Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web:

Playlist placement isn’t enough: Many labels have pointed to exposure on popular Spotify playlists as a possible path to success for the modern performer. But James Farrelly, head of trade marketing for UK/Ireland at Believe Digital, says that’s still not enough.

Reactions to PRS/PPL joint venture: The UK licensing industry could see some serious shakeup with last week’s announcement that PRS for Music and PPL are planning a joint venture that would be a one-stop shop for public performance licensing. Music Week collected some responses, which have been positive and welcoming of the concept thus far.

Adele named #1 by IFPI: In news that should surprise no one, the IFPI named Adele its Global Recording Artist of the Year for 2015. Chalk up another win for the singer, who has put up boggling numbers in just a few months for her album 25.