Decibel & Docket returns with a sharp, insider breakdown of two of the most contentious issues in the modern music business: digital ticket fraud and AI music licensing. Hosted by veteran entertainment journalist Dave Brooks and attorney Mike Seville, this episode digs deep into the legal gray areas reshaping live entertainment, ticketing, and artist rights.

The episode opens with a detailed legal analysis of AXS vs. SecureMyPass, a lawsuit that exposes how so-called spoofed digital tickets” are being created, sold, and used at major concerts. Brooks and Seville unpack how cloned mobile tickets circulate on the secondary market, why multiple buyers can unknowingly purchase the same ticket, and what that means for fans, venues, and promoters. The conversation explores trademark infringement claims, alleged breaches of ticketing platform terms, and the broader question at the center of modern ticket law: are concert tickets personal property or merely revocable licenses?

Drawing on years of reporting and legal experience, the hosts place the lawsuit within the wider ticketing ecosystem, explaining how professional ticket brokers operate, the technology behind large-scale ticket resale, and why most shows never experience inflated resale pricing — even as high-demand events fuel public outrage. The episode also connects the case to ongoing regulatory pressure, including DOJ antitrust scrutiny and consumer protection lawsuits from the FTC targeting Ticketmaster and oter dominant players in the ticketing industry.

In the second half, Decibel & Docket pivots to the rapidly evolving world of AI music licensing, breaking down independent music licensing agency Merlin’s deal with AI platform UDIO. Brooks and Seville examine how AI companies are shifting from generative models toward remixing and customization of licensed recordings, and what that means for artists, labels, and copyright law. The discussion raises urgent questions about artist consent, bargaining power for emerging musicians, and whether AI licensing deals truly protect creators or quietly reshape ownership and control.

Mike Seville offers practical legal guidance for artists navigating AI deals, stressing the importance of transparency, usage restrictions, compensation structures, and understanding how exposure may (or may not) translate into real economic benefit. The episode explores how AI-driven music tools could impact touring, fan engagement, and the future value of recorded music.

The show closes with a Reporter’s Notebook segment on shifting power dynamics inside Warner Music Group, including CEO succession chatter, executive compensation updates, and how Wall Street is reacting to leadership uncertainty at one of the world’s largest music companies.

Fast-paced, informed, and occasionally irreverent, this episode of Decibel & Docket delivers essential context for anyone following the business, legal, and technological forces reshaping live entertainment and recorded music.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Decibel & Docket, a podcast examining the legal, financial, and cultural forces shaping the modern music industry. Hosted by longtime music business reporter Dave Brooks and entertainment attorney Mike Seville, the show dives deep into lawsuits, licensing battles, streaming economics, touring, and artist rights — translating complex legal issues into plain language for industry insiders and fans alike.

This episode centers on Elon Musk and X Corp’s high-profile lawsuit against the music publishing industry, including claims that publishers and the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) colluded to flood X with more than 500,000 copyright takedown notices. Brooks and Seville analyze the lawsuit’s legal strategy, antitrust implications, copyright law questions, treble damages, and what the case could mean for social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube — all of which already operate under broad music licensing agreements.

The conversation then turns to Spotify’s third price increase in just over two years, examining subscription costs, streaming economics, artist compensation, and whether higher prices actually benefit musicians. The hosts discuss Spotify’s recent feature expansions — including podcasts, audiobooks, music videos, and lossless audio — and debate whether streaming platforms are nearing a pricing breaking point for consumers.

The episode also honors Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his impact on live music culture, touring innovation, and advocacy for independent venues through the Save Our Stages Act.

Finally, Brooks delivers a Grammy preview and bold prediction, spotlighting hardcore band Turnstile and their historic nominations across rock, metal, and alternative categories — and explains why they could be poised for a rare awards sweep.