Random music news for Thursday, May 7, 2026

Go ahead and have another cup of coffee. Science says it’s good for you. So is music news for May 7, 2026.

1. Music isn’t the only area besieged by AI. Welcome to “Podslop,” podcasts generated by AI that are just garbage.
2. Zao, a metal band, was accused of being AI-generated. They’re not–but they’ve had a helluva time proving that they’re human.
3. If you’re a YouTuber and you’re tired of takedown notices because you use copyrighted music as a soundtrack, you can now use AI replacement tracks for free.
4. “Major labels are trying to scoop up everything.” This is bad for indie music. Discuss.
5. Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler will go on trial in August.
6. Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds had an idea for a video game. It’s been cancelled due to “lack of interest.”
7. Get well, Dolly!
8. What makes a concert better? Wine guitars!
9. Motley Crue has officially descended to the level of American Idol. I’m not kidding.
10. Another summer four has been cancelled. Pussycat Dolls’ reunion tour just couldn’t move tickets. That will tells you something about the economy.
11. Canadian fiddler Ashley MacIsaac is suing Google for its AI falsely branding him a sex offender. He wants $1.5 million,
12. Well, Dad should know, right Violet?
13. Why is this piece of Beatles history being sold for scrap? Oh.
14. If you’ve ever worked in a music store, you will definitely identify with this.
15. A good read: The relationship between longevity and a hit song.

BONUS: Being Moby. (Via Paula)