SoundCloud has shifted its statistics to be updated in real time. The audio platform is making data around plays, likes, reposts, comments, and downloads available to artists in real time. The new data is available in the Today custom view within the stats page on the web version of the service or in the SoundCloud Pulse app. Continue Reading
Amazon announced that it will launch its Echo smart speaker line in Australia and New Zealand. Pre-orders for the devices begin today, and the first shipments are expected in early February. In addition the company is rolling out Amazon Music Unlimited in those two markets starting February 1. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Podcasts are now 25% at Slate. YouTube tightens access to ad program. Programmatic and podcasts at Spotify. Continue Reading
Stream ripping has been at the forefront of music piracy for a few years now, and it continues to be a concern for the industry. The practice was a focus in the 2017 Notorious Markets List from the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The report has placed a focus on digital piracy in recent years, and stream ripping was the focus in the 2016 edition. It remains a top concern in the 2017 version. Continue Reading
MIDia Research compiled a consumer survey for LyricFind. The analysis covers two distinct topics. First is some statistics about the streaming music markets in the Germany, the UK, and the U.S. Second is how those markets and the users of different services think about lyrics features. Continue Reading
B2B music provider 7digital announced last week that it has signed on to power playlisting platform 8tracks. The companies have agreed to at least one year of collaboration. Under these terms, 7digital will provide hosting and streaming for all of 8tracks’ directly licensed music. Continue Reading
A group of popular performers has filed an amicus brief against Pandora centered on pre-1972 recordings. Jeffrey Knowles and Julia D. Greer of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP filed the brief in the California lawsuit on January 12. Continue Reading
Facebook has been busily amassing licensing deals with several music industry leaders, and one is of particular interest for independent publishers and songwriters. The social network inked a deal with Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish to create a standardized music licensing and administration deal for indies. Continue Reading
Triton Digital and Edison Research announced that they will expand their Infinite Dial study to cover Canada. The research will offer a comprehensive view of Canadian digital media consumption, covering topics including digital audio, podcasts, and smart speakers. The inaugural Infinite Dial Canada study results will be unveiled on April 4. Continue Reading
Facebook is soldiering on with its music industry deals. Head of Music Tamara Hrivnak penned a blog post announcing multiple arrangements with songwriting and publishing outfits. Continue Reading
YouTube Red is slated to make an international expansion this year. Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl told Les Echos that the company has been getting the licensing and distribution deals in place to take the subscription service to more countries. YouTube Red is currently available in Australia, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, and the U.S. Continue Reading
Gracenote, the music metadata company, showed off a new tool for integrating AM/FM radio into Apple CarPlay during CES 2018 in Las Vegas. The vehicle infotainment dashboard doesn’t normally support terrestrial radio, but Gracenote’s app contains several features for playing local radio within that interface. Continue Reading