We reported on Monday that Grooveshark was facing potentially immense financial damages judgment in its drawn-out copyright infringement trial with record labels. That particular threat appears to be neutralized in a settlement which includes the final closure of Grooveshark.com, the service, and a handover of all company assets. Continue Reading
Rumor (and more rumor) has turned to apparent fact, as CNBC is reporting that Spotify has raised a new funding round of at least $350-million, led by Goldman Sachs. The funding round closed on a “first close” basis, so new investors may yet join. Continue Reading
After a round of user and venue testing, CrowdTunes announced its launch today. The crowd-controlled streaming service, which is designed for public venues like bars and restaurants, is powered by U.K.-based technology provider 7digital. Continue Reading
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Copyright chief wants radio to pay; Copyright Royalty Board starts a music licensing trial; Sirius XM earnings; Pandora earnings; something new for podcasting. Continue Reading
When Memphis-based LMB Network announced that it was adding new programs to its Internet radio lineup, we reached out to President and Chief Operating Office Thomas Anderson for background on the station, and a view of its business outlook. Continue Reading
Digital music distributor TuneCore announced first-quarter results — as usual, not in terms of revenue to the company, but through the lens of payouts to musician clients. Artists earned over $36-million in Q1. Continue Reading
Sirius XM released its first-quarter earnings report yesterday in an investor call that was proud, confident, and featured upward revisions to future guidance of subscriber growth and revenue. Beyond the shhining statistics, Sirius executive talked about licensing, streaming, and Spotify. Continue Reading
We hadn’t heard much from Play.it, the CBS podcast listening site, when an announcement of eight added programs came across the screen. Marilu Henner and Jayson Williams are featured celebrity hosts. Continue Reading
Although thousands of pages of legal arguments and rebuttals have been submitted over several months, today marks the start of a five-week process at the heart of Webcasting IV — the in-person litigation of U.S. music licensing rates for the 2016-2020 royalty period. Continue Reading
Consistently classy, evocative of a penthouse nightclub, Jazzopolitan plays a steady stream of soft jazz (not be confused with smooth jazz) — elegant, restrained, unintrusive. Continue Reading
7digital announced that over the past month it has entered into new or expanded contracts valued at £1.8 million. The company sent out a press release noting that it has seen an uptick in interest as broadcast organizations look into finding new options in the streaming audio space. “It’s particularly pleasing to see one of the key areas which we identified for growth – the radio industry – starting to deliver significant business,” CEO Simon Cole said. Continue Reading
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: “Serial” wins a Peabody; Apple Watch launch day — what can you listen to?; new iHeartMedia podcasts; Tidal reaches out to indies; Norway targets FM switch-off. Continue Reading