Milli Vanilli Comeback
Headlining the I Love The 90s Tour, singing Milli Vanilli hits (including “Blame It On The Rain,” “Girl You Know It’s True”), Fab Morvan is releasing a memoir and documentary on Hulu / ABC. 6-track EP Life Is Beautiful (with Stacy Grind) out now. More at: instagram.com/fabmorvan/.
George Martin Scores
In honor of Sir George Martin’s centenary, in a project that began with Martin before his passing, Curvebender Publishing releases three-volume book set George Martin: The Scores. The collection includes handwritten manuscripts from Martin’s personal archive, orchestrations for "Yesterday," "Eleanor Rigby," and "A Day in the Life,” and a meticulously re-recorded selection of arrangements and multi-track session files for closer analysis (recorded in Abbey Road Studios). Forword by Sir Paul McCartney. See: curvebenderpublishing.com/
WCS Conference Returns
The West Coast Songwriters Conference returns for its 46th year October 9-11 at the Los Angeles College of Music in Pasadena. From workshops and industry panels to pitch opportunities and industry networking, the WCS is known for creating momentum in music. Details at: westcoastsongwriters.org.
Orpheus Honors Clark & Bazzana
GRAMMY-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra honors Clark’s Botanicals Founder Francesco Clark and husband Global Infrastructure Partners’ Alberto Mihelcic Bazzano at 2026’s Gala, recognizing resiliency and innovation across finance, beauty, music. Orpheus raised $600,000 for music and leadership lessons.
Bundling Plunders Publishers
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) reports that Spotify and Amazon Music’s budling have cost music publishers almost $500 million since 2024. “Premium’ subscription models have translated to roughly 30% cuts in payouts over the past two years. Bundling alongside music lowers the statutory amount owed to publishers, with reduced mechanical rates having significantly lowered payments. The MLC first sounded the alarm in their (dismissed) suit against Spotify in 2024, currently on appeal. Spotify has since signed deals with major publishers (and the NMPA) to work on improved songwriter remuneration, although it involves streaming video content. More HERE.
Copyright Office Control
Copyright governance is being restructured, with a bill moving through congress (H.R. 6028) changing steerage of copyright machinery in the United States. Currently appointed by the Librarian of Congress, The Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act would see the copyright office standing alone, with a Register nominated by the President, creating a more direct runway to policy. The Librarian of Congress and head of Government Publishing Office would be selected through House and Senate recommendation, living under congressional commission, requiring bipartisan leadership for any changes. Since much of the copyright system involves interpretation, exploration of standards, and considerations of authorship, a protocol shift during heated generative AI conversations leaves uncomfortable questions. An Office led by a presidential appointee politicizes copyright and AI policy, potentially disrupting registration and deposit systems. Since much of the US Copyright’s Office influence moves through registration decisions, rulemakings and policy reports, this an area of deep concern for the music industry. More HERE.
BMI Celebrates Gospel
2026’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards honors award-winning gospel recording artist and songwriter-actress-entrepreneur Kierra Sheard with the Impact Award. Recognizing her incredible talent, and the ability to inspire others, Sheard is known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary R&B, helping to expand the reach of gospel music to new generations. With five #1 albums, multiple Billboard and Hot Gospel chart placements, four Grammy nominations, seven Stellar and three Dove Awards, Sheard holds four BMI Awards—including BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for 2022. More at: bmi.com
Markie Goes Downtown
Downtown Music Publishing cuts deal for catalog of late hip-hop legend Biz Markie (Marcel Hall), including name, image and likeness rights, publishing administration, sync licensing. Best known for “Just a Friend,” Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz now celebrates 40 years.
SONA & She Is The Music
Songwriters of North America (SONA), in partnership with She Is The Music, are excited to offer their members a 3-Day Songwriting Lab at Kensaltown East Studios in New York August 6-8. As a gathering of female and nonbinary creators, the workshop brings women recording artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, and publishers from across the country to create a safe space and celebrate their work. Past participants have included Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Kim Petras, tems, Ally Brooke, Linda Perry, Nija, and Loren Gray. To learn more or apply, click HERE.
Perkins’ Listening Room
Based on principles of community building, with attendees and facilitators supporting each other with focused attention, Brett Perkins’ Listening Room retreats include morning and evening listening circles, daily co-writing sessions, and creative development based on a philosophy of ‘tools, not rules.’ Upcoming destinations include Denmark, Ireland, and Greenland. Details at listeningroomretreats.com/
Exceleration/NexTone’s Sakamoto
The Estate of electronic music pioneer Ryuichi Sakamoto (co-founder of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has sold recording and publishing rights to U.S.-based independent Exceleration Music, in a joint venture with Tokyo’s NexTone. As the first Japanese composer to win an Academy Award, A Grammy, and a Golden Globe (all for The Last Emperor), Sakamoto’s work includes Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, Little Buddha, and The Revenant. Known for traditional chants, classical and avant-garde soundscapes, collaborations include David Bowie, David Sylvian, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Alva Noto. Recent documentaries and the posthumous Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo exhibition ‘seeing sound, hearing time,’ speak to his legacy. His English autobiography is out this Fall.
