Author: Anna Washenko

In sign of the times, Led Zeppelin opens catalog to more streaming services

Posted on by Anna Washenko

In the early days of streaming, it wasn’t uncommon for big-name musicians to withhold their catalogs from online services. Led Zeppelin was a famed holdout, to the point where the band giving exclusive rights to Spotify back in 2013 was groundbreaking. So it’s a sign of the times that the Zep is expanding where you can hear its music. This week, the band opened up its library to listeners on several more platforms, including some that specialize in hi-def listening, such as Tidal and Deezer Elite. Continue Reading →

A new trend toward agnostic listening

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Part of the business model for most streaming platforms is to attract and retain the largest possible number of listeners. That could lead to a listening landscape that’s fractured, with people choosing just one or two services to fill all of their audio needs. Yet with each of the major players offering a slightly different subset of performers and content, it makes sense that listeners would be interested in combining the libraries of more than one streaming platform. Continue Reading →

NextRadio takes promotional campaign to the airwaves

Posted on by Anna Washenko

NextRadio has launched an ad campaign aimed at promoting the use of its app and the activation of FM chips in all smartphones. The campaign, in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters, is asking terrestrial radio stations to run the spots. The main focus of these ads is to educate more listeners about NextRadio. NextRadio faces a three-fold challenge. Continue Reading →

CD Baby Pro rights management program posts 250% growth

Posted on by Anna Washenko

CD Baby shared the latest growth figures for its Pro music rights management subscription. It has increased more than 250% and represents more than 54,000 writers and administrators. The service helps members to collect mechanical royalties from streaming services worldwide. It also has direct registration of songs with more than 40 foreign societies to help with global rights management. Continue Reading →

Pandora’s Aussie CEO talks strategy

Posted on by Anna Washenko

The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Pandora Australia CEO Jane Huxley for insight about the streaming environment down under. Pandora is reportedly adding between 20,000 and 30,000 users a week, and has already passed the 2 million members milestone. Even though additional services have entered the streaming space in Australia, Huxley told the Herald that those companies were creating additional interest in the music platforms. Continue Reading →

Starbucks will cease selling CDs

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Starbucks, long the purveyor of lattes and cappuccinos, announced that it will stop selling CDs at its registers at the end of March. “Music will remain a key component of our coffeehouse and retail experience, however we will continue to evolve the format of our music offerings to ensure we’re offering relevant options for our customers,” a Starbucks rep told Billboard about the decision. Continue Reading →

Tidal announces partnership with fellow Nordic brand

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Hifi streaming service Tidal announced a new partnership with by:Larm, which runs a music festival and conference on March 4-7 in Oslo. As a result of this deal, Tidal will present the international section of by:Larm’s artist program. Tidal and WiMP’s editor-in-chief Sveinung Rindal will also hold a session during the conference focused on how others can take most advantage of streaming services. Continue Reading →

Test Drive: Vessel

Posted on by Anna Washenko

We reported on the plans for new video service Vessel back in December, and since then have gotten access to its beta. The service uses a business model of an inexpensive monthly subscription ($2.99) that promises advanced access to content. Many have positioned this video service as a direct rival to YouTube, since artists and other video creators might appreciate a paid platform more than a free video playground. After spending some time investigating what the platform has to offer, we’re excited about where Vessel might go, but it has a long road before it will be a true rival of YouTube. Continue Reading →