Music news

Short summaries of current music and artist stories, with links back to the original reporting.

Huey Lewis Reveals Hearing Loss Has Ended His Ability to Enjoy Music

latimes.com · Jul 12, 2026

According to a recent report from the Los Angeles Times, Huey Lewis, the former lead singer of Huey Lewis and the News, has disclosed that he is 'basically deaf' and can no longer enjoy music. Speaking on the 'Inside of You' podcast, Lewis explained that while his cochlear implant aids in understanding speech, the device prevents him from distinguishing pitch, effectively removing music from his daily life. The outlet reports that this condition has profoundly altered his relationship with his life's work. For the full details on his diagnosis and personal experience, readers should follow the original source link.

CMA Appoints Brittany Schaffer as New CEO

axios.com · Jul 12, 2026

The Country Music Association has selected Brittany Schaffer, currently an official at Belmont University, to serve as its next CEO. Axios reports that Schaffer will replace outgoing CEO Sarah Trahern, who announced her retirement earlier this year. At Belmont, Schaffer previously led the university's expansion on Music Row and established the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. As one of Music Row's most powerful institutions, the CMA oversees major industry events including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and Country Music Hall of Fame inductions. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story on this leadership transition.

Record Labels Propose New AI Tagging System for Streaming Platforms

newser.com · Jul 12, 2026

A coalition led by the Recording Industry Association of America and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is urging streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music to adopt a new tagging system for AI-generated tracks. According to a report citing the Wall Street Journal, the industry bodies want two distinct labels to clearly distinguish between human performances and artificial intelligence. RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier stated that while listeners are receptive to AI music, they desire transparency regarding human artistry. Glazier and IFPI chief Vikki Oakley described the proposal as a scalable approach to meeting consumer needs. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story on this industry initiative.

YEONJUN, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé & More: Which Is Your Favorite New Music Release This Week? Vote! - Billboard

billboard.com · Jul 12, 2026

{ "status": "draft", "summary_title": "Billboard Highlights New Releases from Beyoncé, YEONJUN, and More", "summary_body": "Billboard reports on a diverse array of new music releases this week, featuring major artists across rock, pop, Latin, hip-hop, and K-pop genres. The outlet highlights significant drops including Beyoncé's latest work, YEONJUN's new material, and The Rolling Stones' contribution. Additional featured releases include Suki Waterhouse's third album *Loveland*, Teddy Swims' single "Break Up in Reverse," and a collaboration between The Linda Lindas and Hayley Williams titled "Closer." The publication invites readers to vote on their favorite release of the week while noting other contributions from Future, Feid, and Chris Lake & Tiga. For the complete list of new tracks and voting details, readers should follow the original source link.", "source_notes": "Summary based on search metadata from Billboard.com published on 2026-07-11." }

Billboard Music Videos to Launch on Netflix

ca.billboard.com · Jul 12, 2026

Billboard Canada reports that a new partnership will bring video content from Penske Media's PMX brands, including Billboard, to Netflix starting August 3. The deal covers subscribers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Featured content includes Billboard's popular "24 Hours With" series, offering day-in-the-life access to music superstars such as Charli xcx, Travis Scott, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Latto, and Grupo Frontera. This initiative supports Netflix's strategy to expand beyond traditional series and films into mobile clips and digital video. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story on this streaming expansion.

BBC Audio: Madonna Review, James Ellis Ford Interview, and Swift Wedding

bbc.com · Jul 12, 2026

BBC hosts Annie and Nick discuss Madonna's long-awaited album, Confessions II, evaluating whether it meets expectations after months of anticipation. The program also features an interview with producer James Ellis Ford regarding his upcoming solo album, Lost in Another World, scheduled for release on August 14. Ford shares insights on creating music in isolation within a hospital room and addresses concerns about artificial intelligence impacting production workflows. Additionally, the episode covers Taylor Swift's recent wedding. For the full details on these music industry updates and the complete audio discussion, please follow the original source link.

2026 Montreal International Jazz Festival Recap

ca.billboard.com · Jul 9, 2026

Billboard Canada reports that the 2026 Montreal International Jazz Festival, held from June 25 to July 4, drew record-sized crowds while expanding its sonic scope. The event featured superstar headliners and rising talent across jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Latin genres. Notable moments included a historic performance by Angine de Poitrine, who welcomed a global headliner-sized audience, and a set by Domi and JD Beck previewing their entire unreleased album. The festival also highlighted special guests on the main stage and continued its tradition of blending traditional jazz with soul and diverse international sounds. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story on these blockbuster moments.

Lil Wayne Attends Hamptons Party After Missing Maine Concert

tmz.com · Jul 9, 2026

TMZ reports that rapper Lil Wayne was spotted attending Michael Rubin's annual White Party in the Hamptons on Wednesday night, just hours after failing to appear at a scheduled concert in Maine on Tuesday. While the outlet notes that Wayne has since apologized to Maine fans on Instagram, the report indicates no official explanation has been given for the no-show. It remains unclear if the party was the reason for his absence, though the timing has likely frustrated attendees. For the full details on the incident and the rapper's social media response, readers should follow the original source link.

Lil Wayne Spotted at Party After Skipping Maine Concert

aol.com · Jul 9, 2026

Reports indicate that rapper Lil Wayne was spotted attending Michael Rubin's White Party shortly after missing his scheduled performance at a Maine tour opener. According to AOL, the rapper reportedly left the concert minutes before showtime, sparking immediate speculation among fans. Social media users quickly connected his absence to his appearance at the exclusive event, with comments suggesting the party was the reason for the no-show. While Wayne has not yet made a public statement addressing the rumors, the connection between the missed show and the party continues to circulate online. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story and any potential updates from the artist.

NYC Drill Rapper Briscoe Bands Reportedly Shot Dead

nypost.com · Jul 9, 2026

Reports indicate that Truron Roach-Martin, known professionally as Briscoe Bands, was fatally shot near the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn. The 24-year-old up-and-coming drill rapper, who is the father of a 3-year-old daughter, was struck in the face and chest on Wednesday morning. According to his mother, Christine, he had recently signed to a record label, leading her to believe the tragedy was driven by envy within the music industry. He was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital Brooklyn but could not be saved. For the full details on the incident and the artist's career, please follow the original source link.

Trump Considering Pardons for P. Diddy and Pras

independent.co.uk · Jul 9, 2026

Reports indicate President Donald Trump is considering granting pardons to music mogul Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs and Fugees member Prakazrel 'Pras' Michel to mark America's 250th anniversary. According to The Independent, Combs, currently in federal prison for prostitution-related crimes, reportedly wrote to the President seeking clemency. Sources also tell CBS News that Michel, imprisoned for lobbying violations, may receive a reprieve. While the White House has previously dismissed similar reports, the President's history of liberal pardon usage suggests these moves are plausible. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story and further details on these potential high-profile clemency actions.

New York Post Tributes Music Legend Clive Davis

nypost.com · Jul 5, 2026

The New York Post reports on a personal tribute to music industry icon Clive Davis, describing him as a genius who shaped history. The outlet notes that Davis was responsible for launching the careers of major artists including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, and Simon and Garfunkel. The article recounts a final encounter at a Ralph Lauren venue, marking a belated goodbye from a longtime friend and neighbor. It highlights Davis's journey from an orphaned scholarship student to a mogul honored by NYU with a museum dedicated to his life story. Readers should follow the original source link for the full story.