TuneCore has been developing the feature set it makes available to artists, and the company laid out its plans for further improving artist exposure with live shows and special events. Its 2015 plans include a web series called Convenience Store Sessions and a SXSW showcase. Continue Reading
Qtrax is aiming for a relaunch some time in 2015 as an ad-supported streaming service that will stop piracy and better compensate artists. CEO Allan Klepfisz talked a big game in an interview with The Telegraph, calling those goals “two paradigm shifts.” But the news of Qtrax’s resurgence has been met by the music press with mostly skepticism. Continue Reading
SoundExchange announced two new additions to its executive ranks. Mark Eisenberg will serve as senior vice president of strategic initiatives, while Jacqueline Peterson will take on the job of senior vice president of communications. Continue Reading
Google appears to be preparing a new YouTube feature called YouTube Radio. The description matches an existing YouTube Music experience called YouTube Mix. The new feature might be a subtle tweak, or a key new YouTube experience. Continue Reading
Quick news items and worthy reads from around the web:
Mark Mulligan on Rhapsody
iBiquity on HD Radio potential Continue Reading
In the latest study by MIDiA Research, released to its subscribers, new data define high-value music consumers in streaming services, leading to a proposal of future services that for fully monetize music’s best fans. Continue Reading
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THIS WEEK: Pandora makes direct licensing deal with Naxos; new survey of ad agencies and streaming audio; streaming now in UK albums chart; Nielsen launches online radio measurement; Rhapsody updates audience metrics; research report on mobile music; TeamRock Radio goes underground — literally. Continue Reading
Spreaker, a podcast creation and listening platform, is supporting World Radio Day and throwing a spalsh of promotion on its service by offering free “On-Air Talent” accounts for a trial month. “Radio is currently in the throes of great transformation, and it’s being reinvented by young people.” Continue Reading
Australian owners of Samsung Galaxy mobile devices will now have access to the tech company’s Milk Music streaming service. The free, Slacker-powered app has about 150 radio stations and includes options for personalizing the listening experience. Continue Reading
Finland’s recorded music market followed the global trend in 2014, with an overall decline partially offset by gains in streaming revenue, according to data from IFPI. The total industry income for the year was €35.9 million, down 14% from 2013. It was the first year where digital properties edged out physical formats, accounting for 51% of the year’s revenue. Money from all streaming services rose 38% from the previous year to €16 million. Continue Reading
The Official Albums Chart in the UK announced that the beginning in March, it will incorporate data from streaming services into its calculations. The equation it will use for determining rankings is designed to reflect the success of a whole album rather than seeing boosts due to a couple popular singles. The unique formula will downweigh the top two singles from an album to the average of the rest of the top 12 most-streamed tracks. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads around the Internet: Warner Music Group releases 2014 financials; a Pono Music review calls Neil Young’s service “a tall, refreshing drink of snake oil.” Continue Reading