AGP Executive Report

Music Industry Loss: Clive Davis, the Grammy-winning executive who helped launch careers from Whitney Houston to Carlos Santana, has died at 94 in Manhattan, sparking tributes and fresh debate over his legacy. Label Moves: Dance To The Radio renews its 10-year distribution deal with The Orchard and signs Twin Atlantic for a 2026 album release; Frontiers Label Group announces UK and global promotions; Classical Expansion: [PIAS] acquires Signum Records to grow its classical footprint while Signum keeps its brand and leadership. New Releases & Teases: Ava Max starts a “new era” with “Out of Your Mind” and “KiLL iT QUEEN,” while Royal Blood posts a new-music tease. Festivals & Live: Olivia Rodrigo announces Daisy Chain Fields, an all-women festival in Irvine on Aug. 29 with proceeds for women and girls; AthFest returns June 26–28 in Athens; Gibraltar Music Festival returns as GMF Summer Sessions in September. Culture & Education: Qatar Music Academy earns MusiQuE accreditation; Global Music Safety: France’s Fête de la Musique hit by stabbings, alleged sexual assaults and syringe attacks, with 240+ arrests. Film: Emraan Hashmi returns to horror with musical thriller Rooh, set for 2027.

Music Rights & AI Accountability: Musicians including SZA are pushing back after reports and new tools showed how songs may be used to train AI, with artists urging platforms to respect rights and let creators check usage. Pop Culture & Philanthropy: Olivia Rodrigo announced Daisy Chain Fields, an all-women festival at Irvine’s Great Park on Aug. 29, with proceeds going to charities for women and girls and a lineup featuring Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, Doechii, KATSEYE, Mitski, Garbage, The Breeders and more. Industry Loss: Legendary executive Clive Davis died at 94, remembered for shaping careers from Whitney Houston and Bruce Springsteen to Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys. Listening Culture: Belfast’s “first-ever” dedicated listening bar, Music Room, is set to open next month with a vinyl-first, hi-fi sound focus. Rave History Preservation: The Rave Preservation Project launched a new directory tool for its archive of rave flyers, posters and memorabilia, aiming to make the collection easier to browse and support. Black British Music Spotlight: V&A East opened “The Music is Black,” tracing eight genres of Black British music through diasporic roots and landmark artifacts.

AI Music Rights Clash: A global coalition of artists, songwriters and managers warned labels and publishers to stop misusing their rights in AI licensing deals, saying consent is often only for voice while creators’ moral/image/personality rights get surrendered. AI + Live Innovation: Reply’s Reply AI Music Contest (with Kappa FuturFestival) named five international finalists exploring AI-assisted live performance, with 1,400+ applications from 45 countries. World Music Day Momentum: Celebrations ranged from Abuja’s push for better live-music support to Senapati’s peace-focused youth showcase, plus Duluth’s Juneteenth street dance with live music. Philippines Music Spotlight: The PMPC revealed a partial lineup for the 17th Star Awards for Music, with BINI, Juan Karlos Labajo and Vice Ganda among early winners ahead of June 25. New Music Releases: Straight edge hardcore band No Cure premiered “Slowly Turning Blue,” while Dark Funeral shared live footage from upcoming live album “A Beast To Praise.” Local Live Scene: Make Music Day lit up Superior, Wisconsin, with free outdoor sets from local musicians.

World Music Day Tributes: AR Rahman unveiled a teaser for a special song honoring late Asha Bhosle, recorded before her April 2026 passing, with vocals from both Rahman and Bhosle and contributions linked to Trinity Laban. Local Heritage Spotlight: Nagaland marked World Music Day as CM Neiphiu Rio called music “integral to life,” while TaFMA highlighted the state’s “global-facing” artists and a Rengma Khwi-Lyü competition in Tseminyu promoted original Rengma songs. Community Celebrations: Juneteenth parades and festivals kept rolling—Decatur’s downtown parade brought live music and food, while Philadelphia’s 20th annual Germantown event paired celebration with Underground Railroad history. AI Music Backlash: SZA hit out at AI music generators, saying models were trained on 238 of her songs and calling the practice “disgusting,” reigniting consent and ownership debates. Festival Safety in France: France’s Fête de la Musique saw police detain suspects after reports of 145 people being pricked with syringes, with some taken for toxicology tests. New Releases & Live Dates: I Prevail’s Eric Vanlerberghe teased upcoming track “Paradise,” and Broadway’s Chicago is set to return to York in 2027.

