BMI announces two EVP promotions
BMI announced two promotions within its upper ranks, effective immediately. Alison Smith and Mike Steinberg have both been elevated from SVP to EVP positions in their respective departments. Continue Reading
Another classical streaming contender emerges in Primephonic
Primephonic is the latest streaming service to try tackling the classical music genre. It offers CD-quality streams available by subscription on both desktop and mobile platforms. Primephonic is launching in the UK and the U.S. Interested listeners can sign up for a 30-day free trial. The regular subscription will cost $14.99. Continue Reading
Larry Rosin: Rise of Smart Audio
by Larry Rosin
Guest columnist Larry Rosin announces a new research project: The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research, which will debut at the RAIN Podcast Business Summit next week, June 21 at the AXA Auditorium in Manhattan. The half-day 9am-1pm event will feature Edison Research VP Tom Webster presenting never-before-seen survey data and video. Continue Reading
Deezer brings family plan to the United States
Deezer has introduced its Family subscription option to the United States. The Deezer Family shared music plan grants Premium+ plan access to up to six people for $14.99 a month. The Family feature first debuted in France, where Deezer is headquartered, in November 2015. Continue Reading
Spotify updates: Revenue growth, widening net loss, and 140 million listeners
It’s a big news day for Spotify, with 2016 financials and subscriber numbers to sort through from the streaming service. According to its filing, annual revenue for the company totaled €2.93 billion ($3.3 billion), up 52% from the year prior. Spotify’s annual net loss grew 133% to €539.2 million ($597 million). Continue Reading
With podcasting poised for new era, RAIN inaugurates the Podcast Business Summit
On the heels of Apple’s announcement that it will launch podcast listening analytics this year, RAIN is producing the inaugural Podcast Business Summit next week, June 21 at the AXA Auditorium in midtown Manhattan. Over 300 registrants from over 140 companies have claimed seats at the groundbreaking event. Tickets are available. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Believe Digital sale rumors; A2IM indie celebration, stand-up comedy app
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Believe Digital for sale? A2IM launches celebration of indies. Stand-up comedy app tries niche audience. Continue Reading
Spotify launches songwriter spotlight program, still avoiding exclusives
Last week, Spotify introduced an initiative called Secret Genius designed to shine a spotlight on the importance of songwriters and producers in an artist’s success. This venture will include awards, songwriting camps, curated playlists, and podcasts. Continue Reading
ASCAP, YouTube ink new performance rights deal
ASCAP announced that it has entered a multi-year U.S. performance rights deal with YouTube. This arrangement is designed to help members of the performing rights organization to get paid for use of their work on the video platform. Continue Reading
Canada’s SOCAN doubled streaming revenue in 2016
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) announced that it collected C$330 million ($249.3 million) in 2016 total revenues. Streaming revenue skyrocketed up 118% over the previous year. Continue Reading
Pandora adds Auto-Play option on mobile
Underneath the flurry of business activity surrounding Pandora, the audio company has announced a new feature. Auto-Play is a new option only available for listeners on its Premium tier. This new capability lets subscribers switch between the new on-demand approach ann lean-back listening. Continue Reading
New company offers programmatic buying for voice-activated ads
Digital voice-activated advertising platform Instreamatic.ai announced its formal launch this week. The service now offers programmatic buying for voice-activated ads that would run on smart home speaker systems and related technology. The technology seems designed around the types of interactions smart speaker owners would have. Continue Reading