AGP Executive Report

AI & Charts: Major record labels including Sony, Universal and Warner propose new guidelines for when AI-generated music can appear on official charts—requiring lawful, authorized training and “substantially human-made” work while aiming to block chart manipulation. Legal Showdown (AI Music): A landmark German case is set for a July 31 verdict as GEMA sues Suno AI over claims it trained on copyrighted music without licenses. Global Pop/Charts: i-dle and Yuqi top Tencent Music’s 2026 midyear Korean charts, with Yuqi’s “Radio (Dum-Dum)” leading streaming. K-Pop Career Move: Former E’LAST member Choi In signs with JJ Music Group for a solo future after completing military service. Music World Mourns: Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard dies in a motorcycle crash at 56; tributes pour in from Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Ed Sheeran. Local Live Music (Festivals): Norfolk Friendship Festival returns in Simcoe for its 59th year with free family entertainment and live music. Community & Classical: Trinity Alps Chamber Music Festival brings world-class chamber works to the Eureka Woman’s Club on Aug. 1. Country Moment: Megan Moroney abruptly cancels her show after three songs, citing illness. Trad Music Win: An Charraig Céilí Band qualifies for the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band Competition after winning Munster’s Senior Céilí Band title. New Releases/TV Tie-In: King Gnu drops “Go Ghost,” the official opening theme for “The Ghost in the Shell” anime.

Grammy Drama: BTS says it won’t submit music for the 2027 Grammys, pointing to a new “Best Asian Pop Music Performance” category while arguing their work should be heard beyond region or language. Pop Lawsuit: Ariana Grande sues hackers over alleged theft and sale of unreleased music and private materials, seeking to identify those responsible. Country & Politics: Noah Kahan slams President Trump for using his song “American Cars” in a White House post without approval. Global Music & Culture: Pope Leo XIV reflected on how music’s beauty can lead people to God during Andrea Bocelli’s Vatican performance with a children’s choir. Tragedy: Oscar-winning Irish musician Glen Hansard dies in a motorcycle crash near Dublin at 56. Tech & Streaming: Winamp teams with Deezer for a relaunch subscription service ahead of a 2027 player. Electronic Music Legacy: Jean-Michel Jarre announces his first book, “Machines: A History of Electronic Music,” arriving Nov. 24, 2026. Live & Community: The Caribbean Music Awards move from Brooklyn to Trinidad & Tobago for its 2026 ceremony (Sept. 18-20).

Anime & Pop Releases: Kroi drops “All in,” the July 13 opening theme for Liar Game Season 2, built on tense funk-guitar energy and Leo Uchida’s razor-sharp rap. Music Heritage: Tulsa’s The Church Studio launches “One for the Road: Oklahoma Music and Route 66,” tracing how the Mother Road shaped jazz, blues, western swing, country, rockabilly and rock ’n’ roll. Grammys & Asian Pop Debate: BTS says it won’t submit for the 2027 Grammys, arguing the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category risks dividing artists by region or language. Songwriter Rights & AI: ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews marks a decade leading the PRO while pushing for AI protections that prevent unauthorized training and protect creators’ livelihoods. AI Licensing Trial: IMPEL and IMPF team up with Sureel AI in a closed sandbox to test attribution tech for generative AI use and fair compensation. Country Spotlight: The Academy of Country Music announces honorees for the 19th ACM Honors, with Carly Pearce returning as host and Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves and others set for awards. Local Music & Community: Barry Manilow’s “last-ever” Charleston show includes the Manilow Music Teacher Award, with a $5,000 cash prize plus $5,000 in “Manilow Bucks” for instruments. Global Festival: Euro-Africa International Music and Cultural Festival heads to Naples (Oct 30–Nov 1) to promote cultural diplomacy through performances, exhibitions and business sessions. Health & Music: Carly Simon reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis and shares that her new album Comes in Waves arrives Aug. 14. Live Music Listings: A full slate of music and performance events runs July 29–Aug. 4.

Broadway Spotlight: Prince’s “Purple Rain” musical is officially headed to Broadway, landing at the Majestic Theatre in March 2027 with previews starting March 12 and opening night April 12. Artist Representation: WME signs Rhiannon Giddens for worldwide representation as she prepares her new album “Hope Is the Thing With Feathers.” Music & Tech/Legal: Ariana Grande sues unidentified hackers over alleged theft and leaks of unreleased music, videos, photos, and personal materials. Community & Access: Con Moto Music Centre in Comox Valley launches four bursaries to expand music education access for 2026/27. Live Music Culture: TG4 will broadcast four nights of live music from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast (Aug. 6–9). Missing Artist Alert: Folk legend Linda Perhacs, 82, is reported missing after leaving a residential care facility eight months ago. Viral Pop Moment: Burna Boy and Shakira’s “Dai Dai” sparks romance speculation online after their World Cup anthem performances.

