Spotify announced today that it is ending its beta test of direct distribution for independent artists. The streaming service conducted a trial for nearly a year, which allowed indies to upload their music directly to Spotify rather than relying on a third-party service. Continue Reading
Digital music distributor DistroKid has entered a deal aimed at curbing unauthorized streaming. DistroKid signed an agreement with Audible Magic and will use its new partner’s RightsRxTM solution to check the authenticity of all uploads by its artists. DistroKid is furthering its internal tools for stopping piracy. Continue Reading
Lemonade, the 2016 album by Beyoncé that has already attained the status of a modern classic, has launched on all streaming services. The record was notable for its very limited availability: Lemonade was available for digital purchase but could only be streamed on Tidal and that platform had the exclusive streaming rights to the album “in perpetuity.” Continue Reading
SoundCloud has introduced a distribution tool. SoundCloud Premier distribution allows creators to have their uploads sent to other music and digital services, opening up new audiences and new revenue streams for the performers. Continue Reading
Rumblefish and 7digital have broadened their existing relationship. Rights administration service Rumblefish is a division of the Harry Fox Agency. Under the new deal with B2B music specialist 7digital, Rumblefish will leverage its rights management solution to speed the launch of services and streamline administration for music distribution models powered by 7digital. Continue Reading
Spotify has released three updates this week, each touching on a different area of the streaming service’s offerings. First, it introduced a Car View. Second, Spotify may be expanding its integration with dating app Tinder. Finally, Spotify has been making adjustments to its language about distributors. Continue Reading
Spotify recently opened up a beta test where select indie artists could upload their songs directly to the streaming service. Now, the company announced that it is expanding that offering through an integration with DistroKid. Continue Reading
Apple Music has landed an exclusive deal with Ministry of Sound. Under the terms of the deal, the dance music specialist will only make its curated playlists available on the Apple streaming service beginning October 4. The agreement reflects a shift in how both labels and streaming services are approaching exclusive content. Continue Reading
Spotify is best testing a new process that will allow independent artists to upload their music directly to the streaming platform. The feature is being offered to a small group of performers through the Spotify For Artists management dashboard. Continue Reading
Tidal is a perpetually up and down story. The platform ended 2017 with an upswing, as owner and hip-hop legend Jay-Z released a massive new music video for his 4:44 album exclusively on the platform. The opulently shot eight-minute music video is directed by Ava DuVernay and stars what seems like half of Hollywood’s A-list. Continue Reading
Taylor Swift’s latest album has landed on all streaming services. The pop singer kept Reputation off streaming services for three weeks after its November 10 release date. At launch, the album was only available by digital download or as a physical copy. Continue Reading
Taylor Swift made major waves in the music world in 2014 when she pulled her entire catalog off Spotify and other streaming services with free listening. Now the pop icon is at it again, with a plan to withhold her upcoming album Reputation from streaming services for at least a week after it releases on November 10. Continue Reading