News 398 - RAIN News

The Download on Podcasts: A rate sheet for podcast producers hints at growing professionalism

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Brad Hill

The Download on Podcasts is a weekly feature sponsored by PodcastOne.

Air Media, a coalition of audio producers specializing in public service media, has developed (perhaps “invented” is a better word) a rate sheet for freelance podcasting work. The rate sheet might appear as an arbitrary wish-list to many podcasters, but the importance lies in helping to professionalize the podcast category.

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YouTube CEO offers notes on Music Key, mobile plans

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Anna Washenko

YouTube Music Key has mostly been quiet since the initial excitement over its beta launch last November. The last that we heard of Google’s planned subscription service, the beta had been extended into September. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki spoke at a Fortune event yesterday and touched on the outlook for Music Key, offering just a little bit of insight on its status. Continue Reading →

Spotify data map and playlists share local music tastes worldwide

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Anna Washenko

The Spotify Insights blog has a new data creation for its fans to play with. The latest is a musical map with accompanying playlists showcasing the songs that are most unique to many of the world’s cities. Editor Eliot Van Buskirk calls these songs ‘distinctive,’ tunes that one location seems to enjoy a lot but other areas don’t. Continue Reading →

Test Drive: BuzzAngle offers new interactive spin on music charts

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Anna Washenko

Billboard and Nielsen have long been the standard for music charts, but a new contender is joining the field. BuzzAngle Music it the new kid on the block, and it’s offering some unique features to stand out from the old guard. Continue Reading →

Infographic details the value of a single stream on Spotify, Pandora

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Anna Washenko

Much digital ink has been spilled about the value of streaming, from its intangible impact on the music industry to the very tangible bottom line. Billboard crunched some numbers about the value of a single stream at both Spotify and Pandora, shedding a little light on who is getting what under the current deals. Continue Reading →

Internet Radio Rewind #50: Dramatic streaming growth; Spotify’s odd request; Facebook and music

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Brad Hill

A weekly podcast from RAIN News

Sponsored by AudioBoom

The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Nielsen mid-year report; U.K. streaming growth; Spotify tells subscribers to unsubscribe; Xbox Music reborn; Facebook and music. Continue Reading →

Test Drive: Public radio app VuHaus offers excellent discovery via mobile video

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Anna Washenko

Public radio is often ambitious in its goals for curating and presenting great music, and the latest project to come out of the organization is a delightful response to recent trends favoring both mobile and video. Several venerable public radio stations have joined forces to power a new mobile app that focuses on recordings of live performances. VuHaus is free for both iOS and Android, and it’s definitely worth a look and a listen. Continue Reading →

Flo & Eddie challenge sirius XM label settlement

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Anna Washenko

Last month, Sirius XM agreed to a $210 million settlement with labels regarding copyright royalties for playing songs recorded prior to 1972. Although that ruling did not appear to have any bearing on the other legal cases artists have brought against the satellite radio company, Flo & Eddie is trying to block the deal. Continue Reading →

Australia looks to expand DAB+ outside major cities

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Anna Washenko

Australian Minister for Communications Malcom Turnbull released a report with recommendations for creating a digital radio planning committee in charge of rolling out DAB+ outside of the major metropolitan areas. Commercial Radio Australia and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia voiced support for this step toward increasing DAB+ coverage. This new report sees digital radio as a supplement to broadcasting rather than a replacement, at least for the near future. Continue Reading →

7digital reports positive H1 figures with streaming shift

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Anna Washenko

7digital announced its half-year business developments. The company’s overall revenue rose 3% to about £5.2 million for the period. In the earnings discussion, the 7digital’s leaders talked about their efforts to shift core business away from music download platforms in favor of streaming services and how that success was reflected in its positive financial performance. Continue Reading →

TuneIn launches new stations with Newport Folk Festival, Spaceland Presents

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Anna Washenko

TuneIn announced two deals this week that bring new radio stations to its listeners. First, it has partnered with the famed Newport Folk Festival to launch a radio station featuring the artists on this year’s lineup. The company has also launched a new station in partnership with Spaceland Presents. Continue Reading →

Spotify dominated the App Store during Apple Music’s first week

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Anna Washenko

With the entry of Apple Music into the streaming industry, many have wondered whether the backing of the tech giant would be enough to challenge Spotify’s dominant position. After the first week, it’s looking like no. Continue Reading →