COURT HOLDS LIVE NATION MONOPOLIZED THE MARKET FOR CONCERT TICKETSA Federal court jury in New York recently held that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, had an illegal monopoly on concert ticket sales. Live Nation/Ticketmaster used its dominant position in the market to make things more difficult for its competitors.

The witnesses in the trial included Live Nation head Michael Rapone and Ben Lovett from the group Mumford & Sons.

Over 30 states sued Ticketmaster, claiming that it dominated major concert venue sales and maintained high prices with their anticompetitive practices in large entertainment venues.

Concert goers have long complained about exorbitant ticket prices. This recent verdict in the antitrust trial against Live Nation could mean lower ticket prices in the future but it does not appear it will happen immediately.

One week after the trial began on March 2, the federal government entered into a $280 million settlement. Some states agreed to participate in the settlement which must still be approved by the judge. However, over 30 states decided to continue with their lawsuit in court.

The jury concluded that Ticketmaster overcharged $1.72 per concert ticket in 21 states and Washington D.C. due to Live Nation’s anticompetitive actions.

The acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division, Omeed Assefi, stated the verdict was “a fantastic outcome for the American people... DOJ and some states settled their cases and got instant relief. The remaining states received a liability finding and will now move on to the next phase of a remedies trial. Everyone but Live Nation wins with this scenario.”

 The judge in the case, Arun Subramanian, will be the person who decides what the remedies are. It could be divestments by Live Nation of some of its companies or ordering Live Nation and Ticketmaster (they merged in 2010) to separate. Live Nation will also be required to pay back millions of dollars in overcharges.

During the trial, Live Nation argued that it was not a monopoly and stated that the jury’s verdict “is not the last word on this matter” as there are motions pending which may decide whether the rulings on liability and damages will stand. Live Nation also stated that it should not have to pay over $450 million in damages.

Ticketmaster is the largest ticketer of live events in the world. During the trial, Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, testified that Ticketmaster has an 86 percent share of the ticket sales market at “major concert venues” which he said are the 250 U.S. amphitheaters and arenas that can accommodate 8,000 people and have more than 10 concerts a year. Live Nation contends that their market share is only 44 percent if smaller venues are considered.

Ticket prices have skyrocketed in the last few decades. According to Bloomberg, as Streaming income became a less profitable source of income for musicians, artists have turned to touring and are charging a higher base cost. In addition, live events boomed after the pandemic.

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 COURT HOLDS LIVE NATION MONOPOLIZED THE MARKET FOR CONCERT TICKETS first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Reservoir deployed $120m on acquisitions and advances in latest fiscal year, as its annual revenues grew 11% YoY to $175.7mReservoir Media has published its fiscal Q4 (calendar Q1) and full-year financial results for its fiscal 2026, ended March 31, 2026.
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Korg USA’s Joe Castronovo Joins NAMM in Urging Congress to Lift Tariffs on Musical InstrumentsSEATED L-R Joe Castronovo, Jake Connolly. STANDING L-R: NY Representative Tom Souzzi, and Melissa Heche

Korg USA and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) brought the music industry’s concerns straight to Washington this month, as tariffs on instruments and gear continue to strike a sour note with manufacturers, retailers, and educators alike.

On May 13, Joe Castronovo of Korg USA joined roughly 100 music industry professionals representing all 50 states for the 20th annual NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In, a coordinated effort to meet directly with lawmakers and push for exemptions on tariffs affecting musical instruments, accessories, and essential components. Representing New York, Castronovo was part of a broader coalition making the case that these added costs ripple far beyond manufacturers.

“Each time we come back to Washington, it reinforces how important it is for our industry to speak with one unified voice,” Castronovo said. “These conversations matter—lawmakers are listening more closely, and there’s a growing understanding of how tariffs impact a highly global, specialized supply chain like ours.”

That supply chain, as industry leaders emphasized throughout the Fly-In, is anything but simple. Musical instruments often rely on internationally sourced materials and precision components, making them particularly vulnerable to shifting trade policies. But as Castronovo and his peers were quick to point out, the real impact lands closer to home.

“But the reality is, tariffs don’t just affect manufacturers—they directly impact small retailers, increase costs for customers, and make it harder for students and first-time players to access music,” he added. “That’s why it’s so important to be here: to connect policy decisions to real-world consequences and advocate for solutions that protect both our industry and access to music.”

The message from NAMM’s delegation was clear: tariff relief isn’t just about protecting business margins—it’s about preserving access. With music programs already navigating tight budgets, rising instrument costs could mean fewer opportunities for students to pick up an instrument in the first place.

