FanStage
BTS win Artist of the Year, taking the top prize at the 2026 American Music Awards
BTS won Artist of the Year at the 2026 American Music Awards, becoming one of the few acts to take that top category more than once.
8 June 20261 min read
Updates and articles
Notes from the FanStage team on the product, music discovery, and how we think about what we build.
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FanStage
Weezer announce “The Gold Album”. New self-titled LP arrives in August
Weezer have announced a new self-titled album, already being referred to by fans as “The Gold Album,” with a release date set for August 21, 2026. Alongside the announcement, the band also released “We Might as Well Be Strangers,” featuring Karly Hartzman of Wednesday.
4 June 20262 min read
FanStage
Spotify hikes Premium prices in Canada by up to CAD $3 a month
Spotify has increased Premium subscription prices in Canada, raising monthly fees by roughly CAD $1.30 to $3 depending on the plan. The move is part of a broader strategy of phased price rises across North America and Europe since 2023.
29 May 20265 min read
FanStage
UMG to sell half of its Spotify stake, redirecting around $1.4bn into share buybacks
Universal Music Group has confirmed it will sell roughly half of its equity stake in Spotify, expecting to raise about $1.4 billion to fund an expanded €1 billion share repurchase program.
29 May 20263 min read
FanStage
Spotify and Universal sign landmark AI deal for licensed fan‑made covers
Spotify and Universal Music Group have signed new licensing agreements that let fans create AI‑powered covers and remixes of selected artists’ songs as a paid Premium add‑on.
29 May 20263 min read
FanStage
Streaming heats up before New Music Friday as Dua Lipa, Charli XCX and Kylie Minogue drop new releases
Late May has brought a wave of high‑profile releases from Dua Lipa, Charli XCX and Kylie Minogue, arriving on platforms ahead of the usual New Music Friday cycle. The live album “Dua Lipa (Live From Mexico)”, Charli’s “SS26” and Kylie’s “Light Up” collectively set a pop‑and‑club tone for the start of the summer streaming season.
28 May 20265 min read