprising history.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/nluv5v/whats_a_fun_piece_of_music_history_you_know/
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any music events or utilized new music tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.