Health & Performance: Rod Stewart, 81, nearly fainted mid-set in Utah and had to pause for an oxygen tank before joking his way through the rest of the show. K-pop Awards Buzz: ATEEZ won the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 35th Seoul Music Awards, while BOYNEXTDOOR and Lee Chan-won swept multiple trophies and new fan-voted categories debuted. Solo Comeback Watch: MONSTA X’s Kihyun headlined the rain-soaked Seoul Park Music Festival and teased a third solo album on the way. New Music Day-to-Day: A Brighton grassroots platform partnership launches with a Bigger Than We showcase featuring emerging MCs and grime talent. World Music Day Focus: Experts and artists spotlight music’s healing role for mental health and recovery, while another piece asks whether viral “15-second” hooks are changing how we discover and remember songs. Culture & Community: Norway’s? (No—) In Argentina, a Jewish community plans a memorial forest in Mendoza for Nova festival victims, set to open in October 2026. Live Local Listings: Lake of the Ozarks venues (Camden on the Lake, Shady Gators, Dog Days, Lazy Gators and more) roll out weekend lineups across multiple stages.

K-pop Spotlight: ATEEZ won the Daesang at the 35th Seoul Music Awards in Incheon, while BOYNEXTDOOR swept multiple categories, as Hearts2Hearts and a packed roster of stars hit the red carpet. Global Music & Climate: Malaysia’s Sarawak will host the Rainforest Youth Summit and Rainforest World Music Festival, pairing youth leaders and musicians with climate-focused workshops. Community Music for Juneteenth: A free Central Park musical marked Seneca Village’s history, and Pasadena’s City Hall will turn into a roller-skate-and-music Juneteenth celebration with NAACP’s Roller Jam. Make Music Day (Worldwide): Santa Monica joins the global solstice tradition with five free events, including performances, workshops, and a Metro hub activation. Health & Safety Policy: France bans alcohol at Fête de la Musique events in red heatwave areas, as extreme temperatures hit major cities including Paris. Music, Justice & Education: NYC faces an $18M verdict after a jury found the city acted recklessly in a decades-old case involving a music teacher’s abuse of a student. New Music Business Model: made by ikigai launched “Origami,” a human-composed music catalogue aimed at speeding up film scoring without using AI-generated tracks. Album Release: Morgan Freeman announced “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” a 12-track blues journey arriving Aug. 7. Live Music Picks: York’s Karl Mullen returns with a sell-out-style piano cabaret show mixing comedy and songs from Chopin to Oasis.

Global Citizen Live Tokyo: &TEAM headlined the charity event at Tokyo International Forum, delivering a 10-song set built around “We on Fire” and “Back to Life,” with a message about music’s power to connect and change the world. Human Rights & Music: In Iran, singer Parastu Ahmadi and her team were sentenced to 74 lashes and banned from creative work after a no-hijab performance posted online, sparking international outcry. Music & Community Events: World Music Day celebrations are set for June 21, including Paphos’ citywide musical route and Nagaland’s Agri Expo stage event “One Night, One Stage, One Community.” Live Music Industry: Australia’s Beetlejuice The Musical is ending early due to touring cost pressures, with remaining dates cancelled after a final Brisbane show July 5. New Releases/Profiles: Lanois previews his new album “Belladonna Nocturne,” while Parikrama reflects on 35 years of rock and how fans once spread music via free CDs. Local Spotlight: Inspired Music Acappella returns to Gweru with the #RoadTo10 EP launch, tying the release to its 2027 anniversary plans.

Deaths & Tributes: Sixpence None the Richer bassist Justin Cary dies at 50 after a stroke, with bandmates Leigh Nash and co-founder Matt Slocum leading heartfelt tributes. Streaming & Apps: iOS 27 brings fresh Apple Music updates, including expanded lyrics translation/pronunciation, AutoMix tweaks, and better low-bandwidth playback. Music Business & Ownership: Grammy-winning producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis joins Technotainment to help launch a creator-owned streaming model that pays artists first. New Releases: Wale and Smino team up for Amazon Music Original “Glory” for Juneteenth celebrations, while Tierra Whack drops mixtape “Whack’s Museum” with the “Siren” video. Live Music & Culture: TRNSMT 2026 kicks off at Glasgow Green with Nile Rodgers & Chic and Wolf Alice, and Juneteenth celebrations keep rolling—from Denver’s Five Points festival to Brooklyn’s museum event. Local Scenes: Covington’s Madison Theater announces an immediate closure after insurance/lease issues, while Duluth’s Homegrown Music Festival seeks new leadership after losing tax-exempt status. Industry News: Universal Music Korea signs Korean-Australian alt-hip-hop group 1300, debut album due July.

