App Wrap: Songza award, Spotify hack, Samsung music decision
Items of interest in the music-app realm: Songza wins an award, Spotify suffers a tiny hack, Samsung will discontinue a music service. Continue Reading
News
Billboard Twitter Real-Time Charts go live today
Billboard and Twitter launched their new real-time, interactive song charts today. It is apt to say these “go live” today, as they are real-time, constantly updating lists fed by the continuous crowdsourced flow of Twitter references. We refreshed the trending 140 list repeatedly, watching songs shift position, moving up and down the list. Continue Reading
Deepening Dispute: YouTube and indie labels still at loggerheads
Last week we reported on the acrimonious negotiations between Google’s YouTube and Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), a consortium of small music labels around the world. The talks, which anticipate a new music-only service from YouTube, have deteriorated — signified by a formal public statement from WIN. Continue Reading
RAIN Hotspots: May 18-24
the five most-read articles of the week. Apple updates is podcast app with Siri, with uneven results … A new study provides interesting analysis of streaming music business drivers … Canada sets royalty rates for non-interactive streaming … Spotify at 10-million subscribers … digital magic from a syndicated radio show. Continue Reading
Public Radio International launches a new showcase for podcasts
Public Radio International announced the launch of SoundWorks from PRI, a curated collection of new podcasts featuring “unique voices focused on the issues that shape both daily life and international trends.” Four programs are included in the inauguration of the website. Continue Reading
Indie-music consortium claims YouTube strong-arming during music service negotiations
A global music trade organization representing independent musicians, reportedly issued (then removed) a public complaint and threat during negotiations with Google about a yet-to-be-launched YouTube music service. The publicity around this outburst further legitimizes rumors that YouTube is setting the stage for a dedicated music service, and also purportedly shines light on Google’s aggressive negotiations. Continue Reading
Facebook introduces music-ID, bites into Shazam/SoundHound’s lunch
Facebook has announced a new feature in upcoming app releases that works by identifying music playing in the user’s location, and including a 30-second clip in Facebook posts. Shazam and SoundHound, market leaders for song recognition, are probably not over the moon about this incursion. Continue Reading
LyricFind locks down exclusive third-party right to license UMPG lyrics
LyricFind, founded in 2004 and the leading database and licensing resource for song lyrics, announced an exclusive business relationship with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). In the deal, LyricFind becomes the exclusive third-party administrator of licenses for UMPG lyrics. Continue Reading
Bloom.FM expires for good as time runs out for new investment
British music service Bloom.FM has failed to lock in new investment, and is unplugging for good. It’s a story we have been following closely, notable for its quick ups and downs, and the incisive commentary of the company CEO. “Legal music needs to be more affordable,” Bloom’s official announcement concluded. Continue Reading
Twitter reportedly considers buying SoundCloud [UPDATE: Deal off]
As the supposed Apple acquisition of Beats Electronics is taking longer than expected, the industry needed a fresh rumor to chew on. Here it is: Twitter might buy SoundCloud. It’s natural that SoundCloud would seek major partnership — and, at the same time, provide a profitable exit for its investors. The acquisition would leverage a couple of intersecting values and needs Continue Reading
Spotify: 10-million subscribers, 40-million active users, 56 countries
It’s not every day (or week, or month, or quarter) that Spotify releases audience metrics. The company saves it up for big milestones. Today the company unleashed an important one: the on-demand music service has 10-million paying subscribers. In a celebratory playlist, there is a hidden message. Continue Reading
Radionomy and dotFM partner in one-stop Internet radio creation
Radionomy, the Internet radio creation platform, has linked up with BRS Media, the official dot-FM and dot-AM domain registrar, to make acquiring a domain and starting an Internet station a one-stop process. The distribution aspect of this agreement benefits both companies, while streamlining things for users. Continue Reading