The Week in Review: Aug 28-Sept 3, 2026

Olivia Rodrigo’s benefit festival challenged live music’s gender imbalance — and the visual ranking system that tells audiences which artists “matter.”

For years, Chicago wouldn’t let Chief Keef perform there (not even as a hologram). Now, he’s selling out his hometown tour starter.

Kehlani’s world tour turns the changing moods of a night out into a show, revealing how much an artist can do with catalog-driven emotional range.

NZ/Aotearoa industry stakeholders are calling for a national growth strategy that treats its cultural systems as serious economic investments (with good reason).

Day jobs often sustain indie bands, but asking band members to commit to the group when it isn’t making money can create animosity and misalignment.

Your SoundCloud profile should guide new listeners fast. Here’s how to convert new fans using the platform’s features and tools.

How to pitch independent Spotify playlist curators using intentional research, personal outreach, and authentic relationships, to reach new listeners.

For any artists or venues looking to add immersive VR concert video to their digital content package, this post details all that you need to know.

The Empty Pockets pursued a traditional “breakthrough” approach for years; a free-plus-shipping merch offer was the thing that changed everything.

Lalu’s Corner is a monthly column about the power of music and brand partnerships, and how indie artists can benefit from them.

How to turn short-video attention into lasting fandom by using storytelling and emotional connection to encourage saves, shares, and repeat listening.

The G-E-V (Gratitude, Engagement, & Value) Mindset is a content marketing and strategy framework that can help connect deeper with music fans.

Growing fatigue with gen-AI content is renewing demand for human creativity, giving musicians an opportunity to build audience trust and attention.

SubmitHub analyzed 1 million tracks and found 38% featured AI, yet 31% of creators denied it. Learn what this means for music.

Indie artists should use content to draw listeners toward a distinctive body of work and look to build lasting relationships long after social virality fades.

ARIA’s ban on predominantly AI-generated music from its charts is a necessary first step, but the industry is at a crossroads.

Live Music Industry News: IFF LDN nears, Ark threatened, new Ticketmaster app, NIVA lobbies ticket bills, free NIVF festival webinar and more.

Canadian music rights organization SOCAN has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against AI music platform Suno, alleging that its service generates and streams unauthorized copies of songs in SOCAN’s repertoire. The statement of claim, filed September 2 in the Federal Court of Canada, identifies 150 Suno-generated tracks drawn

NIVA urges California Gov. Newsom to veto ticket bill AB 1349, warning last-minute amendments protect StubHub and harm indie venues and fans.

Key takeaways from recent top stories: U.S. copyright fee hikes, X algorithm tactics, Gen Z CD surge, Dolly Parton’s business legacy and more.

The BBC Introducing festival stage for developing artists has gone away; in its place is a stage featuring artists who some feel don’t need a helping hand…