Music Industry Headlines: Chris Brown Enters Plea, Taylor Swift Reclaims Masters, Morgan Wallen Dominates Charts Amidst Busy Day of News

Music news on June 2, 2025, presents a complex picture across legal challenges, industry innovation, chart success, and live events, reflecting the dynamic state of the global music landscape.

Legal Battles and Industry Developments

Chris Brown has entered a plea of not guilty in London concerning charges of assaulting producer Abe Diaw. The alleged incident reportedly occurred in 2023. Authorities have confirmed the existence of surveillance footage pertinent to the case. The trial date has been set for October 2026.

In industry news, streaming giant Spotify is reportedly developing a tool aimed at allowing users to seamlessly import playlists from competing music services. This move could potentially enhance user flexibility and competitive positioning within the crowded streaming market.

Adding to the legal currents, SoundExchange has initiated a lawsuit against Sonos and Napster. The suit seeks $3.4 million in allegedly unpaid royalties. These royalties are reportedly connected to the Sonos Radio service, following Napster’s acquisition involving blockchain technology in 2022. The legal action underscores ongoing complexities surrounding royalty distribution in the evolving digital music ecosystem.

Separately, the ticketing platform Seated has been re-acquired by its original founders, David McKay and John Griffin. The details of the transaction were not immediately disclosed, but the move marks a significant development for the artist-focused ticketing service.

A major industry development saw superstar Taylor Swift reportedly reacquire her original back catalog masters. This follows years of public discussion and efforts by the artist regarding ownership of her earlier recordings, marking a significant moment for artist control over their work.

Chart Performance and New Music Releases

On the charts, Morgan Wallen continues his strong performance. His track “I’m the Problem” holds the number one position on the Billboard 200 chart for a second consecutive week. The song achieved 286,000 equivalent album units in its latest charting week, demonstrating sustained popularity with listeners.

June 2, 2025, also saw a raft of new album releases across various genres. Notable new records hitting the market today include Haim’s I Quit, Yungblud’s Idols, Loyle Carner’s Hopefully, Lukas Nelson’s American Romance, and Benson Boone’s American Heart. These releases contribute to a busy week for music consumers seeking fresh material from established and emerging artists.

British rock band Muse has released their first new single in four years, titled “Unravelling.” The track was produced by Dan Lancaster and made its live debut during a recent performance in Helsinki, signaling new music from the acclaimed group.

Festivals and Live Events

Legendary country music icon Willie Nelson, aged 92, is embarking on the second leg of his popular Outlaw Music Festival tour. This segment of the tour promises a star-studded lineup, with confirmed guests including Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and Nathaniel Rateliff, among others. The tour is scheduled to run through September, bringing a diverse range of talent to stages across the country.

South Korea’s global phenomenon, BTS, is set to host their 12th-anniversary celebration, known as FESTA 2025. The event is scheduled to take place on June 13–14 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, offering fans a dedicated celebration of the group’s milestone.

The first-ever SXSW London event is currently underway. Mirroring its Austin counterpart, the festival showcases a broad spectrum of content spanning music, film, technology, and culture. The inaugural London edition features a lineup including Nigerian artist Tems and is expected to host approximately 600 performances across its duration, establishing a new hub for the creative industries in Europe.

In Memoriam and Entertainment Crossover

The music world mourns the passing of jazz drumming legend Al Foster, who died at the age of 82. Foster was renowned for his extensive career and influential contributions to jazz music, particularly known for his work with Miles Davis.

British pop-rock pioneers Duran Duran are reportedly back in the studio, working on new music. The band is recording at the iconic Abbey Road Studios and collaborating with esteemed producer Nile Rodgers, sparking anticipation for their next release.

In entertainment news with significant music crossover, the trailer for “Happy Gilmore 2” has been released. The sequel features returning star Adam Sandler and includes appearances from prominent figures across music and sports, such as Eminem, Post Malone, Bad Bunny, and Travis Kelce. The film is slated to premiere on Netflix on July 25.