Primary Wave has struck a deal with the estate of Robert Palmer, acquiring rights to his publishing and recording catalogs along with his name, image and likeness. The agreement covers the late singer’s full body of work, which includes 14 studio albums and three live releases.

The deal adds Palmer, known for hits including “Addicted to Love” and “Simply Irresistible,” to Primary Wave’s roster of catalogs spanning multiple genres and eras. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide.

The IFPI has coordinated Operation LUMEN, a multi-country enforcement effort targeting 317 music piracy websites across Latin America that together drew an estimated 5.4 million visitors. Authorities from Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador took part in the action.

The initiative reflects ongoing industry pressure on regional governments to crack down on illegal streaming and download sites as labels and rights holders push to protect revenue in fast-growing Latin American markets.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide.

Monotone founder Ian Montone, who manages Jack White, Vampire Weekend and LCD Soundsystem, has weighed in on the state of the music business, arguing that the industry has mistaken social media followings for genuine fan communities as culture becomes increasingly homogenized.

In wide-ranging comments, Montone also addressed the ongoing rush by labels and investors to acquire music catalogs, along with the growing influence of artificial intelligence on how music is made and consumed. He framed these shifts as part of a broader question about what audiences are actually seeking from artists and culture at large.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide.

Epidemic Group, the parent company of music licensing platform Epidemic Sound, has appointed Erik Wahlberg as chief executive officer. Wahlberg founded Blenda Labs, a Stockholm-based video production technology firm that Epidemic Group acquired in July 2026.

He succeeds Sara Börsvik, who had been serving as interim CEO. Börsvik moves into a newly combined role as chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide.

Partisan has acquired Firebird’s interest in independent publishing company OTM Music and merged the operation with its own Left Music publishing arm. The combined entity will absorb the team and roster from Left Music, the venture Partisan launched with Craig Michie in 2022.

The deal consolidates Partisan’s publishing interests under a single banner as the company continues to build out its presence beyond its recorded music roots.

Read the full story at Music Business Worldwide.

Backstage Access Presents, a destination-driven live music and networking event series, will hold a three-day Nashville event Nov. 15-18, according to the announcement. Backstage Access Presents: Music City will feature performances and appearances from Lee Brice, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Flatland Cavalry, Matt Stell, Charlie Worsham and a roster of additional artists and industry figures.

The event follows the series’ inaugural Napa Valley edition in April, which included appearances from Parker McCollum, Shinedown, Grace Potter and others alongside radio programmers, music supervisors and brand partners. The Nashville installment is built around the city’s songwriter culture and venues, with programming including live showcases, songwriter rounds, private Music Row gatherings and late-night events, culminating in a private watch party during CMA Awards night.

The series was founded by music executive Bobbii Jacobs, who said in the announcement that the goal is to create settings where artists, industry decision-makers and guests can build relationships outside of traditional conference or festival formats. Additional programming and partners for the Nashville event are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Christy Walker-Watkins, 3on.e2ma.net.