Ashe’s Building Momentum
Forming The Favors with Finneas in 2025 (The Dream has major praise), Ashe (Ashlyn Rae Willson) joins Atlantic Records, with publishing from Doomsday/UMPG. On stage (Kelsea Ballerini, Gracie Adams, Noah Kahan) or streaming (“Moral of the Story” is No. 2 on Spotify), Ashe tours with Benson Boone this month.
New MSA Initiative
A new Nonprofit has launched to advance safety, inclusion and wellness for professionals across the music industry. Music Safety Alliance (MSA) is a new 501(c)(3) expanding on the years-long grassroots efforts of the No Creeps! Movement into a national organization committed to building and supporting safer, healthier spaces for all. Through education, advocacy, practical resources, and the development of industry standards, the MSA is working to address long-standing structural gaps that leave many without the protection, support, or workplace standards common in other industries. Built on the pillars of resources, advocacy, and community, the MSA looks to initiate change and provide collaborative solutions to help navigate real-world situations. Partners have included Warner Music Group, She Is The Music, Keychange U.S., Women In Music, The 100 Percenters, TuneCore, and more. See: musicsafetyalliance.org.
SESAC Latina Awards
Honorees for the 2026 SESAC Latina Music Awards included Kapo, who won Pop/Latin Rhythm Songwriter of the year for “Imaginate,” “LUNA,” and “X Ti.” Edén Muñoz won Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year for work on Regional Mexican Song of the Year for “Lejos Estamos Mejor,” and Manuel Turizo and Kenzo received Pop/Latin Rhythm Song of the Year for “En Privado.” See more HERE.
Gill’s Heritage Prize
Hall of Fame, multi-award-winning Vince Gill named 2026’s Ken Burns American Heritage Prize honoree. Famous for songwriting and guitar work, he helped Country Music (2019) doc and remains one of country’s most loved artists. Gill’s new commemorative 50 Years From Home monthly EP-release series has begun.
ASCAP Foundation Theatre
The 2026 ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presented three new musicals this year, with live readings and expert feedback. Audience and industry professionals enjoyed staged presentations from emerging writers, along with detailed feedback sessions from prominent musical theatre professionals. Presentations included Lillyville (Antonious Anand Nazareth), a story navigating grief, escapism and artificial intelligence and The Waiting (Maria Isabella Andreoli and EmmaLee Kidwell), exploring grief and purgatory. Legendary (Cheeyang Ng) was a solo play venturing through identity, queerness and legacy. More at ascapfoundation.org
Women’s Rock Camp
Now in its 30th year, Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp announces its fourth Women’s Camp, featuring facilitators including Lisa Loeb, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Belinda Carlisle, Katie Pierson (The B-52s), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s), Cherie Currie (The Runaways), and more. Taking place November 5-8 in Los Angeles, this year’s attendees have the option of two experiences” a live band immersive with two live performances at iconic rock venues, jamming with their musical heroes, or a deep dive into songwriting, crafting original music with award-winning songwriters. All ages and levels welcome. Visit rockcamp.com/.
SMP Signs Sligh
Partnering with Ace High Music, SMP Nashville signs multi-platinum songwriter-producer-artist Chris Sligh to global publishing. With a multi-genre catalog, multiple #1s, 200+ cuts, credits include Rascal Flatts, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Austin Michael, and others.
HarbourView Scoops Martin
HarbourView Equity Partners has purchased the publisher’s share of works from Wolf Cousins, the songwriting collective founded by Max Martin and Shellback, in partnership with Warner Chappell. The deal includes songs recorded by Taylor Swift (“Style” and “Ready For It?”), Ariana Grande (“Problem,” “Into You,” “No Tears Left To Cry”), the Weeknd (“Can’t Feel My Face”), Imagine Dragons (“Beliver”), Ellie Goulding (“Love Me Like You Do”), Tove Lo (“Habits (Stay High)”), DNCE (“Cake By The Ocean”), and Demi Lovato. The agreement also includes compositions from Broadway and West musical & Juliet.
Golden Boy Honor
Singer-songwriter Boy Golden (Liam Duncan) 2026’s Americana Honors & Awards Emerging Act nomination. Best of Our Possible Lives out now (feat. Pino Palladiono, Abe Rounds, Gabe Noel, Joseph Shabason, FONTINE, Austin Parachoniak). Tour at: boygolden.ca/home#tour.
Google’s Broad Licensing
Taking the position that it was granted ‘broad license’ to train AI on uploaded music via YouTube’s terms of service, Google pushes back on the artist-led class action copyright lawsuit. A 118-page complaint references Google’s unauthorized use of music to train Lyria AI, with the Supreme Court’s decision in Cox v. Sony is coming into play. Allegations include violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)—an argument being advanced in multiple AI lawsuits—with Plaintiffs alleging Google’s removal of copyright management information and circumventing access controls. Defense argues that DIY distributors compel artists to grant expanded derivative-work permissions when uploading to digital streaming. More HERE.
Fleming’s Neuroarts Awards
The third annual Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Awards grants program announces 2026’s grant awardees. Each receives $25,000 to support initiatives exploring Parkinsons, OCD, occupational therapy, COVID, etc., and links between art and wellness. More HERE.
