Sony boss calls for better songwriter/publisher royalties from streaming

Posted on by RAIN News Staff

Martin Bandier, chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV, has added his voice to the criticism of rates paid to music publishers for streaming. “We at Sony/ATV want these digital music services to be successful because they are a great way for music fans to listen to music and have the potential to generate significant new revenues for everyone,” he said. “However, this success should not come at the expense of songwriters whose songs are essential for these services to exist and thrive.” Continue Reading →

Warner Music’s 2014 financials show streaming growth, but marginalized publishing revenue

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Warner Music Group posted its financial report for the year ending Sept. 30, and the results included some impressive figures related to streaming. The company’s revenue rose 5.2% to $3.02 billion, it’s highest number since 2009. That total was bolstered by an increase of $150 million in revenue from streaming music. Continue Reading →

Social music app Musx raises half a million in seed funding

Posted on by Anna Washenko

An up-and-coming streaming service named Musx announced seed funding of $500,000, according to VentureBeat. It’s an iOS app designed for social sharing of music. Members can post songs from YouTube or SoundCloud. As has become common in these mobile apps, users can create their own playlists. Musx adds a collaborative angle, so friends can build playlists together. Continue Reading →

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SoundCloud looking to raise $150 million at $1.2 billion valuation

Posted on by Anna Washenko

SoundCloud is in discussions to raise new funding to the tune of $150 million at a valuation of more than $1.2 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported. According to two sources familiar with the negotiaions, the music platform is looking to raise money as it works to secure licensing deals with major labels. If SoundCloud successfully secures its high valuation and large funding, then it may be in a better position to play ball with Universal Music Group or Sony Music Entertainment. Continue Reading →

“Programmatic” is ANA’s Marketing Word of the Year

Posted on by Brad Hill

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA), a leadership group that represents 640 companies carrying 10,000 brands and spending 250-billion marketing dollars, declared “Programmatic” its 2014 Word of the Year. The ANA surveyed 349 participating members to choose that term. What is the future of programmatic advertising in audio? Continue Reading →