Music World Buzzes: AI Debates, Label Shifts, and Legacy Honors Dominate

The latest Music Industry News brings a flurry of significant updates and ongoing discussions. This Friday, December 26, 2025, is packed with artist news, industry shifts, and important developments shaping the future of music. Trending Music Industry News covers a wide spectrum of critical topics.

Morrissey’s New Record Deal and Music Industry News

Morrissey has signed a new record deal, officially joining Sire Records. This marks his first label signing in three years, bringing an end to a period of stalled releases and uncertainty regarding his unreleased albums, including ‘You’re Right, It’s Time’ and ‘Bonfire of Teenagers.’ This new partnership offers a clear path forward for the former Smiths frontman, and Sire Records, with its rich history supporting alternative artists, reconnects with a pivotal figure. This is a significant piece of Music Industry News.

AI Artists and the Evolving Music Industry News Debate

The rise of AI in music continues to fuel a fierce AI music debate, a hot topic in Music Industry News. The AI singer Xania Monet recently released a diss track targeting artists critical of AI. Musicians like Kehlani and Victoria Monét have voiced concerns about authenticity and ethics, with Monét noting the similar name and Kehlani expressing fears about AI control. Jermaine Dupri also fears AI strips music of its soul. While Xania Monet’s creator defends her work as a new era, many artists feel threatened by potential copyright and creative integrity issues. This ongoing debate is a key element of current Music Industry News.

Legal Battles and Legacy Honors in Music Industry News

The estate of Avicii faces new legal challenges as his former manager, Ash Pournouri, has filed an artist estates lawsuit, alleging misrepresentation in documentaries and biographies. Pournouri seeks to correct the public narrative, claiming defamation and reputational damage, bringing renewed attention to Avicii’s legacy and the complexities of managing an artist’s estate. This legal action is crucial Music Industry News.

In other major Music Industry News, Paul Simon will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, joining honorees like Cher, Chaka Khan, and Carlos Santana. This Paul Simon Grammy recognition celebrates his enduring impact and career spanning over six decades, a testament to his profound influence on modern music.

Instrument Maker Bankruptcy and Industry Shifts in Music Industry News

Höfner, a legendary instrument maker bankruptcy has filed for bankruptcy, a significant event for the company famous for Paul McCartney’s iconic bass guitar. Provisional insolvency proceedings have begun, casting uncertainty over the brand’s future. McCartney expressed sadness, sharing memories of his first Höfner bass. The company hopes for restructuring and new investment, a development that impacts instrument makers globally and is key Music Industry News.

In other developments, the band Ghost partnered with a charity for food deliveries using a branded robot, ‘Skele-Bot,’ supporting the YMCA’s FeedLA program. This highlights innovative ways artists engage with communities, representing positive Music Industry News.

ByteDance’s Financial Strength and Industry News

TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, reports strong financial performance, projected to earn $50 billion in profit for 2025, marking a record year. This financial success solidifies its market position, an important piece of economic Music Industry News.

Historical Echoes and Resilience in Music Industry News

Newly unearthed footage offers a poignant look back at Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins re-learning guitar after the devastating 1977 plane crash. This documentation of his arduous recovery process provides a powerful glimpse into resilience and honors a critical moment in music history, adding a historical dimension to Music Industry News.

Maynard James Keenan’s Curated Sounds and New Music Releases

Maynard James Keenan shared his musical inspirations for Puscifer’s new album, ‘Normal Isn’t,’ set for an early 2026 release. His 80-song playlist, heavily featuring 80s goth and new wave artists, provides deep insight into Puscifer’s sound and highlights the artistic process behind these new music releases. This curated look is fascinating Music Industry News.

Author

  • Brittany Hollindale

    Hello, I'm Brittany Hollindale, and I write for Willamette Weekly in Portland, Oregon. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree from the University of Washington, where I specialized in digital media and investigative reporting. I'm driven by a passion for telling stories that resonate with our community, from in-depth investigations to vibrant features on Portland's diverse culture. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city's art scene, attending local theater productions, and discovering new favorite spots in Portland's eclectic neighborhoods. Thank you for reading my work and engaging with the stories that make our community unique.

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