And The Update Is… Live Nation Ruled an Illegal Monopoly, D4VD Arrested for Murder, Udio Pays Up on AI
Podcast:And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan Published On: Fri Apr 17 2026 Description: Every week, And the Writer Is brings you the most important news moving through the music industry — straight, sharp, and no fluff. This week: a jury ruled Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated antitrust laws and operate as illegal monopolies, with a judge now weighing whether to force a breakup or sale. Max Lousada and Julie Greenwald — the A&R legends behind Warner's modern run — launched a new long-term international label with Sony Music investment and distribution. And Udio signed a licensing deal with Kobalt, becoming one of the first AI companies actually paying creatives for training on their work. Plus: D4vd arrested on murder charges and dropped by Interscope, Foster the People ink a new deal, and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" holds the #1 song. Follow us on socials and don't miss our new episodes every Tuesday — the hottest conversations in music, with the people making it.This week:Jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated antitrust laws — a judge will now decide whether to break them upMax Lousada and Julie Greenwald launch a new international label with Sony MusicUdio signs a licensing deal with Kobalt — the first real AI-pays-creatives move of the cycleD4vd arrested on murder charges; Interscope removes him from their rosterFoster the People sign a new dealElla Langley's "Choosin' Texas" remains #1 song of the weekRoss previews live episodes coming from Stagecoach and the week's Billy Corgan drop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.