‘Major labels are trying to scoop up everything’: the chaotic future for indie music companies – and why vinyl isn’t working

As stalwarts Sub Pop and Rough Trade celebrate big anniversaries, insiders speak candidly about the challenges they face. Can streaming ever ensure their survival?

‘It will never cover what’s authentic’: African music industry weighs up AI risks and rewards

Delegates at event in Cape Verde highlight opportunities from tech while stressing AI is no replacement for talent

Indie music has been invaded by fake fans and cynical viral campaigns​. Here’s how deep it all goes

Companies such as Chaotic Good are confecting social media buzz to promote Geese, Oklou and other indie darlings. Industry insiders reveal how widespread the practice is – even if no-one is sure it actually works

‘It’ll be in my Guardian obituary’: David Balfe on inspiring Blur’s Country House and tripping on Top of the Pops

He was the burned-out bigwig who moved to a very big house. Now back with his first music for decades, he talks about signing the Proclaimers, being punched by Julian Cope – and his Scott Walker inspired trio

US man pleads guilty to defrauding music streamers out of millions using AI

Michael Smith, 52, charged after flooding platforms with thousands of AI songs and boosting them with bots

Britney Spears sells rights to music catalog for undisclosed sum, say reports

Music publisher Primary Wave said to have bought rights to pop star’s music, including Toxic and Baby One More Time

UK hospitality firms demand more help with business rates amid questions over Heathrow discount

Airports identified as biggest winners of government’s £4.3bn support package with Heathrow alone taking £900m discount

Music executive LA Reid settles sexual assault lawsuit on day civil trial was due to begin

The former Arista Records chief executive had faced allegations that he derailed the career of former employee Drew Dixon after she rejected his advances

Ten years after his death, is David Bowie’s musical legacy at risk of fading from view?

From the V&A to the Stranger Things finale, the pop icon still looms large – but with lower streaming figures than his peers, how many new listeners are discovering his music?

CDs return to Christmas shopping lists as gen Z embrace ‘retro renaissance’

Demand for CD players rises 74% this year amid deluxe releases from artists such as Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd

Warner Music signs deal with AI song generator Suno after settling lawsuit

Music company representing Coldplay and Ed Sheeran had sued tech platform alleging mass copyright infringement Business live – latest updates

Being a famous singer raises risk of early death, researchers say

Lead singers in bands fare better than solo artists, but fame – rather than lifestyle or job itself – seems to be major factor

Ticket touts’ worst nightmare has finally come true in the UK

Government has officially announced ban on reselling for profit, described by minister as ‘no-brainer’

Musicians losing out on millions due to wrongly allocated UK royalties, new research finds

Regarding music played in UK nightclubs, more than £5.7m each year is allegedly allocated by performing rights societies to the wrong artists

‘Young audiences are less scared of it’: why London jazz clubs are expanding and thriving against the odds

As the Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s expand, and Blue Note eyes its arrival, proprietors say there’s an energy in the scene – but financial pressures remain