For Castronovo, the Fly-In was as much about collaboration as it was about policy. “The NAMM DC Fly-In provided a critical platform to advocate for policies that protect and expand access to music education nationwide,” he said. “Engaging with policymakers alongside industry peers underscored the importance of sustained federal support and reinforced our shared responsibility to ensure music remains an essential part of every student’s education.”

That sense of shared responsibility carried through the entire event, which brought together manufacturers, retailers, and educators under one unified goal. “My experience at the NAMM DC Fly-In was both energizing and meaningful,” Castronovo noted. “Working alongside peers from across the music industry, we came together to champion music education and demonstrate, firsthand, our shared commitment to students and communities nationwide.”

While tariff debates rarely make headlines in the music world, their effects are increasingly hard to ignore. As NAMM continues its advocacy efforts, the hope is that lawmakers will begin to see instruments not just as imported goods—but as essential tools for creativity, education, and cultural growth.The post Korg USA’s Joe Castronovo Joins NAMM in Urging Congress to Lift Tariffs on Musical Instruments first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Julie Swidler, Sony Music’s EVP Business Affairs and General Counsel, to leave company after 18 yearsSwidler has held the role of EVP, Business Affairs and General Counsel at Sony Music, since 2008
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Assignments May 2026: Who Got Hired?Allie Moskovits

Head of Sync & Business Development

The Patron Saints of Music

The Patron Saints of Music has appointed Allie Moskovits as Head of Sync & Business Development. In the newly created role, Moskovits will lead sync strategy for Patron Saints’ rapidly expanding catalog to drive new business opportunities across TV, film, ads, gaming, and emerging media platforms. “I’m incredibly excited to join Patron Saints of Music,” said Moskovits. “Sync is evolving quickly, and I look forward to growing this historic company into bold new opportunities that connect its incredible music with today’s expansive media landscape.” For more, contact kelly@kelleemackpr.com.

Stevie Heckert

Senior Manager, Digital Marketing

The Syndicate

The Syndicate announced the hiring of digital strategy expert Stevie Heckert as Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. “I deeply admire The Syndicate’s reputation for thoughtful, culture-forward campaigns,” said Heckert. “Joining a dynamic team that prioritizes building genuine connections with fans through innovative thinking is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to building smart, impactful strategies that help our clients break through in substantial ways.” For more, contact jeff@thesyn.com.

Greg Levin

Chief Executive Officer/Board Member

Starbird

Starbird announced the appointment of Greg Levin as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, effective immediately. Levin will lead the company’s next phase of national expansion, bringing a guest-first leadership mindset, a proven record of scaling premium restaurant brands and deep experience building disciplined, high-performing restaurant concepts and operating systems. “As Starbird expands nationally, my focus is on building upon our strong, values-driven culture and strengthening execution and guest hospitality at every level,” said Levin. For more, contact pdonahie@championmgt.com.

Guji Lorenzana

Director, A&R & Client Development, APAC

Symphonic

Symphonic has promoted Guji Lorenzana to Director, A&R and Client Development, APAC. In his new role, Lorenzana will oversee regional A&R strategy, client development, and team growth across key APAC markets, working closely with artists, labels, and partners throughout Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Australia. “The APAC team has been thriving under Guji’s leadership,” said Ed Poston, Head of A&R at Symphonic. For more, contact laurie@jaybirdcom.com.

Josh Kritzler

President, North American Venues & Content

Legends Global

Legends Global has announced that Josh Kritzler has been appointed to President, North American Venues & Content. In this role, Kritzler will oversee the company’s portfolio of North American arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers and lead venue operations, content, and booking across the network. “I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our teams to bring even greater alignment across content, commercial strategy, and operations,” said Kritzler. For more, contact sescudero@legendsglobal.com.

Jaymie Lunt

Junior Designer

The Syndicate

The Syndicate announced the expansion of its Creative Department with the addition of Jaymie Lunt as Junior Designer. Lunt most recently led marketing efforts for Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge, where she played a central role in solidifying brand identity and elevating creative output through dynamic content and engaging design. Her background blends live music culture with strong visual storytelling, making her a natural fit for The Syndicate’s expanding roster of entertainment clients. For more, contact jeff@thesyn.com.

