This year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show had everything: elaborate sets, spectacular costumes, and singing sharks. Thanks to Spotify, it also has some fun data about the performers. Continue Reading
Germany’s music sector generated revenue of €1.48 billion in 2014, according to the Federal Association of the Music Industry’s year-in-review. That total marked a roughly 1.8% increase from 2013. Continue Reading
In browsing Radionomy sites for some new listening, we couldn’t help pausing at the name “Barock Music.” Is this a pun from someone who considers Bach and his contemporaries rock stars? Or is it simply the unintentional consequence of Google Translate for the French station? Whatever the source of the name, the music selections are worth a listen in their own right. Continue Reading
Spotify has reportedly canceled its plans to expand into Russia. The streaming service had hired former Google exec Alexander Kubaneishvili to lead its push into the region, but he told Russian outlet RBC that the company is no longer pursuing that market. Continue Reading
RAIN’s founding editor Kurt Hanson observes dwindling CD sales, and compares other entertainment costs. Then, a three-step plan for the music industry. Continue Reading
In a mile-marker along the way to a major reinvention of its service, electronic music portal Digitally Imported launched a newly designed interface, with new functions and new programs. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Pandora to livestream Jack White show; Google infographic gives EDM education. Continue Reading
Pandora released a data-filled infographic in honor of receiving 50 billion thumbs. “Thumbs give each listener the power to make Pandora personal to them,” the accompanying blog post said. “Every thumb up and thumb down has not only made your stations better, but helped us make better song choices for every listener.” Continue Reading
Guest contributor Mark Mulligan examines Spotify’s new financing efforts and Jay-Z’s foray into the streaming business. Continue Reading
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THIS WEEK: Podcast listener behavior; Pandora’s growing reach; Apple iTunes earnings; SoundExchange artist payments in 2014, Spotify joins PlayStation; iHeartRadio’s audience milestones. Continue Reading
According to a press release from Aspiro, the owners of WiMP and Tidal, the company has been approached with a bid for a public takeover. The roughly $56 million offer came from Project Panther Bidco, which is indirectly owned by S. Carter Enterprises. That sounds like a fairly routine acquisition, aside from the pertinent detail that S. Carter stands for Shawn Carter, better known as rap icon Jay-Z. Continue Reading
The Wall Street Journal reports that Spotify “has expressed a desire” to raise $500-million in private investment, and is working with Goldman Sachs to achieve it. Meanwhile, in an unrelated analysis, past RAIN Summit keynoter Jason Calacanis predicts that Facebook will acquire Spotify. Continue Reading