SONY SUES UDIO AGAINSony Music has sued A.I. startup Udio for copyright infringement for a second time. Sony asserts Udio used over 30,000 recordings it copied without permission in order to train it’s A.I. models.

The lawsuit was filed by Sony on July 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Sony had tried to add this belated claim to its first copyright case against Udio, but the court denied the motion.  

The first lawsuit was filed two years ago and was coordinated by the Recording Association of America and included claims by Sony as well as Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. However, Universal and Warner settled and entered into licensing deals with Udio. Sony is still pursuing that lawsuit. Sony claims in the first action that the 30,117 recordings are “only a small portion” of what Udio used without authorization. 

The complaint in the second action states “Udio’s belated embrace of licensing only underscores the unlawfulness of its decision to copy Plaintiff’s copyrighted sound recordings, without a license in the first place.” The complaint further states “that a functioning market exists for licensing sound recordings for use in connection with generative A.I.” and that “Udio recognizes that using copyrighted sound recordings for this purpose requires permission.”

Sony is now the sole major label that has not entered into a licensing deal with Udio.  

At the present time, there is a lot of uncertainty about the legality of A.I. companies using copyrighted material. Under federal law, Sony could request damages over $4.5 billion, consisting of up to $150,000 for each infringed work. Consequently, Udio has a good reason to try and settle and enter into a licensing deal. Sony also has some incentive to settle since if they lose at trial, it could establish a bad precedent.

Sony also claims Digital Millenium Copyright Act violations for allegedly stream-ripping tracks off of YouTube using such tools like YT-DLP (this is a command-line program used to download audio and video from YouTube and many other websites).

Udio will argue as a defense that copying music for A.I. training is a “fair use” under federal law and consequently, no permission is necessary.

Fair use is a legal doctrine in the U.S.A. that allows for certain uses of copyrighted material. It is a common defense in a copyright infringement case. It seeks to balance the copyright owner’s interests with the public interest in the wide distribution and use of original works by allowing it as an affirmative defense in copyright infringement cases. It provides for limited use of copyrighted works without the permission of the owner.

In determining fair use the court considers: 

• The purpose and character of the use

• The nature of the copyrighted work

• The amount used as compared to the whole work 

• The effect of use on the value of the work

Time will tell if a fair use defense prevails.

GLENN T. LITWAK is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Santa Monica, CA. He has represented platinum selling recording artists, GRAMMY-winning music producers, hit songwriters, management and production companies, music publishers and independent record labels. Litwak is also a frequent speaker at music industry conferences around the country, such as South by Southwest and the Billboard Music in Film and TV Conference. Litwak has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyer magazine for 2022-2025. Email Litwak at gtllaw59@gmail.com or visit glennlitwak.com.

This article is a very brief overview of the subject matter and does not constitute legal advice.The post SONY SUES UDIO AGAIN first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Spotify expands its share buyback program by $1.5B, raising total authorization to around $2.2BThe company's Board of Directors approved the increase, which Spotify confirmed in a press release on Thursday (August 20).
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Cornelius Breaks the Rules Yet Again – to Winning Results – with New LP Released Today

Cortis Brings the Explosive Energy to YouTube TheaterOn stage, South Korean boy group Cortis have a magnetic presence that you just can't look away. It's hard to believe the group barely debuted one year ago on Aug. 18. The group consists of five members: James, Juhoon, Martin, Seonghyeon, and Keonho. James and Martin, respectively, had a lot of buzz surrounding them before their debut. James is recognized for choreographing and writing songs for major K-pop acts like ILLIT and Tomorrow X Together (TXT).  Martin is known for his writing and producing, notably ILLIT’s "Magnetic," TXT’s "Deja Vu," and LE SSERAFIM’s "Pierrot". 
What sets Cortis apart from other K-Pop is that they don’t follow the typical formula. They don’t have flashy over-the-top visuals. Their sound is more westernized and global with motifs of rap and hip-hop. They have a youthful aura, viral dance moves and explosively addictive sound, so it’s no surprise they would also put on a fantastic show. 
Cortis’ “Put Your Phone Down” Tour stopped by the YouTube Theater on Aug. 13. As the title suggests, the tour encourages fans, COER, to put their phone down and live in the moment. In honor of the theme of the show, the group created an app called "PYPW." The ‘PYPD’ app captures, in real-time, every movement and physical activity created together by the artist and fans at the venue. It encourages attendees to put their phones away and enjoy the show.
The show production is simple. It’s just them on stage with a couch on the side. This gave the show a more authentic vibe. There were no dress changes or VCRs, it was just them on stage dancing and singing to the music. The enormous screens behind them would light up and show the lyrics of the song in huge fonts. It felt more like an underground rap show than a K-pop show. The group focused on building up the energy of their fans. The group seemed very thrilled to be back in Los Angeles. Cortis created a lot of their music here in Los Angeles and mentioned at the show that they consider LA to be their second home.
All the members are so comfortable onstage; they would often run down through the aisles and interact with fans - dancing and singing along. Each member used handheld mics, giving them more control of their vocals. The delivery of each song was strong. Unfortunately, Keonho had to sit down on the couch for some of the choreographed moments as he suffered fractures in both pinkies due to a fall. That didn’t stop him from dancing along with his groupmates and showcasing his strong vocals. 
Cortis only has two EPs in their catalog, so it makes sense why they decided to sing the same songs multiple times to fill in time and make the concert worth it for fans. It would have been nice for the group to sing song covers, especially since they are BigHit Music's third group after BTS and TXT. At times the show felt a bit repetitive, but no one in the venue seemed to mind too much, as each performance was different; for example, they performed an explosive remix version of “GO” and extended version of “TNT.” Keeping their set interesting. One of the most memorable moments was when they slowed things down with “Joy Ride” “Lullaby” and “Blue Lips,” highlighting their melodic vocals and group harmonies. 
Towards the end of the night, the group gave some touching farewell speeches. James’ speech in particular was very sweet and endearing, ending the show on a high note. "You know LA is a very special city. It's in LA that we first put our heads together and wrote our first line of lyrics. It's in LA that we first rode into the practice room and choreographed our first choreo. It’s in LA that we made this album Color Outside the Lines that started our careers. LA is a melting pot of so many cultures all together. I see every single type of people, everyone beautiful. Everyone United, every single one enjoying music, enjoying life. This is why we’re on tour. To see every single one of you enjoying yourselves. LA, you are a very, very special city and you will always be our base,” finished James to thunderous applause. The post Cortis Brings the Explosive Energy to YouTube Theater first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