Mike Easterlin

Managing Director

ONErpm

ONErpm has hired Mike Easterlin as Managing Director of its Nashville division. Easterlin brings decades of experience in A&R and promotion to the role. “I’ve always believed in the independent spirit of artists—the drive to create, take risks, and build something real. Helping talent find their voice and turn it into a lasting career has always been my passion,” said Easterlin. ”ONErpm embodies those same values: passion, focus, transparency, and a real commitment to giving artists a global platform to grow on their own terms.” For more, contact jonathan@rockpaperscissors.biz.

Nick Weakley

Social Media Manager

Milestone Collective

Milestone Collective, the music-focused agency combining public relations and social media expertise, has promoted Nick Weakley to Social Media Manager, effective immediately. This title recognizes his creativity, strategic digital insight, and commitment to raising artists’ online presence, all supported by his deep passion for the music industry and the clients he represents. “From day one, Nick’s ambition, dedication, and willingness to expand his skillset, empowering our artists to make a greater impact on their social media platforms, stood out,” said Mike Gowen, the company’s founder and CEO. For more, contact jessica@milestonecollective.com.The post Assignments May 2026: Who Got Hired? first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

UMG and Sony seek to add over 61k recordings to Suno lawsuit after discovery reveals AI trained on ‘millions’ of their copyrighted tracksThe labels say they are asserting "only a small fraction" of those recordings – 61,026 works – in the proposed second amended complaint.
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Stability AI’s Julian Parker, a key researcher behind Stable Audio, joins Spotify’s ‘artist-first AI’ team – days after streamer’s landmark UMG remix dealParker's announcement of the move arrived less than 24 hours after Spotify and Universal Music Group unveiled landmark licensing agreements for AI-powered covers and remixes
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Hit the Decks! It's FlourItalian underground techno DJ and producer Flour started DJing around the age of 16, "playing 80s music in some lounge bars."

"At that time it was more of a passion than anything else," Flour says. "Production came later, in 2021 during the pandemic, and that’s when I truly felt it was my calling."

Flour describes his sound as a fusion of energy and atmosphere.

"I like to create something that is not only powerful, but also emotional and immersive, almost like a journey," he says. "I always try to tell a story, to create something that can stay with the listener. In every track, there’s a part of my soul. If I had to describe it in a few words, I would say epic, cinematic, emotional, and at the same time powerful."

Flour's latest release is the Fallen Angel EP.

"[It] represents both a milestone and an evolution of my sound," he says. "I always try to create a connection between the tracks, as if it were a story that listeners are free to interpret in their own way.It’s a project I’m truly proud of because it fully represents my musical vision. I’m really grateful to Amelie Lens and the entire Exhale team for giving me the opportunity once again to express who I am and how I see music."

As for gear: "In the studio I mainly use Ableton Live along with plugins like Serum 2 and FabFilter. I also use my Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 MIDI keyboard to create melodies. For DJing, I enjoy playing on CDJ 3000s with a Pioneer DJM A9 mixer, but also the V10. For headphones, I use AIAIAI TMA 2."

Looking ahead, Flour has plenty planned for 2026.

"In the coming months I have a lot of new music planned," he says. "In July I’ll be making my debut at Tomorrowland the Atmosphere stage hosted by Exhale. That’s truly a dream coming true."

The post Hit the Decks! It's Flour first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Guitar Center Launches Folk-Roots Line Mitchell Silver CreekGuitar Center announced on Thursday that it has "launched the Mitchell Silver Creek Folk Instrument Line, a game-changing seven-piece collection of high-quality instruments including banjos, mandolins and resonator guitars at price points accessible to a wide range of players. Mitchell looked toward the historic icons, developing a collection that meets high standards for quality and playability."

“With the new Mitchell lineup, we focused on creating instruments that feel inspiring and effortless to play from the very first note,” Rich Thrush, Vice President of Mitchell, told MC. “These instruments combine thoughtful design, dependable quality, and player-focused refinement to deliver an experience that keeps musicians engaged, growing, and coming back to play.”

According to a statement, "Mitchell has built player-focused acoustic instruments under Guitar Center's leadership since the brand’s formation in 1986. This line extends that legacy to a wider range of acoustic musicians and leans into Mitchell’s promise of high-quality instruments with great playability. The collection was built to meet that standard, using the finest instruments in the category as its benchmark throughout design and production."

“These instruments were built to the quality and performance standards of the most iconic instruments available today, but to also be affordable by real, working musicians,” said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center.

“We looked toward the historic icons of folk instruments and re-imagined them with our own design for playability, consistency, and modern relevance,” said Thrush. “The goal was to build instruments that feel and respond like they cost twice as much.”

