Russell Simmons’ YouTube network All Def Digital gets its top exec

Sanjay Sharma has joined All Def Digital as president and CEO. The YouTube channel, launched by Def Jam’s Russell Simmons, is a resource focused on hip-hop music, comedy, and spoken word artists. From behind-the-scenes videos with new MCs to talk shows with the latest celebrity gossip and news, the channel is positioning itself as a multimedia resource for fans and performers alike. Sharma joins the company after almost five years at Machinima, another multichannel network that produces videos and web shows centered on video games and gamer lifestyle. Continue Reading

2

REVIEW: MixRadio

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

Twitter reportedly considers buying SoundCloud [UPDATE: Deal off]

As the supposed Apple acquisition of Beats Electronics is taking longer than expected, the industry needed a fresh rumor to chew on. Here it is: Twitter might buy SoundCloud. It’s natural that SoundCloud would seek major partnership — and, at the same time, provide a profitable exit for its investors. The acquisition would leverage a couple of intersecting values and needs Continue Reading

2

What thought leaders think of Apple/Beats

The rumor hasn’t been refuted yet, and the entire music-tech world is treating it a fact, soon to be manifested. Apple will (reportedly) acquire Beats Electronics, including Beats Music. RAIN solicited comments from thought leaders, and harvested some of the most provocative perspectives in other media outlets, to create a landscape of opinion and speculation. Continue Reading

1

Pandora Is Now Over 50% SoundExchange’s Royalty Collections; Implications For Webcasting IV

In this guest article, IP attorney Angus MacDonald of the University of California analyzes the recently-released 2013 annual report from SoundExchange, and Pandora’s financial statements, to conclude that Pandora pays over 50% of SoundExchange collections to labels. What does this mean for U.S. regulations in the next royalty period? Continue Reading