SoundCloud introduced a new program designed to highlight up-and-coming artists who launch their careers on the audio platform. First On SoundCloud will promote performers with a blend of new music, video, and photo. The inaugural ten artists for the program have been chosen, but anyone can possibly be picked in the future. Continue Reading
Muso has released its Global Piracy Report for 2017, and it shows a mixed bag for the state of fighting illegal access to music. It was the second-largest piracy segment behind television. Music piracy specifically increased 14.7% from 2016, with 73.9 billion visits worldwide to music piracy websites. Continue Reading
YouTube is aware of how many people use its video service as a free way to stream music. According to Lyor Cohen, then company is going to try to counter that trend with a deluge of ads. This is part of an effort to promote YouTube’s new upcoming music subscription product. Continue Reading
Apple’s music mogul Jimmy Ioving is back in headline. Sources reportedly familiar with the exec’s plans told The Wall Street Journal (paywall) that he will transition into a consulting role in August. At that time, they said he will be less involved with the day-to-day operation of the Apple Music streaming platform. Continue Reading
8tracks has announced a new integration with Spotify. In the latest version of the 8tracks iOS app, listeners’ favorited tracks can be automatically saved to a dedicated Spotify playlist. With this “8tracks Discoveries” playlist, people can revisit their finds on-demand. Continue Reading
Pandora has announced its acquisition of AdsWizz, as the largest music streaming service in the U.S. is set to take over a key digital audio ad-tech company. Continue Reading
In a major addition to its growing portfolio of hosted clients, podcast tech company ART19 has announced that over 100 NBC-owned podcasts are moving to its platform. Specific networks include NBC Sports, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, Oxygen and SYFY. Continue Reading
Songwriters and composers in the UK are making a push for music publishers to include them in their recent licensing negotiations. Ahead of Spotify’s direct listening date, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors is calling on publishers to commit to sharing proceeds from their sales of stock in the streaming music company. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio announced a new deal focused on its app for children’s audio. iHeartRadio Family is the exclusive music partner for Kidomi, an interactive and educational app from Fingerprint. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired Tom Connaughton as its head of artist and label marketing for the UK. Connaughton previously worked at Vevo, most recently as the video company’s senior vice president of creative content and programming. Continue Reading
The latest Nielsen Podcast Insights report examines how podcast advertising impacts listener purchases and spending habits. First, it highlighted strong growth in the “avid podcast fan” audience, defined as households with the highest scores for their expressed interest in various podcast genres. Continue Reading
Podtrac has published its February 2018 ranking for podcast publishers. At the top of the chart, nothing has changed from the previous month. In the lower half of the ranking, order of the publishers has been rearranged and one new company made its debut. Continue Reading