Universal Music Group (UMG) took another step toward becoming a publicly traded company in the United States last week following a push by one of its biggest shareholders. But if they are already publicly traded in Amsterdam, why list in the United States, too?

The reasons for being traded in Europe versus the U.S. are part ideological, part financial, and the effects of listing shares to be traded on multiple stock exchanges — a secondary listing — could increase UMG’s value.

– Elizabeth Dilts Marshall, Billboard

Major music industry companies and organizations are once again throwing their weight behind a proposed law that would prevent rap and other lyrics from being used as evidence in criminal and civil trials.

The bill would change the rules of evidence for federal courtrooms, making song lyrics inadmissible unless prosecutors can meet strict criteria, such as showing that the lyrics were meant to be taken literally.

– Daniel Tencer, Music Business Worldwide

This week is Music Ally’s annual Bulletin News summer break, when our writers recharge their batteries. We’re instead publishing a special series of recaps, offering our take on five key trends of the year so far.

– Stuart Dredge, Music Ally

Amber Health has made a business out of meeting tour workers where they are, providing critical support in a hugely challenging industry.

This summer, Rodrigo is one of 16 major artists — including Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, and Green Day — who’ve paid Amber Health to supply free mental health benefits to all of their crews.

– Steve Knopper, Billboard

As Songwriters of North America — the closest thing to a union North American songwriters have — observes its 10th anniversary, the organization is rolling out healthcare access for professional songwriters, many of whom operate as freelancers without employer-based benefits.

Together with Amazon Music and Amazon One Medical, this membership benefit provides one-year, Amazon One Medical subscriptions* to SONA members. As an additional membership benefit, Amazon Music and the SONA Foundation will be offering a select number of grants to SONA members for out-of-pocket medical expenses. SONA members can apply here.

– Jem Aswad, Variety

Spotify reported strong subscriber and monthly user growth on Tuesday (July 29), but a hit to its operating income linked to foreign exchange losses and taxes after its recent surging stock price caused investor concern. The streaming giant’s stock was down 9.7% at about 2:30 p.m. ET.

Here are some of the main takeaways from Spotify’s second quarter 2025 financial results, along with comments executives made on a conference call discussing earnings.

– Elizabeth Dilts Marshall, Billboard