Test Drive: If you liked them before they sold out, you’ll like Spotify’s Found Them First

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Spotify has a new feature catering to those listeners who are ahead of the trends. It’s called Found Them First, and the tool scours your listening history to see if you were streaming any artists before they hit the big time. The streaming platform defined breakout artists as act that have surpassed 20 million total streams with a growth rate of at least 2,000% between January 2013 and June 2015. Continue Reading →

DGital Media announces partnerships for audio content in fantasy sports

Posted on by Anna Washenko

DGital Media has announced new partnerships to bolster the audio content opportunities for fantasy sports experts and personalities. For those partners that do have audio programs, DGital will assume the responsibility of representing and distributing them. For the ones that do not have audio, DGital will create that original content, then monetize and distribute it. Continue Reading →

Recording Academy launches grassroots support for Fair Pay Fair Play Act

Posted on by Anna Washenko

The U.S. Recording Academy is planning a grassroots initiative to help promote the Fair Pay Fair Play Act. The campaign will see more than 1,600 of the Academy’s members visiting their local representatives and policy-makers on Oct. 14 to voice their support for the legislation. Continue Reading →

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BBC report commits to Internet-only future, plans new music streaming product

Posted on by Anna Washenko

In its latest report, the BBC has outlined its approach to adapting to an increasingly online media landscape. The broadcaster laid out a ten-year plan that aims to equally cater to those people who have gone all-in on digital services and to those who still prefer to use traditional channels. “We will be moving to an Internet-fit BBC, to be ready for an Internet-only world whenever it comes,” the report said. Continue Reading →

Shazam opens up its verified artist program for social sharing

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Shazam announced that it is opening up its verified artist program to any performer or band who wants to participate. The verified artist designation allows that profile to share music discoveries with a fan base. The company has been trialling the verification program for the past two months with about 200 artists. Shazam said that it has an audience of 1.4 billion followers for that first set of verified profiles. Continue Reading →

Nielsen Music reports worst week for downloads, but best for streams

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Nielsen Music’s data for the week ending Aug. 27 was the lowest for digital song sales in seven years. Only 15.66 million songs were sold on digital platforms for the week. The top track for the period, “Locked Away” by R. City, sold only 92,000 downloads. On the other hand, that same week had the highest level of on-demand audio and video streams. Continue Reading →