Amazon has shared its financial results for the fourth quarter and the fiscal year 2017. “Our 2017 projections for Alexa were very optimistic, and we far exceeded them. We don’t see positive surprises of this magnitude very often — expect us to double down,” Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos said. Continue Reading
Nielsen Music shared some statistics about the impact last weekend’s Grammy awards show had on streaming for the artists. Songs performed on stage were streamed more than 9.3 million times across audio streaming services on Monday, 2.1 million streams more than their combined total from Sunday. Continue Reading
Dubset Media Holdings is providing Apple Music with three exclusive DJ sets from Steve Aoki, Sigala, and DJ Suss One. Each mix is built from tracks available for use through Dubset’s MixBank catalog. The technology platform helps identify rightsholders for the different tracks used in DJ sets or remixes, and secures quick approval for their use. Continue Reading
In what Pandora calls a “redesign,” the company has announced a company reorganization that includes layoffs, a remapping of its key initiatives, and prioritization of its Atlanta office for growth even as its official HQ remains in Oakland. The staff reduction will affect 5% of Pandora’s workforce. At the same time, the company plans to hire for its new initiatives in the less expensive, talent-rich Atlanta market. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Mark Mulligan on Yonder. Mark Ramsey on smart speakers. Radioplayer UK expands Alexa skills. Continue Reading
Spotify has launched a new app designed specifically for listening to curated playlists. Stations, now available on Android mobile devices, appears to offer a lean-back listening experience. The app is free to download and use, no Spotify Premium subscription is required. Continue Reading
Sirius XM has shared its results from the 2017 fourth quarter and full fiscal year. The satellite radio company posted quarterly revenue of $1.4 billion and a net loss of 37 million, or 1 cent per share. For the full year, revenue totaled $5.4 billion. Net income was $648 million, or 14 cents per share. Continue Reading
Sony Music and Tencent Music have joined forces to launch a music label. Liquid State will focus on electronic and dance music artists both from Asia and across the globe. Continue Reading
Commercial Radio Australia has appointed Jaime Chaux as its new head of digital. In this position, Chaux will develop the industry group’s approach and strategy for the whole digital space, including podcasting and DAB+. He is currently head of Content for PodcastOne Australia. Continue Reading
AdLarge’s digital audio division, cabana, announced another show joining its roster. One Part Podcast is hosted by Jessica Murnane, who uses the show as a platform to help women to improve their lives. The weekly podcast features conversations with guests such as former boxing champion, author, and fellow podcaster Laila Ali. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio is collaborating with Justin Timberlake for the launch of his latest album this week. The pop performer’s Man of the Woods album debuts on February 2, and iHeartRadio is hosting a special preview both on-air and digitally. Continue Reading
The Copyright Royalty Board has announced the new rates for mechanical royalties to be paid by streaming music services. As announced on Jan. 27, streaming platforms will pay out royalties to songwriters and composers as a share of their revenue. By 2022, the share for mechanical royalties will be 15.1% of the streaming platform’s revenue. Read on for the full rate ruling and reactions from both publishers’ and songwriters’ organizations. Continue Reading