Indie label network Merlin announced that its royalty distributions to members have increased eightfold between 2012 and 2017. Along with the royalty news, Merlin has hired Helen Alexander as the finance director. Continue Reading
The IFPI published its annual global music report reflecting on the industry’s 2016 performance. Global revenue increased 5.9% to $15.7 billion. Digital revenue rose 17.8% to $7.8 billion, enough that it now has a 50% share of the global music industry’s total. “If the digital market continues to grow, so too will the overall level of remuneration to artists, as will the levels of overall investment required to create new music whilst helping to drive digital innovation,” IFPI CEO Frances Moore said. Continue Reading
Clip Interactive, a radio digital solutions company, announced that it has completed the first stage of development in its consumer product integrations. This includes in-car services Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and in-home consumer product integrations Amazon Echo and Google Home. Continue Reading
Futuri Media has partnered with the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications for a new research and development lab. A group of select students launched GHQ. Futuri designed the dynamic multi-platform radio station, available on mobile, social and digital. Continue Reading
Recent job postings for Spotify imply that the company, long known for its music streaming platform, may be planning to move into hardware. Spotify is hiring a senior product manager of hardware and a product manager of voice. Continue Reading
AdLarge Media announced a restructuring of its digital team. Four of its team members have been promoted to new positions within the company. “With our accelerated growth in the digital audio space, particularly with podcasts, we are fortunate to have the high caliber of professionals on our team to guide and advance our digital success,” AdLarge Co-CEO and Co-founder Cathy Csukas said. Continue Reading
Gracenote announced that its technology is now available in 100 million cars around the world. Its music recognition technology can power auto infotainment systems, offering music metadata and imagery to drivers. Continue Reading
Neil Young is continuing his long, somewhat perplexing journey into the music tech business with the launch of a new high-definition streaming platform called Xstream. Young announced at the end of 2016 that he would translate his Pono Music into a streaming service. Xstream appears to be the result of that plan and of some critique about the original product. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Apple rebrands its podcast platform. The UK’s upcoming election. The launch of Upload Radio. Much more from around the world of radio and audio. Continue Reading
PodcastOne announced that Hollywood legend Norman Lear will be hosting a new show on the network. All of the Above with Norman Lear will pair the famed sitcom creator with co-host/actor Paul Hipp and a featured guest. Continue Reading
Glenn Peoples has written a break-down of the royalty systems for Pandora’s three different services. “The direct licensing agreements Pandora has reached with labels has brought some changes to how royalties are paid for all three tiers,” he wrote. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio has entered a partnership with SpokenLayer that will see almost 40 SpokenEditions added into the digital audio platform. SpokenEditions are narrated versions of written content from publishers such as Reuters, Time, Mashable, Slate, and TechCrunch. Continue Reading