Collection Overview (courtesy of Guitar Center):

Banjos

RB100 Resonator 5-String Banjo ($349.99): Traditional resonator banjo built for strong projection and bright, focused tone. Clear articulation and forward presence suited for bluegrass and ensemble playing.

OB100 Open Back 5-String Banjo ($249.99): Open-back banjo delivering warm, mellow tone with natural decay and balanced volume. Ideal for folk, old-time and acoustic settings where nuance and feel are central.

Mandolins

FM200 F-Style Mandolin ($349.99): F-style mandolin with carved arched top and solid spruce construction. Strong projection, crisp articulation and the classic response that bluegrass and traditional acoustic playing demand.

AM100 A-Style Mandolin ($169.99): A-style mandolin with arched spruce top and balanced body design. Even projection and clear, consistent tone suited for folk, Americana and ensemble work.

DM200E Double Cut Acoustic-Electric Mandolin ($299.99): Modern double-cut acoustic-electric mandolin with hollow carved Okoume body and onboard electronics. Expanded fret access and flexible performance across stage and studio environments.

Resonator Guitars

RR200CE Resonator Guitar ($429.99): Spider-style acoustic-electric resonator guitar with strong projection, sustained response and clear articulation. A sweet-sounding humbucker pickup with volume and tone controls for versatility in live and studio settings.

RR100 Resonator Guitar ($349.99): Biscuit-style resonator guitar with mahogany construction delivering punchy, dry tonal character with quick decay and strong midrange presence. Rooted in traditional blues and folk.

The collection is available exclusively at Guitar Center stores nationwide and at guitarcenter.com.The post Guitar Center Launches Folk-Roots Line Mitchell Silver Creek first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

From Spotify and UMG’s landmark AI deal to Shamrock’s $813M raise… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-upThe biggest headlines from the past few days...
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FILM - TV - THEATER - GAMES: PROPS AND OPPS FOR MAY '26PROPS

There is still time to catch Sierra Madre Playhouse’s One Million Words – Rilke, a hit solo show created by and starring Ivo Müller, with performances on May 1-3. The production, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, made its North American premiere in California as part of an international tour honoring the centennial of Rilke's death in 1926. Directed by Arieta Corrêa, the show follows both a present-day actor and a 19th-century poet as they explore themes of creativity, belonging, love, and human connection. Following its Sierra Madre run, the production will head to its U.K. premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Contact Libby Huebner at libby@adlibpr.com for more information or visit sierramadreplayhouse.org for tickets. Photo credit: Priscila Prade

Andra Day

WhyHunger, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and advancing the human right to nutritious food, will host its annual Chapin Awards Gala on May 6 at Cipriani 25 in New York City. GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter, activist, and actress Andra Day will be honored with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for her dedication to social justice and philanthropy. Past recipients have included Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte, and Jon Batiste, among others. Day’s notable body of work includes a captivating portrayal of Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday—her very first on-screen acting role. The event will celebrate an organization that has connected 6.6 million people to food and invested $9.6 million in community-led solutions across 25 countries in the past five years. For more information, contact Luci Paczkowski at lpaczkowski@shorefire.com or visit whyhunger.org/chapinawards2026.

Music and game label Scarlet Moon has debuted Prescription for Pop, a crossover jazz series designed to bring a fresh sound to popular music. Composer and saxophonist Norihiko Hibino, renowned for his work on video games including Metal Gear Solid, Bayonetta and Yakuza, joined pianist AYAKI to form GENTLE LOVE. Following their Billboard-charting, 16-album run reimagining game and anime music as jazzy lullabies, the duo launched the new series with two albums dedicated to top 2025 and 2024 pop hits. Prescription for Pop: 2025 Hits and Prescription for Pop: 2024 Hits are now available, featuring highlights such as "Gone Gone Gone" and "Golden" from 2025 and "Too Sweet" and "Flowers" from 2024. Learn more at scarletmoon.com/sleep or by contacting Jayson Napolitano at jayson@scarletmoonpromotions.com.

OPPS

Young screen composers can have the chance to showcase their work through the World Soundtrack Academy’s annual Film Music Composition Contest. Registration is now open to composers under the age of 36, who have until May 15 to submit their work. The excerpt for this year's contest is from the 2020 horror television series Ratched. Get the competition guidelines and submit your work at worldsoundtrackawards.com/wsa-talent/composition-contest.

The Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program's 2026 Film Scoring Competition—the program’s first ever—is now open, offering aspiring composers a chance to win a professional recording with a 52-piece orchestra. The deadline is May 17 to submit music to accompany The Walk Home, a short drama from filmmaker Jeremy Osbern. All the details can be found at pnwfilmmusic.com/score-competition.

If you’re interested in speaking at the 2026 Game Music and Sound Design Conference, proposals for talks will be accepted until May 10. Topics can be anything directly related to game/interactive audio. The event will be October 20-21 in Burbank with an option to attend virtually. Learn how to submit your proposal at gamesoundcon.com/submissions.The post FILM - TV - THEATER - GAMES: PROPS AND OPPS FOR MAY '26 first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Warner Music COO, Armin Zerza: Music is under-monetized, under-digitized, and ripe for ‘years of productivity’Zerza appeared at the JPMorgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on Wednesday (May 20)
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Ten of the Best Queen Latifah SongsContinuing the theme from our recent Phil Collins list, we're looking at ten of the best songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 "Musical Influence" inductee Queen Latifah. Rock or hip-hop? Who gives a crap--she's awesome!

"Mama Gave Birth to the Soul Children" (featuring De La Soul)

From All Hail the Queen (1989)

"Evil That Men Do" (featuring KRS-One)

From All Hail the Queen (1989)

"Nuff of the Ruff Stuff"

From Nature of a Sista' (1991)

"Bad As A Mutha"

From Nature of a Sista' (1991)

"Just Another Day"

From Black Reign (1993)

"Bananas (Who You Gonna Call?)" (featuring Apache)

From Order in the Court (1998)

"It's Alright" (featuring Faith Evans and Lil' Mo)

From Order in the Court (1998)

"I Put a Spell On You"

From The Dana Owens Album (2004)

"How Long (Betcha' Got a Chick On the Side)"

From Trav'lin' Light (2007)

"Fast Car" (featuring Missy Elliott)

From Persona (2009)

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of State/Wikicommons

The post Ten of the Best Queen Latifah Songs first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Sony Music Publishing promotes ZaZa Kazadi to Senior Director, A&R, UK & EuropeThe promotion will see Kazadi focus on Hip Hop, Rap, R&B and Afro genres.
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A special day with Miles the Music Kid in The BronxThe Guitar Center Music Foundation recently released details of, "Rising producer and multi-instrumentalist Miles Bonham, known as Miles Music Kid, recently visited two elementary schools in the Bronx in partnership with non-profit Education Through Music. During the visit, he donated 1,000 ukuleles and three DJ decks, provided by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, to help expand access to music education for New York City students."

Watch a video of Miles’ school visit HERE.

“I’m so lucky that I have instruments around my house, and I could just play them whenever I want," Bonham said in a statement. "But some people don’t have that even though they love music just as much as I do. I’m really happy knowing that we are giving these kids all of this musical gear so they can have something to go to whenever they feel like they want to express themselves through music.”

“Myles’ visit demonstrated the incredible impact music can have when students are given the opportunity to engage with it firsthand,” Myka Miller, Guitar Center Music Foundation Executive Director, told MC. “Watching these students light up as they explored instruments, created sounds together, and experienced the creative process in real time was truly inspiring. At The Guitar Center Music Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to music education, and we are proud to support initiatives like this that help open doors for creativity, confidence, and self-expression.”

According to a press release, "During the visit, Miles spent time with students, as he performed a song on the guitar for them and produced a song using their voices and different sounds in the classroom. The donation of ukuleles and DJ equipment introduces foundational tools and gives students new ways to explore creativity and self-expression."

“This was an incredibly special day,” said Bree Bowles, Senior Vice President, Republic Records: Kids & Family and 2026 Co-Chair of Education Through Music, supporting Education Through Music’s “Making Minds Sing!” 2026 Gala honoree Jim Roppo, Chairman and CEO, Republic Records. “Being in the classroom with Miles and seeing how students respond to music in real time is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Education Through Music is committed to making sure every child has access to music as part of their education, and moments like this truly bring that mission to life.”

“Experiences like this show just how powerful music education can be in a child’s life,” said Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music. “When students are given the opportunity to create, perform, and connect through music, it not only sparks joy but also builds confidence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. We are incredibly grateful to Miles, Republic Records, and the Guitar Center Music Foundation for helping us expand access to these transformative experiences for our partner school students.”

For more information about The Guitar Center Music Foundation, please visit http://guitarcenterfoundation.org/.

Photo Credit: Toby TenenbaumThe post A special day with Miles the Music Kid in The Bronx first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.