The biggest music industry deals of 2026 (so far!) We tracked $17 billion+ in deals this year. Some monster highlights: • BMG + Concord merged to create the "fourth major" • Distrokid sold to private equity CVC Capital • Suno raised another $400m

How does AI music get to Spotify? Though distributors! But every single one has a different rule on how it handles AI music. We mapped out the strictest -> permissive. Strict 🔴 • CDBaby - not allowed (even partially generated) • Tunecore - 100% AI not allowed. Creative use is okay. • AWAL - Fully generated not allowed. Human review for creative uses. Allowed (with disclosure) 🟠 • Distrokid - Now requires a mandatory disclosure. • Too Lost - Disclosure and proof of commercial use. • Soundcloud - Disclosure and proof docs. • OneRPM - Disclosure and explanation of how AI was used. Allowed (with limited distribution) 🟠 • Amuse - AI music cannot be delivered to Meta or YouTube Content ID. • United Masters - No delivery to TikTok or Meta. Permitted 🟢 • Ditto - Permits whatever rules the DSPs set. • ONCE - AI music allowed with an extra surcharge that goes to an artist fund.

Mercedes has announced final pricing for their new all-electric C-Class. • Starting price: €68,000 ($79,900 USD) • Range: Up to 350 miles (expected EPA) • 94 kWh battery • Peak charging speed: 330kW. Up to 200 miles added in 10 mins • 800v • 0–60 mph: 3.9s • 482 hp • 39.1" pillar-to-pillar screen with >1,000 LED zones • Illuminated grille with ~1,050 light points • Seats with massage, ventilation, and 4D sound • Multi-source heat pump for improved efficiency and thermal comfort (uses ~50% less energy vs ICE heating) • Panoramic roof with 162 illuminated “stars” and dimmable glass • 4.5° rear-axle steering (turning circle ~36.7 ft) • Air suspension with predictive damping using Car-to-X and map data • Google-based navigation with "Electric Intelligence" and AR head-up display Over-the-air updates for full vehicle software via MB.OS • Up to 300 kW regenerative braking (one-box braking system) • Dual-motor 4MATIC system with disconnect unit for efficiency (reduces front axle losses up to 90%) • Rear motor: permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM), ~93% efficiency • Two-speed transmission (11:1 first gear, 5:1 second gear) for performance and efficiency • Drag coefficient starting at ~0.22 • Trunk capacity: ~16.6 cu ft + additional frunk storage • Advanced driver assistance:, DISTRONIC, optional ASSIST/ASSIST PRO • Future “CITY PRO” automated urban driving feature • Burmester 3D/4D surround sound with seat-integrated transducers U.S. deliveries start in the first half of 2027.