We’ve seen several staunch holdouts against streaming relax their stances this year as the distribution path becomes more lucrative. Bob Seger is the latest to reverse course. Twelve albums from Seger’s catalog have been added to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeartMedia, Slacker, and Napster. Continue Reading
Social video app Musical.ly is now creating original shows. The platform emphasizes user creativity, and has become a hub for lip syncing and other fan music videos. The planned episodes will run just two to four minutes and will feature content from NBC, MTV, and Hearst. Original content has become a core marketing promise for companies across the entertainment and media landscapes. Continue Reading
Spotify has inked a deal to further its interests in concerts and ticketing. The streaming company entered a global partnership with AXS and Eventbrite that will see both ticketing companies making personalized concert recommendations to Spotify listeners. Continue Reading
BMI announced two promotions within its upper ranks, effective immediately. Alison Smith and Mike Steinberg have both been elevated from SVP to EVP positions in their respective departments. Continue Reading
Primephonic is the latest streaming service to try tackling the classical music genre. It offers CD-quality streams available by subscription on both desktop and mobile platforms. Primephonic is launching in the UK and the U.S. Interested listeners can sign up for a 30-day free trial. The regular subscription will cost $14.99. Continue Reading
Guest columnist Larry Rosin announces a new research project: The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research, which will debut at the RAIN Podcast Business Summit next week, June 21 at the AXA Auditorium in Manhattan. The half-day 9am-1pm event will feature Edison Research VP Tom Webster presenting never-before-seen survey data and video. Continue Reading
Deezer has introduced its Family subscription option to the United States. The Deezer Family shared music plan grants Premium+ plan access to up to six people for $14.99 a month. The Family feature first debuted in France, where Deezer is headquartered, in November 2015. Continue Reading
It’s a big news day for Spotify, with 2016 financials and subscriber numbers to sort through from the streaming service. According to its filing, annual revenue for the company totaled €2.93 billion ($3.3 billion), up 52% from the year prior. Spotify’s annual net loss grew 133% to €539.2 million ($597 million). Continue Reading
On the heels of Apple’s announcement that it will launch podcast listening analytics this year, RAIN is producing the inaugural Podcast Business Summit next week, June 21 at the AXA Auditorium in midtown Manhattan. Over 300 registrants from over 140 companies have claimed seats at the groundbreaking event. Tickets are available. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Believe Digital for sale? A2IM launches celebration of indies. Stand-up comedy app tries niche audience. Continue Reading
Last week, Spotify introduced an initiative called Secret Genius designed to shine a spotlight on the importance of songwriters and producers in an artist’s success. This venture will include awards, songwriting camps, curated playlists, and podcasts. Continue Reading
ASCAP announced that it has entered a multi-year U.S. performance rights deal with YouTube. This arrangement is designed to help members of the performing rights organization to get paid for use of their work on the video platform. Continue Reading