App Annie released its April 2015 index of the top performing mobile apps in the U.S. Pandora held the top spot for top app by downloads and revenue, followed by Spotify. SoundCloud was fourth by downloads and iHeartRadio was fifth. In terms of revenue, Beats Music was the No. 3 app, while Rhapsody secured the No. 6 place. Continue Reading
Asian streaming platform KKBOX has inked a partnership with Merlin, an independent digital rights agency. As a result of the deal, some of the 20,000 independent labels and distributors represented by Merlin will be featured on the Taiwan-based streaming service. The deal covers Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes in the audio industry. IFPI appoints new board member; Michelle Jubelirer rises to COO of Capitol. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the Internet: Spotify’s new competitive strategy; YouTube and the music industry; finding therapeutic potential in Pandora’s Music Genome. Continue Reading
Irish ad representation company Adforce.com announced today that it has signed with TuneIn to market TuneIn’s audience and inventory to key European markets. In its announement, Adforce.com promises to combine rich media and innovative audio formats. Continue Reading
As rumored in December, Japan-based messaging app Line has launched a Line Music service for a trial in Thailand. The service is available within Line’s flagship mobile software as an in-app purchase for 60 Baht (about $1.80) per month. The new platform will let users listen to music and share songs with friends either in individual or group chats. Continue Reading
8tracks announced that it has hired Jon Maples into the position of Vice President of Product. Maples led product development at on-demand music service Rhapsody from 2009 through 2013. Continue Reading
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Two podcast funding deals; the new Spotify; Pandora acquires more metrics; MixRadio breaks loose Continue Reading
YouTube has extended the beta trial for its Music Key subscription service through Sept. 15. According to the emails sent to current beta testers, the extension is a thank you for the helpful feedback received during the first six months of testing. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Sony/Spotify contract leaked (then removed); another songwriting exec critiques safe harbor laws. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. The latest moves: ASCAP appoints Michael Martin to head ASCAP Nashville, while Karen Sherry retires. Sinfini Music also hires a new head of content. Continue Reading
The UK’s Radio Joint Audience Research released its data from the first quarter of 2015. The latest information revealed a slight decline in overall radio listening, but posted improvements in the rates of digital radio uptake in the region. The total number of Q1 2015 listeners declined about 50,000 people from the same quarter of 2014. In contrast, digital radio has been consistently increasing its share of listeners, growing from 20.1% in Q1 2009 to 39.6% in Q1 2015. Continue Reading