While reviewing the recently launched Chive Podcast podcast, we noticed an execeptional native ad performance for MeUndies, a lifestyle brand that mainly sells high-end underwear. The campaign keeps the hip tone of MeUndies marketing in general, while avoiding NSFW controversies that have characterized (and sometimes benefitted) MeUndies marketing in the past. Click to listen. Continue Reading
Qtrax is aiming for a relaunch some time in 2015 as an ad-supported streaming service that will stop piracy and better compensate artists. CEO Allan Klepfisz talked a big game in an interview with The Telegraph, calling those goals “two paradigm shifts.” But the news of Qtrax’s resurgence has been met by the music press with mostly skepticism. Continue Reading
Attention startups in the streaming audio space — game on! Eight days left to submit your early-stage company for possible inclusion in an influential panel opportunity at RAIN Summit West.
RAIN Summits announces the “Streaming Audio’s Startup Economy” discussion panel at RAIN Summit West, April 12 in Las Vegas. Continue Reading
Yahoo-owned Tumblr, one of the biggest content sites in the world, is experiencing a furor among its bloggers who post music. Several tumblr blogs have reportedly been switched off for copyright-infringing music posts. A newly-installed download button on Tumblr is part of the controversy. Continue Reading
SoundExchange announced two new additions to its executive ranks. Mark Eisenberg will serve as senior vice president of strategic initiatives, while Jacqueline Peterson will take on the job of senior vice president of communications. Continue Reading
Dozens of Swedish songwriters signed an OpEd in Aftonbladet, a leading Swedish newspaper, complaining of low royalty payouts from streaming services compared to royalties collected by record labels, and predicted an imploding industry if a different balance is not created. Spotify is a target, but record labels get more heat. Continue Reading
Google appears to be preparing a new YouTube feature called YouTube Radio. The description matches an existing YouTube Music experience called YouTube Mix. The new feature might be a subtle tweak, or a key new YouTube experience. Continue Reading
Quick news items and worthy reads from around the web:
Mark Mulligan on Rhapsody
iBiquity on HD Radio potential Continue Reading
A lawsuit brought by VerStandig Broadcasting in Virginia last May, which sought to limit music royalty payments for its webcasts, has been ejected in a pre-trial dismissal by a federal judge. Judge Michael Urbanski reportedly dismissed the case as too “speculative” and “hypothetical” for trial. Continue Reading
Zane Lowe, well known in Britain and around the world for his weeknight music-discovery radio show on the BBC, has taken a position at Apple in Cupertino. When a popular DJ quits his show and moves to one of the world’s leading technology companies, the news can be framed within the human-vs-machine argument which divides streaming music curation Continue Reading
In honor of tomorrow’s holiday of hearts and roses, Spotify has given us the most romantic gift of all: data. The company analyzed the songs appearing on the millions of playlists on its platform that center on “Valentine’s,” “love,” and “sex” and shared the top tunes for each. Continue Reading
In the latest study by MIDiA Research, released to its subscribers, new data define high-value music consumers in streaming services, leading to a proposal of future services that for fully monetize music’s best fans. Continue Reading