Legal Storm: Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against hackers accused of stealing and leaking “hundreds” of songs, photos, and footage, including unreleased material sold online. Cultural Backlash: Fil-Am music director Troy Laureta condemned racist/colorist remarks tied to It’s Showtime, urging safer spaces and an end to using Black people for satire. New Music Drops: BIG Naughty announced his EP “Hopeful Romantic” (10 tracks) for July 29, with Jay Park and Dynamic Duo. Community & Live: Brooklyn’s STooPS Summer Festival returns Aug. 8 for its 13th free block party and art crawl. Biopic Spotlight: “The Road Home” first-look image teases Thabo Rametsi as Hugh Masekela, with Cynthia Erivo as Miriam Makeba. Tour News: Tyla’s A*POP World Tour adds South Africa dates, with presales starting July 29. Local Gigs: Tim Hicks headlines Port Rowan’s Campfire Concert Series Aug. 1. Theatre Review: “Titanic: The Musical” faces sharp criticism for a stilted script and bloated score.

Community Fundraiser: Plainville’s Music Bingo fundraiser will benefit Perfect Imperfections Animal Rescue & Sanctuary and Marla’s Community Medical Fund for Strays, with song-based bingo, raffles, and $10 tickets at Transcend Beer Crafters on Aug. 21. Festival Spotlight: Klamath Music’s 10th anniversary turned downtown Klamath Falls into a full weekend hub, moving the festival to Watershed Row and expanding into year-round concerts and artist support. Global Music & Sports Crossover: New Zealand swimmer Lewis Clareburt won the country’s first Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold in the 200m butterfly. Local Arts & Performance: Christchurch’s Roy Stokes Hall hosted “Celeste,” a debut contemporary circus show by Muika Dodd and Meya Donkers, built from their 11-year friendship. Music in the News: Tony Iommi teased a new solo release with an official announcement set for July 29. Pop Culture: Charli XCX is chasing a fourth straight No. 1 album with “Music, Fashion, Film.” Industry Watch: Universal Music completed its €500M share buyback program ahead of earnings.

South Korea Festival Push: Seoul will host “Fanomenon,” a major global pop festival in Dec 2027, aiming to rival Coachella with big concerts, fandom awards and cultural exhibitions. Wildfire Disruption: Massive wildfires are threatening Bordeaux, with hundreds of thousands evacuated as heatwave conditions worsen. Music Tech Boom: Free Beat says its AI music video generator has topped one billion seconds of generated content across 200+ countries. Pop Video Spotlight: KATSEYE drops “Animal,” with a bold identity-driven concept and a Demi Moore cameo ahead of its August EP and film. Legal/Trial Update: Yung Filly denies key allegations in a Perth rape case, admitting he bit the complainant. Industry & Community: Namibia’s NAMAs return after a five-year break with N$10m funding and an August 5 launch. Loss: Bill Oddie, famed for The Goodies and wildlife TV, dies at 85. Local Live Music: Spartanburg launches a downtown Wednesday music series to boost foot traffic for businesses. Global Culture: Malaysia’s sape tradition from Borneo is showcased in Kuala Lumpur with modern electronic backing. Film/Music: Anirudh Ravichander thanks Vijay for trusting him with Jana Nayagan’s music.

Stadium Rock Returns: System Of A Down and Faith No More confirmed four huge 2027 Australia/NZ stadium dates, with tickets going on general sale July 31 and presales starting July 28. Pop Deluxe Drop: Charli xcx’s “Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition)” hit iTunes with three newly purchasable B-sides plus videos, after earlier fan-only releases. Global Music Spotlight: “Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul” lands at the Pan African Film Festival in Austin on July 31, spotlighting Jay Douglas and Toronto’s Jamaican-Canadian R&B roots. Community & Culture: Sudbury’s 33rd Greek Festival drew nearly 5,000 visitors with live music and dancing; Ypsilanti’s Historic South Side Stroll adds 50+ artists and six live music sets; Troy’s “Unity in the Community” jam celebrates diversity with DJs and hip-hop acts. Live-Stage Buzz: “Hadestown” stage recording expands in cinemas after a $9.7M debut, while ABBA tribute ABRA Cadabra books Oklahoma City’s Tower Theatre Sept. 26. Local Music News: Voice of the Gulf refreshes its daily music sessions with a new digital schedule rollout.

