New President of NYC Musicians' Union on Broadway Strike, AI and More

www.hollywoodreporter.com: Dan Point has taken over the leadership of the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, the union for Broadway and New York City musicians, months after the union was set to go on strike.

Players 50 2026: The Music Makers

Newcity Stage: Musical theater is flourishing at Northwestern University, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Masi Asare. “We have amazing students who love musical theater,” says Asare, “and we teach units that focus on the unique structures and timing of the musical theater format.”

The British Are Coming ... For American Songwriters Like Dave Grohl

www.forbes.com: Some songwriters, like Dave Grohl, are switching from America’s big song licensing agencies, BMI and ASCAP, to their British counterpart, PRS for Music, at least when it comes to handling song royalties outside of the U.S.

Broadway Musicians Have Voted to Authorize a Strike

Playbill: American Federation of Musicians Local 802, the union that represents musicians on Broadway, has voted to authorize a strike as negotiations continue with The Broadway League for a new standard contract. The move does not mean a strike is underway; it arms union leaders with the ability to call one as a negotiating tactic. Around 98 percent of voting members voted for a strike.

Broadway Musicians Vote Yes On Strike If Deal Not Reached

www.broadwayworld.com: Broadway musicians of AFM Local 802 have voted to authorize a strike if needed, as it is currently in contract talks with the Broadway League. The union’s strike authorization vote closed on the evening of Oct. 12, and results were tallied soon after. The vote count was 98% in favor of strike authorization if necessary.

Judge Rejects Drake's Defamation + Harassment Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" Diss Track

reason.com: This case arises from perhaps the most infamous rap battle in the genre's history, the vitriolic war of words that erupted between superstar recording artists Aubrey Drake Graham ("Drake") and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth ("Lamar" or "Kendrick Lamar") in the spring of 2024. Over the course of 16 days, the two artists released eight so-called "diss tracks," with increasingly heated rhetoric, loaded accusations, and violent imagery.

The story behind Taylor Swift's showgirl-worthy dress from the 'Fate of Ophelia' music video

pagesix.com: When Kelsey Randall launched her namesake fashion brand in 2015, dressing Taylor Swift was at the very top of her wish list. Now, a decade later, her dream’s come true, with the designer’s crystal-covered creations featured throughout Swift’s new “The Life of a Showgirl” album artwork and in the music video for the record’s lead single, “The Fate of Ophelia.”

Work Visa Issues Threatening Music Artist Careers, Support Networks

www.billboard.com: Just a day before his sold-out show at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, regional Mexican star Julión Álvarez posted an “urgent” announcement on his social media, informing the 50,000 fans who purchased a ticket to the May 24-dated show that it was cancelled.

#LetMusicLive: 400 Musicians Gather in Parliament Square

TPi: 400 freelance professional musicians from all corners of the live events and entertainment industry have joined forces in support with musical figures including David Hill, Raphael Wallfisch, Emma Johnson and Tasmin Little, Bill Barkley to perform in Parliament Square and Centenary Square, Birmingham, shining a light on the need for targeted support for freelance musicians and all those who work in the arts and entertainment sector.

A Man Who Wears Many Hats: Radial Engineering Artist Will Wells

Lighting&Sound America Online - News: Radial Engineering artist and Berklee graduate Will Wells can't seem to catch a break -- in his schedule that is. After finishing a stint as electronic music producer for the Broadway hit, Hamilton, Wells was selected to compose the main theme for ESPN's December 2019 Heisman Trophy Awards, as well as perform on the show and act as musical director.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Announces Deal With Musicians Union

www.broadwayworld.com: BroadwayWorld has learned that yesterday the Lyric announced that they have reached a multi-year labor agreement extending through the 2020/21 season. The Agreement is subject to the ratification of CFM members. Details are not being released to the public at this time.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Cancels Performances Due To Musicians Strike

www.broadwayworld.com: It was previously reported that the Lyric Opera of Chicago had reached deals with four unions following ongoing negotiations with many of the opera's stakeholders. The opera had reached agreements with Stagehands Local 2, Wardrobe Local 769, Hair and Make-Up Local 476 and Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Local 750, according to Lyric Opera and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

TV Musicians Resume Negotiations Over Payment for Online Shows

Variety: Union musicians working on late-night, award, and other live television shows have resumed negotiations with the networks over the issue of paying band members when they appear on YouTube and network websites.