Music Video Drops: Poppy released the “Dying To Forget” video, featuring real fans and cameos from Isaac Hale and Stephen Harrison, as she ramps up her Constantly Nowhere Tour. Cruise Entertainment: Carnival’s 2027 “Festivale” ship is built around live music everywhere, including song-named cocktails and nightly performances. World Music Day: Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra marks June 21 with an open-air concert featuring Hojsak & Novosel, while the city previews Lumiart with light projections and electronic music. Global Touring: Amis DJ Dungi Sapor kicks off a U.K. run blending traditional chants with experimental electronic soundscapes. New Releases (Metal): Thrown unveiled “rehearsed,” and Behemoth shared “I, Scvlptor,” ahead of a September album. Industry Shock: Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith died at 29 in Nashville; police say no foul play is suspected. Music & Society: A parliamentary inquiry in NSW heard music education in regional areas is “not accessible” due to user-pays costs and limited school resources. Local Live Music: Nubian Square’s long-awaited JazzUrbane Cafe is targeting an early July opening. Controversy/Policy: Iran sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 lashes for filming a music video without a hijab.

Music Legends at Obama Center: Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Common, U2’s Bono & The Edge, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen and more helped mark the Obama Center opening with a star-studded anthem-and-tribute ceremony. AI Music & Tech Funding: Tringbox raised Rs 5 crore seed funding to expand its AI-powered in-store music platform across Indian venues, while Phlote teamed with MIIR Audio Technologies to add neuroscience-based metadata to music catalogs. Industry Deals & Mergers: BMG and Concord’s merger got regulatory approval in the US and Germany, setting up a major independent-music giant. Global Music Media: Billboard launched Billboard India with multilingual coverage and charts, aiming to connect India’s film and indie scenes to the world. Live Music & Community: Make Music Day returns in Phoenix as a free, citywide music-making event; Solihull’s free music festival fills town venues; and Bonnaroo fully returned in Manchester, TN, after a 2025 hiccup. Artist Updates: Olivia Dean sold out six O2 Arena headline nights; Lil Nas X shared a bipolar disorder update and teased new music. Cultural Events: Bishkek’s Ala-Too Square hosts free open-air pop-folk concerts this weekend. Controversy & Rights: Iran sentenced a singer and others to 74 lashes over a streamed concert, with travel bans and bans on artistic activity.

AI & Budgets: Singapore music studios say AI-generated music and voiceovers are speeding production but also cutting budgets by 10–40%, with some projects down as much as 60%, shifting how clients value creative work. K-pop Comeback Buzz: ENHYPEN is reportedly preparing an August return, with fans already speculating on concept and sound. Japan Festival Run: ILLIT confirmed for Fuji TV’s 2026 FNS Music Festival Summer (July 1) plus more Japanese appearances, including a collaboration stage with CUTIE STREET. Global Spotlight: Tems joins a star-studded Obama Presidential Centre opening lineup in Chicago, with a free public watch party and global livestream. World Music Day: Fête de la Musique celebrations hit June 21 worldwide, including Hyderabad’s multi-venue program. Live Music & Community: Turkey’s tourism sector will need music license certificates for shared areas; and local scenes keep rolling with events like Stokesley’s Summer in the Square and Port Austin Porch Fest (June 27). Music in Motion: Fujairah’s musical road earns Guinness recognition for turning driving into a melody of “Ode to Joy.”