Festival Spotlight: Lollapalooza 2026 leans hard into female headliners, with Lorde and Charli XCX among the big names, plus rising acts like Little Simz and Leon Thomas. Global Pop & Culture: London’s K-Music Festival returns for its 13th edition (Sept. 28–Nov. 23), widening beyond K-pop into hip-hop, game soundtracks, jazz and tradition. Live Music & Community Spaces: Middlesbrough’s Auxiliary Project Space opens Sept. 9 with studios, an exhibition area and an experimental music venue. Regional Classics: Lakes Area Music Festival’s “Passion” continues with Brahms & The Schumanns (Aug. 2) and more through Aug. 23. Local Scene Watch: Birmingham’s The Tasting Company is seeking a licence for a new live music venue in the Jewellery Quarter. Music Business/Legal: “Tiger King” Joe Exotic is selling his music catalog, while a separate report flags a major dispute over music rights and royalties. Health & Urgency: Nigerian musician OJB Needs kidney donation urgently, with supporters urged to contact his team.

Community Gospel: Worcester’s Summer Gospel Fest returned to Worcester Common for its 11th year, filling the city with church choirs, Christian bands, and DJ Craig Nice. Pop Fan Frenzy: Online buzz is growing for a Beyoncé and Shakira “Beautiful Liar 2.0” reunion, with fans pushing the sequel idea across social media. Sports Meets Showbiz: FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show blended global pop and soccer, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin curating performances from Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy and more. Live Music Spotlight: Darius Rucker powered through monsoon delays at First Financial Credit Union Amphitheater, with Old Crow Medicine Show adding an energetic set. Global Cultural Fusion: Erbil hosted a solo sitar concert inspired by Kurdish epic “Mem and Zin,” turning 17th-century poetry into instrumental and vocal performances. Music Rights Clash: Baltimore chain Ekiben was sued over alleged unauthorized use of “Space Jam” in an Instagram promo video. AI Music Check: Deezer launched a free AI music detector for scanning playlists across multiple platforms. African Artist Development: CINQ Music teamed with C.R.E.A.M to expand mentorship and global distribution pathways for emerging African artists. Rock Legacy: Jack White’s Pine Knob show will be livestreamed via Nugs for fans who can’t attend.

Community-Building Through Music: Isaiah Turner’s “ThatKidZayy” grew from a Slipknot first-listen post into a Gen Z hub where strangers trade songs and memories across genres. Radio Loss: Bill McGlaughlin, longtime host of WFMT’s “Exploring Music,” died at 82, remembered for making classical accessible. UK Live-Music Relief: England’s new 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live venues aims to ease costs from next April. Local Gigs, Big Reach: Widnes’ former St Marie’s church launches £3-a-ticket summer gigs; North City’s 18th Jazz Walk returns Aug 11 with free outdoor stages plus ticketed “Jazz Bites.” Festival Spotlight: Dream Fest 2026 continues at Sea Breeze with Azerbaijan and international stars, including a new Roza Zargarlı–Emre Altuğ collaboration. Chart Watch (K-pop): CORTIS’ “REDRED” stays No. 1 on Apple Music Korea daily for 90 straight days. Music & Society: Zimbabwe’s “Daughters of Music Legends” revives a legacy-focused initiative spotlighting daughters of iconic musicians. Live-Music News: Morgan Wallen headlines Michigan Stadium; Cincinnati Music Festival continues with major performances and festival-safety updates.

Pop Album Drop: Charli XCX released her seventh studio album, Music, Fashion, Film, a post-Brat pivot that leans into fuzz-guitar experimentation and includes a closing track featuring director David Cronenberg. Country Spotlight: Morgan Wallen shared “Been By Now,” adding another chart-ready single to his current run. Latin Music Buzz: Billboard’s New Music Latin poll highlights Anitta’s EQUILIBRIVM II and Cypress Hill’s Spanish-language project Dios Bendiga, with fans voting on the week’s best release. Live & Local Culture: Detroit youth performers bring a Motor City twist to The Wiz: Reimagined at Music Hall, while Yerevan’s Khachaturian Rooftop concert season gets a major partner boost from IDBank. Festivals & Community: Pine Tree Palooza returns in Auburn as a free, disability-support fundraiser with nonstop music and family activities. Theater Updates: Singin’ in the Rain premieres at Theatre Victoria, and UK Burlesque The Musical shifts its tour start to Sunderland before a delayed West End run. Music Industry/Business: Nike’s former music executive faces charges tied to an alleged $1M+ kickback theft scheme. Legal/Crime: Three people were charged with manslaughter and affray after a musician’s death following an altercation outside a pub in Irlam.