KKR to acquire minority stake in BookMyShow, the company behind Coldplay and Ed Sheeran’s India concertsThe deal gives KKR a position in the business whose live division, BookMyShow Live, has staged concerts in India by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Travis Scott, Guns N' Roses and Post Malone.
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Suno wants to offer tracks pressing to vinyl, really? Interesting move from the point of rights in #AI #MusicBusiness

The David Bowie Line in 'Heroes' Written About Two Real People Against the Berlin Walla

"LEMONADE" by AespaSM EntertainmentProducers: Various

Aespa shines the brightest when their bold personalities take center stage. Their second studio album LEMONADE startsoff strong with the catchy hooks and explosive lyrics of “LEMONADE” and “SHAKIN.” The album’s clear production really highlights the K-pop group’s vocal prowess especially in the rock inspired track “Can’t Help Myself.” The biggest stand out is “Switchblade (feat.Ty Dolla $ign),” the songs experimental electronic production is euphoric and Ty Dolla $ign’s feature works nicely. The last half is when things start to fall apart as songs feel less ambitious and more generic. Overall, LEMONADE is filled with more sweet notes than sour. The post "LEMONADE" by Aespa first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Why Gen Z’s most culturally powerful rappers aren’t its biggest starsCultural relevance in hip-hop has decoupled from mainstream scale. The artists proving it are reshaping where the industry should be looking, says Diana Umana…
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The Night the Rolling Stones Played Altamont - And Nobody Could Stop What Happened Next

Sunset Marquis Hotel’s Legacy Recounted at Events with Lzzy Hale and Sharon OsbourneHeld at Landmark Theatres on Sunset Boulevard, just steps from the Sunset Strip, the double-header premiere of If These Walls Could Rock celebrated the new documentary chronicling the legendary history of the Sunset Marquis Hotel. Friday, August 14 featured a Q&A with Allison Hagendorf and Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, while Saturday, August 15 featured MC contributor Lyndsey Parker, and Sharon Osbourne.

Directed by Tyler Measom and Craig A. Williams, the 93-minute documentary spans more than 60 years of Sunset Marquis history and features over 40 music-industry figures, including Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Slash, Dave Grohl, and Morrissey. The film also explores the relationship between father-and-son owners George and Mark Rosenthal and the hotel’s evolution alongside Los Angeles’ changing music scene.

Following Friday’s screening, Hale recalled first arriving in Los Angeles with her band, stopping at the hotel’s famed bar and running into the late, great Amy Winehouse.

Saturday’s screening welcomed guests including Howie Mandel, followed by a Q&A in which Sharon Osbourne recalled the Osbourne family’s many stays at the Sunset Marquis, describing it as a place where Ozzy felt comfortable being himself. She also expanded on a story from the film about daughter Kelly Osbourne trying cocaine for the first time at the hotel, revealing that Courtney Love was the previously unnamed rock star who gave it to her. These stories offer just a glimpse into the countless tales brought to life throughout the documentary.

If These Walls Could Rock is a worthwhile watch for music fans interested in the stories behind one of Los Angeles’ most storied rock 'n' roll hotels - a place some rock stars still regularly call home while in town. The film is now playing in select theaters and is available to watch digitally on Apple TV and Prime Video.The post Sunset Marquis Hotel’s Legacy Recounted at Events with Lzzy Hale and Sharon Osbourne first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Robert Kyncl justifies Suno deal, as UMG and Sony press on with lawsuit: ‘In my opinion, you embrace it.’Kyncl appeared on Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast on Friday (August 14), where he discussed Suno – and why he'd start a music service at Netflix.
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Do What You Fear Most: The Top 5 Velvet Underground Albums

AROOJ AFTAB JOINS NORAH JONES FOR PODCAST PERFORMANCEArooj Aftab appeared on Norah Jones’ podcast Norah Jones Is Playing Along, where the two performed selections from their catalogs and a cover of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”

The episode highlights their musical chemistry and conversation, arriving as Aftab continues a series of collaborations and sets off to open select dates on St. Vincent’s orchestral tour.

The post AROOJ AFTAB JOINS NORAH JONES FOR PODCAST PERFORMANCE first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

From Suno’s BMG breakthrough to Live Nation’s counterfeit crackdown… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-upThe biggest headlines from the past few days...
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