If you’re like us here at Reprtoir, you jumped at some key decisions this week. The music industry continues to draw not-so-hard lines around licensing, AI partnerships, and artist control. From Udio’s growing list of allies to European merger green lights and fan engagement experiments, key stakeholders are leaning into recalibration mode on participation and value.
#1. Udio inks AI licensing deal with Merlin for indie artists
Udio’s latest agreement marks a major step for AI licensing: a deal with Merlin, the digital rights agency representing thousands of independent labels and distributors. Building on its existing partnerships with Universal and Warner, Udio now offers Merlin members an opt-in pathway to license their recordings for AI training. This is meant to add revenue potential while allowing indie artists to maintain control over usage.
As part of its shift away from open-ended generation, Udio is preparing to relaunch in 2026 as a remix-focused platform with a “walled garden” model featuring only licensed content from partners like UMG, WMG, and now Merlin.
#2. UMG expected to gain EU approval for Downtown acquisition
According to Reuters, Universal Music Group is poised to receive regulatory clearance from the European Commission for its $400 million acquisition of Downtown Music’s recorded music and publishing businesses. The deal, first struck in 2023, has been under scrutiny due to concerns about consolidation in the rights management space.
Although if finalized, it would give UMG deeper access to indie and catalog assets, which would be a strategic play in the increasingly competitive world of rights monetization and sync.
#3. Publishers sue Anna’s Archive over mass piracy
The legal battle over copyright enforcement escalates as several US publishers sue the shadow library Anna’s Archive for mass-scale infringement. The site, which offers over 30 terabytes of pirated books and research materials, has also drawn criticism for hosting music-related educational content.
The lawsuit raises broader questions about enforcement capabilities in the age of decentralization and what it means for IP protection when AI training and piracy intersect.
#4. Streaming hits new highs in 2025, led by Latin, Country, and Afrobeats
Streaming surged into the trillions last year, according to new data. Latin music, Country, and Afrobeats were the genre powerhouses behind the growth, each seeing double-digit increases in global consumption. The genre-led expansion is reshaping A&R focus, distribution priorities, and DSP curation strategies.
Artists from Mexico to Lagos are redefining mainstream success itself, and global fandom continues to drive both chart dominance and cultural exports.
#5. Ed Sheeran lets fans shape his setlists
Ed Sheeran’s latest tour experiment, which allows fans to vote on songs ahead of shows, is paying off in both loyalty and engagement. This blends real-time interaction with setlist personalization, signals a shift toward deeper audience integration in live music. From pre-save campaigns to tour voting, giving fans a seat at the table keeps them coming back.