UK Live-Music Relief: Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and most live music venues from April 2027, aiming to save the “typical pub” about £1,100 and backing grassroots nightlife. AI Music Legal War: Sony Music filed a fresh lawsuit against Udio, alleging infringement of 30,000+ tracks used to train AI models, escalating the copyright fight around AI-generated music. Streaming/Platform Moves: SoundCloud acquired independent platform Nina Protocol, bringing its direct-to-fan distribution and editorial archive into SoundCloud. New Irish Label: Fontaines DC drummer Tom Coll launched Inis Records, an Irish-music-focused label and store built for reissues and new releases. Pop Album Buzz: Charli xcx released “Music, Fashion, Film,” with critics split over its guitar-driven pivot and identity themes; she also revealed using an AI audio plugin on at least one track. Community Festivals: Red Ants Pants Festival marks its 15th anniversary in Montana with music and local connection, while Lexington’s Flood With Love festival raises funds for Madison County flood relief. Touring/Live Updates: Jon Bon Jovi cut a Madison Square Garden show short, telling fans he was “hurt” amid a sinus infection.

Global Music Business: Kenya’s recorded-music scene gets a boost as President William Ruto says Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music will establish a Nairobi presence, aiming to strengthen distribution, publishing, jobs, and exports. Pop Culture & Releases: Charli xcx steps into a new era with “Music, Fashion, Film,” recorded during Paris Fashion Week and set for release tomorrow. Major Live Events: Cincinnati Music Festival kicks off at Paycor Stadium with a hip-hop tribute and expects nearly 100,000 attendees, projecting $100M+ in economic impact. Community Music & Festivals: Taste of Chenango returns July 25 with free food-and-music fun; Rock the Hops returns to Downtown Alton Aug. 8 with 28 original acts and craft tastings; Gulfport’s GECKOFEST lands Sept. 5 under the “Gecko Music Awards” theme. Music Industry Careers: UMG appoints Tseyin Foo as president, global supply chain. Losses: Jazz sax legend Plas Johnson, famed for “Pink Panther,” dies at 94.

UK Hospitality Relief: Prime Minister Andy Burnham says business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues will be cut by 20% from April, saving a typical pub about £1,100 a year and covering around 32,000 businesses, with funding tied to changes to reliefs (including vape shops) and tougher action on online tax non-compliance. Community Music Moments: Ilkley’s bandstand marks 25 years with a packed anniversary programme; Rotary’s new music garden at Ellison Park turns a riverside stroll into hands-on sound for all ages. Live Music With a Cause: Chicago’s “Songs of Protest, Sounds of Freedom” brings blues, jazz, punk and slam together to benefit immigrant and refugee rights. New Stage Work: An Egyptian-French musical biopic on Dalida’s life is set for a late-October premiere in Alexandria, with Farrah El Dibany starring. Local Culture Calendar: Kingston Chamber Music Festival launches “Life, Liberty & Music” for America’s 250th anniversary, while The Sound of Music runs through Aug. 16 in Arcata.

Festival Lineups: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass drops its first 2026 lineup for Oct. 2-4 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, with My Morning Jacket, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, My Morning Jacket, Old Crow Medicine Show and more, plus an Oct. 1 Steve Earle tribute. Community Concerts: The Beach Music Festival returns to Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista this weekend, while Lake Erie’s UPMC Sunset Music Series wraps tonight at Presque Isle with free food trucks and live sets. Music + Causes: EBeauty’s Music Heals fundraiser (Oct. 10) will feature Paul Reed Smith Eightlock to support cancer patients with donated wigs and bras. Big Pop/Global Buzz: Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 reveals its first wave of artists and industry leaders for Oct. 19-22 in Miami, with Pitbull set for a Superstar Q&A. Tech/Platforms: SoundCloud acquires Nina Protocol, aiming to preserve its editorial archive and help independent artists reach fans. Star Updates: Phil Collins says he’s completed “some things” for new music, while Kacey Musgraves releases the steamy “Mexico Honey” video. Local Stage: Broadway’s early race heats up as “Dolly” and “Paddington” battle for ticket momentum, and “Shrek the Musical” lands in Butler County July 24-26.