This masterful write-up summarizes several important announcements which were clustered into a single week. There are three connecting threads: 1. The (continued) astronomic rise of the independent artist; 2. The growth of creator tools; 3. Streaming’s growing pains. A must-read from a global leader in digital audio industry analysis.
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The main story in this week’s newsletter from James Cridland is Spotify’s new “Show” product — a couple of new entries are reviewed. Also, new traditional radio station launches in the UK and Australia. Then, more radio news and links to other sources. One of the meatiest columns in this series. Continue Reading
Due partly to momentum stretching back years, and partly due to changed listening routines during the 2020 pandedmic, YouTube now serves 2-billion music users. This according to Mark Mulligan, head of MIDiA Research in the UK. Click through for metrics, a graph, and links. Continue Reading
by Steve Goldstein
In this guest column, Steve Goldstein discusses spotify’s new feature which allows music into podcasts, via the Anchor service. He recognizes the important (while noting some clunkiness in the end product), and also notes that broadcast radio has spent years decreasing the role of “the passionate musicologist DJ’s of FM radios early days.” Continue Reading
9to5 Mac sorted through Apple WWDC slides and found one revealing that the company’s smart speaker, HomePod, will open up to allow non-Apple streaming music services. Doing so would represent an important strategic change. Continue Reading
A fascinating flow chart of music streaming values that could be developed and captured by streaming services, but aren’t. (China is an exception.)
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Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web. Today’s items include a Google Podcasts AMA, some figures from a Russian streaming service, and more of the latest on how the music industry is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading
Streaming music services could be redefined as data warehouses. What to do with all that info? Well, make money with it, naturally … but also make end-of-year wrap-ups listing platform highlights. Below, some of them. iHeartRadio’s interactive 2019 top artists… Continue Reading
YouTube Music has been expanding its programming to keep pace with the offerings of other on-demand streaming platforms. Its latest additions are three personalized playlists for music discovery. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Canada’s Indigenous artists launch their own streaming brand. New HBO subscription app will include podcasts. Denim jackets get smart. Continue Reading
Sirius XM announced that its programming will be adding support for Google Assistant. The company said its audio content will begin rolling out on Google Nest smart speakers and displays over the next week. Continue Reading
Google has introduced a new tool for transitioning media from one smart device to another. Its stream transfer feature can transition music, videos, and podcasts between compatible devices. Continue Reading