The Worldwide Independent Network has released its third annual report on the role of indies in the global music market. The top-line takeaway is that independents are now responsible for 39.9% of global recorded music. Indie music generated global revenue of $6.9 billion in 2017. Continue Reading
Apple looks to be closing 2018 with another music business acquisition. Platoon is an A&R and creative services company founded in 2016. The London-based company has helped early-stage artists in the U.S. and the UK such as Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, and Stefflon Don before their major signings. Continue Reading
Google is reinventing a standard feature in smart speakers: the news update. Made famous by Amazon Echo’s “Flash Briefing,” Google’s version is invoked by “Play the news.” The initiative would bring the vast news collection capability of Google News into the voice activation realm. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered an agreement with podcast platform Voxnest. The new deal will bring Spreaker podcasts to audiences in Colombia and Brazil on Deezer. Spreaker’s Spanish-language podcast library includes content from Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Continue Reading
The Google Podcasts app seemed like a big move when it was first announced. Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein reached out to several leaders in audio and podcasting to get a better understanding of why the app hasn’t been a smashing success yet. Continue Reading
Amazon has launched new voice features for Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited listeners using its Alexa assistant. The updates will increase personalization of music requests and more conversational interactions with Alexa. Continue Reading
Audioburst, an audio search platform powered by AI, announced a new deal to bring its technology into cars. The company is working with LGE on a vehicle infotainment system that it plans to unveil at CES in January. The deal relies on Audioburst’s Deep Analysis API for additional metadata categorization. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia is in the process of restructuring after a strategic move of declaring bankruptcy in March. Despite several years of financial difficulties, the company still has such a large footprint in broadcasting and audio that it has been the subject of takeover rumors. First, Apple was allegedly engaging in talks with the media conglomerate. Now, Liberty Media is reportedly interested as well. Continue Reading
Pandora has officially thrown open the gates to podcast listening on its audio platform. The company’s Podcast Genome Project is now available to all users, meaning anyone can receive personalized listening recommendations. Continue Reading
Digital audio advertising company DAX announces today that it has landed an exclusive agreement to distribute and represent popular podcast Something You Should Know for OmniCast Media. The show is hosted by OmniCast co-founders Ken Williams and Mike Carruthers. Continue Reading
Apple owns an estimated 60% of podcast consumption. 2018 was the first year that the dominant distribution platform provided consumption metrics to producers. Accordingly, the company has release the top 25 most-downloaded podcasts of the year. Continue Reading
Pod Drop highlights noteworthy new and upcoming podcasts from across the vast and fast-growing category. Today’s launches include a comedy character at iHeartRadio, an exploration of opera’s best arias, and a snackable show about fears. Continue Reading