Theatre Spotlight (Philippines): Atasha Muhlach has been named lead as Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” sharing a full-circle moment after starting in theater and urging fans to keep working hard. Live Music & Culture (UK): David Bowie: You’re Not Alone is extending at London’s Lightroom through late 2026 and launching in Manchester this December, with plans for further global expansion. Industry Business (Global): Genius promotes Jackie Vignone to chief revenue officer as the lyrics platform pushes deeper into music data licensing, consumer products, and brand partnerships. Awards & Recognition (UK): ASCAP honors UK talent at its London awards, including Sir Roger Daltrey (Founders Award), Idris Elba (Creative Voice), FLO (Vanguard), and Clementine Douglas (Top Hot Dance/Electronic). Community & Freedom (US): Juneteenth celebrations are bringing music to the forefront, from Pittsburgh’s downtown festivities to NPR and BET’s Tiny Desk Black Music Month series featuring artists across alternative, pop, gospel, jazz, and rock. Festival/Local Picks: Horse Soldier Farms marks America’s 250 with country music, PBR, bourbon and fireworks, while local summer concert series and Make Music Day events roll out across multiple cities.

Theater Spotlight: Atasha Muhlach lands the lead as Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” a disco-era Manila Sound story set to run this September. Music & Cities: Zimbabwe’s Tariro neGitare and Germany’s Jamaram reunite for “Same Sun,” the official Harare–Munich Silver Jubilee anthem, dropping June 19 and premiering live June 21 in Munich. Global Industry: Warner Music India teams with SVF Entertainment to expand Bengali music distribution via Warner’s global network. Awards Watch: The Grammys add five new 2027 categories, including a Best Asian Pop Music Performance honor. Cultural Loss: South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim dies at 91, remembered for “Mannenberg” and music tied to exile and freedom. Local Live Music: “Peak to Shore” returns July 2–5 with 12 performances across eight venues in Ontario’s Blue Mountains. Community Events: Juneteenth celebrations and “Music on Maple” keep live music front and center in Manteca, California. Road Safety: South Africa arrests a driver accused of speeding at 172km/h while transporting Afro-pop artists to a festival. Legal/Politics: Tom Morello pushes back on the idea that musicians should stay out of politics.

Music Policy & Royalties (Malaysia): Karyawan (the Malaysian Artistes’ Association) will draft resolutions after its Music Practitioners Convention on June 21, with priorities including AI use, royalty systems, artiste support, and music education. Micro-Budget Indie Spotlight: “Burt,” a black-and-white indie built in seven days for $7,000, arrives on VOD, with proceeds from month one supporting a Los Angeles Parkinson’s group. Community Concerts (US): Glendale Park’s “Music in the Glen” returns with Tuesday and Saturday shows starting June 23/27, while Seldovia’s 25th annual Solstice Summer Music Festival runs June 26–28 with workshops and open mic. Global Jazz Loss: South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91. Theatrical Music (UK/US): “Seussical” plays July 2–12, and Disney Musicals in Schools brings NYC elementary students to Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. Industry Debate (Politics): Tom Morello pushes back on the idea that musicians shouldn’t be political.

Local Live Music: Gladstone’s 2026 Summer Concert Series kicks off at Van Cleve Park with free Thursday shows through Aug. 13, starting June 18 with the Derrell Syria Band. Community & Culture: St John’s College students bring concert band and rock sets to the Nambour Rummagers Market on Make Music Day (June 21). Music Venues Spotlight: Lucas Parklands in Montville is profiled as an intimate, nature-surrounded concert home built for up-close performances. Global Music Business: Qobuz reports 45.7% revenue growth in 2025, outpacing the wider paid streaming market. Industry & Policy: UK BPI trade missions head to Japan and Australia in August to boost music export opportunities. Controversy: Ariana Grande urges the White House to stop using her music in an immigration video. South Africa: Xenophobia-linked gig cancellations are hitting South African artistes with income losses. Major Loss: Jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim dies at 91.

Global Music Loss: South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91 in Germany after a short illness, leaving a decades-long legacy that included playing for Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. Pop Culture Shock: Oliver Tree, 32, was killed in a Brazil helicopter crash; tributes poured in, including from ex Melanie Martinez, who called him a “true artist” and “soft-hearted.” Japan Music Awards: Mrs. GREEN APPLE, sakanaction and Fujii Kaze were among the big winners at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026, with sakanaction’s “Kaiju” taking major honors. Live & Community: Chicago’s Forever Mine Festival celebrated house music’s roots with Keyshia Cole and Kaytranada, while a new Hopkinsville chamber orchestra and chorus aims to bring “big city” classical experiences locally. Music Tech & Policy: The UK’s under-16 social media ban (set for spring 2027) raises concerns for how young fans discover music online. Theatre & Streaming: SPY×FAMILY’s stage musical will stream outside Japan with English subtitles on July 6.