Revelator, a B2B music tech startup, has raised $2.5 million. The company is the latest to try pushing into the field of digital distribution, sales, licensing, and analytics. This round will support its efforts in global expansion. Continue Reading
Time is ticking down for Guvera. The Australia-based streaming service is on a deadline to pay its creditors almost $1 million by Wednesday. Continue Reading
Sonos announced that it is adding some third-party app integrations to its wireless speaker products. Most intriguingly, one of the first partnerships for app support is with Amazon. People who have both Sonos speakers and one of Amazon’s Alexa-enabled devices – the Echo or Echo Dot – can now use the Amazon voice-controlled product to operate their Sonos system. Continue Reading
Forbes and PodcastOne have announced a partnership to create a “Forbes on PodcastOne” network of on-demand audio. In what appears to be a deep creative business relationship, the two companies will collaborate on production, distribution, promotion, marketing, and advertising sales. Continue Reading
Spotify may finally be relaxing its hard line against windowing. The New York Post is reporting that Spotify might reverse the long-held stance that its entire catalog should be available to both free and paid listeners all the time. Continue Reading
New York-based DGital Media announced that it will relaunch The Tony Kornheiser Show as a podcast, in partnership with management and production company IMG. The launch brings one of the country’s best known and most respected sports personalities back into daily circulation in an online-only format. Continue Reading
Exclusive album releases have become one of the most interesting and controversial tactics that musicians and labels use to drive income and sales. While the music industry tries to maximize revenue, and participating music services hope to attract and retain subscribers, music-lovers who have shifted their consumption to on-demand streaming are left out. What is your response to music exclusives? Take the quick RAIN Poll. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Rock’s tough relationship with tech; podcasts exploring the branded space; an interview with Emmis CEO Smulyan. Continue Reading
Vevo has entered into a deal with MTV, and as a result, it is hosting clips of performances from the Video Music Awards event held last night. The arrangement includes performances by Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, The Chainsmokers, and Britney Spears. Continue Reading
The Japanese music industry posted increased digital revenue in the first half of 2016. According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, digital revenue for the first six months totaled $255 million. Physical formats remain a strong factor in Japan’s market. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Insights into the inner workings of the iTunes podcast chart. Responses to BBC licences and ‘snooping’. Much more from around the world. Continue Reading
It seems that each week kicks off with some new development in exclusive releases. The distribution approach has strong advocates and critics, and today’s news demonstrates just how controversial the path has quickly become for the music industry. Continue Reading