Next Big Sound released a new report offering insights on how to benchmark artist performance. The newly Pandora-owned data company examined ideas for analyzing musicians’ success online. The report tracks data from several social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vevo, and Instagram – and combined it with an assessment of Pandora plays. Continue Reading
Many European nations have been pushing for the adoption of DAB technology for radio, with some countries setting clear plans for it to completely replace the current FM system. But not all are jumping on the bandwagon. After announcing a ‘wait and see’ attitude last spring, Sweden’s leaders have officially rejected a proposal to transition away from FM radio. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia has shared its financial results for Q4 and FY 2015. The news release also included some details about the iHeartRadio. Although the parent company doesn’t break out financial details separately for its online audio brand, it did share some stats and metrics. Continue Reading
A new podcast from Parents magazine was released yesterday as an entire 32-episode season, Netflix-style. Pregnant women and their partners can start listening at the episode that matches their stage. This clever idea adds a dimension to on-demand audio. Continue Reading
A New York investment company has taken on a major role with PledgeMusic, a music service combining crowdfunding and direct-to-fan concepts. The move from Magna Entertainment follows an investment of $3 million it made in the platform in 2014. Continue Reading
The BBC has released a new, standalone music app. The free BBC Music app pulls from the broadcaster’s radio, TV, and online content pools to present a customizable suite of entertainment for Android or iOS phones. It includes both audio and video material, such as live performances and interviews, but all revolving around musical topics. Continue Reading
SoundCloud has made its uploader-focused Pulse app available for iOS three months after launching on Android. The app, which focuses on the creators using the audio platform, is designed to help Soundcloud uploaders share their work, engage with listeners, and view analytics for their tracks. Continue Reading
Google Play Music is getting an update that will add the option to search YouTube videos from within the app, further bringing together Google’s music and video empires. It is another example of video becoming established in music services, and a natural evolution in Google’s case. Continue Reading
The arrival of The Beatles on streaming services felt like Christmas come early, but none of the platforms that got the release are available in South Korea. Beginning Feb. 29, though, Universal Music Korea will release The Beatles’ music to ten streaming services in the country. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Spotify not that into exclusives; Pandora as disruptor; MMF seeks streaming equity stance from Universal; a look at musical crowdfunding success. Continue Reading
Spotify announced that it will revive the Spotify House at SXSW in Austin with the support of several business partners. Expect to see tie-ins with Chromecast, PlayStation, SoulCycle, and more at this year’s Spotify House. Continue Reading
MusicWatch has released new research on the various forms of music piracy, how music consumers obtain music without generating revenue, and to what extent they do. A complicated profile of tech-savvy, copyright-confused consumer emerges, and a new descriptor: “badquisition.” Continue Reading