Eriq Gardner June 5, 2023
The song industry successfully lobbied the Trump administration to topple the judicial regime that determined its fees. Now comes the blowback.
Marshmello
Matthew Belloni December 1, 2022
The story of how dozens of top touring acts allegedly pocketed $70 million in Covid grants, and the Hollywood legal war that erupted in the process.
Chris Brown
Matthew Belloni November 20, 2022
The controversial singer was set to perform a Michael Jackson tribute until I alerted ABC and the Disney-owned network began considering the optics of a convicted domestic abuser feting an alleged child molester. A behind the scenes scramble ensued.
George Clinton, Taylor Swift and Pharrell Williams
Eriq Gardner July 11, 2022
In just a few weeks, an obscure three-judge panel will oversee a trial in the shadowy recesses of the Library of Congress that could decide the fate of Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube and more. Why isn’t anyone paying attention?


Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Dr. Dre
Eriq Gardner February 13, 2022
A behind-the-scenes clash over the Super Bowl halftime show is a case study in the N.F.L.’s effort to protect its brand through a draconian playbook. As Dr. Dre and Eminem have learned, Republicans buy League Pass too.
George Carlin
Eriq Gardner February 7, 2022
Just-filed lawsuits by the estates of George Carlin and Robin Williams, among others, could rewrite the rules for how music streamers compensate comedians. Amid Rogan-gate, it could be the harbinger of a larger legal battle.
Stallone
Matthew Belloni December 16, 2021
Stallone is the latest in a long line of actors and performers—Springsteen, Dylan, Paul Simon, Stevie Nicks—to trade the revenue stream from his life’s work for one of those Publisher’s Clearinghouse-sized novelty checks.