Top 5 music news you must know this week
The music industry never sleeps, and this week has been packed with exciting news! We’ve got festival announcements, plagiarism accusations, award show wins, and the future of music on popular platforms. Let’s dive into the top music news headlines:
Hyderabad Gets Its First Indie Music Festival
Calling all indie music fans! The Independent Music Platform is hosting the first-ever X-Festival on March 16th at Heart Cup Coffee. This all-day event boasts multiple stages showcasing over 30 indie artists, including big names like Indian Ocean, Agnee, and Chowraasta. There will also be a local artist market, and it’s even pet-friendly!
Selena Gomez Accused of Plagiarizing in New Music Video
Selena Gomez is facing plagiarism accusations again. Filmmaker Sarah Bahbah claims Gomez’s new music video “Love On” heavily copies her work. Apparently, the similarities go beyond inspiration, with Bahbah alleging scenes, locations, and even specific shot replications. This isn’t the first time Bahbah has made such claims against Gomez.
Afghan Sisters Defy Taliban with Music on Social Media
Two brave Afghan sisters are challenging the Taliban’s oppressive regime through music. They formed a secret singing group called “The Last Torch” on social media, defying the dangers of being female musicians under Taliban rule. A widely-shared video showcased their voices, offering a message of hope despite the risks they face.
Independent Artists May Leave TikTok After UMG Dispute
TikTok’s music licensing issues continue. Following a public battle with Universal Music Group that resulted in a massive song takedown, the platform faces another potential exodus: independent artists. The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA)’s licensing deal with TikTok expires on April 30th, and they won’t be renewing it. This means independent artists they represent could disappear from the platform on May 1st unless individual deals are made. With the future of music licensing on TikTok unclear, the platform might struggle to attract creators and users if music selection dwindles.
Raye Makes History at the BRIT Awards
Raye dominated the BRIT Awards this weekend, becoming the most decorated artist in a single year, surpassing music giants like Adele and Harry Styles. Fans of her hits like “Escapism” might not know her long struggle. Born Rachel Keene, Raye signed a record deal at 17 but faced years of hurdles. Her debut album, originally planned for a major label, only arrived nine years later after she went independent. This win marks a significant victory for the 26-year-old who carved her own path in the music industry.
Billie Eilish Breaks Records with Second Oscar Win
Billie Eilish continues to make history! At the young age of 22, she and her brother Finneas O’Connell became the youngest duo to ever win two Oscars for Best Original Song. Their winning song, “What Was I Made For?” from the live-action Barbie movie, is a powerful ballad. This isn’t their first award sweep for the song, as it also won Song of the Year at the Grammys earlier in 2024. The sibling duo is a songwriting force to be reckoned with!
