In the first methodology change after the acquisition of Arbitron, and its rebranding as Nielsen Audio, Nielsen has announced it will include radio online reruns in its ratings, according to Inside Radio and Audio4cast. The decision is an inching movement… Continue Reading
This is the season of wireless speakers. We have written recently about the Samsung Shape, the Bose SoundTouch, and the Sonos Play:1. Each one of these WiFi-enabled speakers can stream a music collection from a computer, and access whatever online… Continue Reading
Standard ads that play music: Startup F# (pronounced F-sharp, after the music note) has launched creative ad technology that puts a streaming music player inside an IAB-standard 300-by-250 ad box. The player is branded by the advertiser, and the music… Continue Reading
Tunecore, one of several intermediaries that provide a gateway to digital distribution for independent musicians, announced on its blog that 330-million dollars has been paid out to musician clients during the company’s seven-year history. Tunecore represents an interesting and significant… Continue Reading
Telefonica, the Spanish telecom company with operations in four continents, has acquired a stake in Rhapsody International, the non-U.S. division of streaming platform Rhapsody, according to Billboard. Napster, owned by Rhapsody, is the primary European brand of the service. Global… Continue Reading
One of the landmark indie pureplays, SomaFM (www.somafm.com) has grown into a streaming empire over 14 years. Founded and operated by Rusty Hodge, the Internet outlet is located in a San Francisco warehouse. The current programming lineup includes 28 hand-curated,… Continue Reading
As Windows 8.1 counts down to lift-off, Microsoft is placing multiple bets during one of the most tumultuous and transitional times in its history. One of those bets is a renovated Xbox Music app, which will be available to all… Continue Reading
In long-ago days, before the Big Bang of Apple’s entrance into the music-hardware business, portable mp3 players were often equipped with FM receivers. In fact, the RAIN editorial office has one of those vintage devices in its museum, right …… Continue Reading
David Byrne (Talking Heads) is getting a lot of media attention for his OpEd in The Guardian, in which he contributes the latest high-profile artist opinion about Spotify, and streaming music generally. Much of the commentary on the column attempts… Continue Reading
Merlin CEO criticizes label deals: In a conversation with Janko Roettgers of GigaOm, Charles Caldas, head of prominent indie-label consortium Merlin, points to a basic aspect of business modeling behind Spotify, iTunes Radio, and other major players. The advance payments… Continue Reading
Pandora’s fledgling concert presentation division, called Pandora Presents, has shot into greater public awareness with the announcement that Celine Dion will perform a Pandora-hosted, Pandora-branded album pre-release concert. The event is scheduled for October 29 in New York. The fact… Continue Reading
Some Boomers will tell you that in the 1960s and early 1970s, everyone identified either with The Beatles or The Rolling Stones — but not both. The two preeminent recording bands of the era anchored opposite poles of a sprawling… Continue Reading