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REVIEW: MixRadio

Posted on by Brad Hill

by Brad Hill

Microsoft-owned Nokia’s music service, MixRadio, is slated to be spun out as a stand-alone listening platform. It’s big news — separating from that ecosystem will put MixRadio on the same playing field as Pandora, iTunes Radio, and other Internet radio brands. In light of the news, this is a timely moment to assess MixRadio and its potential to stand out in the crowd. How does it shape up? We tested the premium service offered by MixRadio on a Windows 8.1 computer with touch screen, and a Windows 8.1 tablet. Basics? Well-covered (mostly). Highlights? Occasional. Continue Reading →

Nokia’s MixRadio to spin off as independent entity following Microsoft cuts

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Microsoft sent the tech world into a tizzy yesterday with the announcement that it will cut 18,000 jobs. A large portion of those jobs will be removed from Nokia, which it acquired in April. That cut includes plans to spin off Nokia’s MixRadio service into a standalone company. MixRadio will need to offer something distinct and valuable for listeners to encourage them to test it out, much less stay around. Continue Reading →

Can apps bridge streaming and album sales? Paul McCartney is the latest to test the space

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Record sales are a troubling metric for many artists in this increasingly digital world. One approach that’s gaining some traction among musicians is to release albums not just in physical formats or on music-purchasing sites, but as apps for mobile devices. Sir Paul McCartney is the latest to try his hand at the app approach. Continue Reading →

TuneCore paid $33-million to artists in Q2; we spoke with CEO Scott Ackerman

Posted on by Brad Hill

TuneCore, a leading digital agency that helps musicians distribute their recorded work to digital outlets, announced that its second-quarter revenue distribution totaled over $33-million dollars, an 18% increase over the same period last year. RAIN spoke to Scott Ackerman, TuneCore CEO, to dig deeper into the growth trend, particularly on the music-streaming side. Continue Reading →

Pureplay of the Day (Johnny Winter edition): Rock Radio 1

Posted on by Brad Hill

After hearing sad news of Johnny Winter’s death, we used Michael Robertson’s Radio Search Engine, and the artist-search feature in RadioTuna, to find poureplay stations pivoting quickly on the news with memorial programming. We found Rock Radio 1 placing Johnny Winter blocks into its stream of metal and blues-rock, surrounded by tribute songs by other bands. Continue Reading →

Sony puts entire catalog online, positioning for licensing independence

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Sony/ATV/EMI announced that its complete catalog of songs is now visible on its website. “As the world’s leading music publisher we want to ensure that existing users, prospective licensees and those with a need to access our extensive song list are provided with that capability,” said Martin Bandier, the company’s chairman. Continue Reading →

Potluck Dinners, Knees, and Targeted Ads

Posted on by Jennifer Lane

by Jennifer Lane

At a recent neighborhood potluck someone asked me about my business. As usual, once I started talking about online audio, everyone at the table identified with Pandora. After a discussion of the types of stations they like to listen to on Pandora, one person mentioned the problem they’ve been having of hearing the same two ads over and over whenever they listen. Continue Reading →