And The Update Is… Live Nation Ruled an Illegal Monopoly, D4VD Arrested for Murder, Udio Pays Up on AI

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 up
• Max Lousada and Julie Greenwald launch a new international label with Sony Music
• Udio signs a licensing deal with Kobalt — the first real AI-pays-creatives move of the cycle
• D4vd arrested on murder charges; Interscope removes him from their roster
• Foster the People sign a new deal
• Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" remains #1 song of the week
• Ross previews live episodes coming from Stagecoach and the week's Billy Corgan drop

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