Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon has stepped down from his role as chairman of the streaming music service. After 10 years in the position, Lorentzon is shifting to the board’s vice-chairman, with CEO Daniel Ek assuming the chairman spot. Continue Reading
TuneCore has expanded to France. The digital music distributor and publishing administrator announced the launch of its third European market, with France joining Germany and the UK. Continue Reading
The African on-demand streaming and download platform Mdundo was launched in Kenya in 2012. Today we learn that Mdundo has surpassed 1 million users, and has expanded to be a more international resource for African musicians and listeners. Continue Reading
Deezer has partnered with Audio.ad, a specialist in audio advertising for the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic audiences. This deal will see Deezer expanding its reach in Colombia, which is already a top market for the streaming service. Continue Reading
Shazam has entered a partnership that will add music video channels to its app. The multifaceted mobile company has teamed up with video engagement business Vadio for this effort to increase time spent in its app. When a user Shazams a song, they will now see a music video channel in addition to the track’s metadata. Continue Reading
Acast announced that it is offering all its signed podcasters free access to Epidemic Sound and Hindenburg Journalist Pro. Epidemic Sound is a curated music library specifically for creative productions. Hindenburg is a suite of radio production and editing software. Continue Reading
Pandora has announced a rebrand, complete with a newly designed logo and slightly altered color palette. “As Pandora continues to evolve the most personal music experience, our new look embraces the dynamic range of sound and color, visualizing the energy and emotion that artists pour into the creation of music, and that we feel as listeners,” the online audio company said in a blog post. Continue Reading
Amazon has launched its new streaming music program. Carrying the name of Amazon Music Unlimited, the new service is muscling into the crowded territory with a unique integration with its existing home technology. The company was expected to have some interesting ties to its Amazon Echo voice-activated wireless speaker and it has delivered on that front. Continue Reading
Music Connect, a Nielsen product for clients who wish to see how music is distributed and consumed, has addedlocal market information to its streaming data set. Music Connect has always tracked radio airplay, streams, and social uptake of music. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves are two new additions to the ranks of ASCAP’s board and Spotify’s European team. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Interview with Universal’s top lawyer; show cancellation at Gimlet sparks questions. Continue Reading
T-Mobile’s Music Freedom program is under investigation by a Dutch regulator. The Authority for Consumers and Markets will examine whether it creates an unfair disadvantage for competing services under the Netherlands’ net neutrality rules. Continue Reading