Billboard conducted an anonymous survey of music industry leaders, gathering expert opinions on everything from the sector’s business outlook to favorite artists. The business questions also revealed intriguing insights, including a view of which music companies are the industry darlings and which are not. Continue Reading
Yesterday we reported on research published by MusicWatch that found Apple Music was facing an uphill battle in retaining its audience. Apple has interjected into that conversation, issuing a statement to The Verge claiming that 79% of the people who signed for Apple Music still use it. Continue Reading
Apple has rebranded its iTunes Music Festival to the Apple Music Festival, pivoting the London event to focus on its recently launched streaming service. Outside of renaming the event, Apple also announced that it will have extensive tie-ins with the new streaming platform. The festival shows will be streamed live and on demand in Apple Music. Continue Reading
Apple has filed a patent application for a concept of gifting “digital mixed tapes” that could be a future addition to its music department. The application suggests a system for creating customized complication albums and then gifting them to another person. These albums could include some unique features, such as revealing a track’s title only as it is played or limiting the ability to fast forward. The patent also suggests options for incorporating multimedia content to the audio experience. Continue Reading
Apple hosted a conference call to discuss its quarterly earnings this week, and the talk briefly touched on Apple Music. The tech company’s top brass didn’t reveal many hard numbers about the streaming platform’s first weeks. CEO Tim Cook said that “millions and millions” of consumers are enrolled in free trials and added that Apple is “thrilled about the response” to the service. Continue Reading
The headline isn’t breaking news, but a new research report by Clammr quantifies a couple of realities of the podcast industry. Apple’s apps drive a majority of mobile (and probably all) podcast listening. Continue Reading
Last week we reported (with some commentary) on Spotify’s email to iOS subscribers, which recommended unsubscribing from the music service in iTunes, and re-subscribing directly through Spotify. Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly examining Apple’s policy. Continue Reading
Spotify has sent an email to Apple iOS subscribers, suggesting they cancel their Spotify Premium accounts, if those subscriptions were purchased through the Spotify app, and re-subscribe on Spotify’s website. There is an implied blame of Apple in Spotify’s communication that could be misplaced. We suggest a different approach. Continue Reading
Multiple major independent groups have voiced support for Apple Music following the tech company’s choice to pay royalties during the free trial period of its upcoming streaming service, with many signing contracts that reflect that new policy. WIN, Beggars Group, Merlin, and IMPALA are all joining the bandwagon. Continue Reading
by Brad Hill
Yesterday Google announced it was introducing a free-listening, Internet radio-style component to its Google Play service. The announceement was widely viewed as counter-Apple positioning. But Apple has freemium too. Both companies, the owners of mobile computing, are playing the same game with the same pieces. Continue Reading
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Apple announces its new music service; Spotify hits back with growth story; 8tracks also on the move; Triton’s Webcast Metrics Continue Reading
Attorneys from Universal Music Group have responded to an investigation that the label colluded with other leading music companies to push out free, ad-supported tiers from streaming services. In a letter responding to a subpoena, UMG denied having any agreements with Sony Music, Warner Music Group, or Apple to “impede the availability of third-party free or ad-supported music streaming services.” Continue Reading