As we reported yesterday, Spotify’s launch in India has been delayed because the streamer has been unable to close deals with at least two of the major label groups. Now we may have a hint as to why Universal and Sony have not yet signed on. The status of a…
Author archives: Bruce Houghton
Sony Music Powered Sony Corp To Record Q3, But Don’t Expect That To Happen In Q4
UPDATED: Global entertainment and electronics giant Sony reported a record $3.78B net profit in Q3. Sony’s film division grew and gaming struggled. The real star driving profits was music, but here were warning signs that Sony Music Entertainment is struggling, even as the overall music sector is soaring. Operating profits…
FRI. BRIEF: Sony Music Profits Surge • Napster Plots Future • Zane Lowe To Keynote Music Biz • More
FRIDAY 2.1.19
Music Business News From Around The Web
Updated continuously under the More News tab
Spotify India Launch Delayed To March, Majors Yet To Sign
Spotify’s launch in India was unofficially scheduled for January 31st, with one source reporting that a Mumbai’s Famous Studios had already been booked for a launch party tonight. Now sources within India are reporting that the launch has been delayed until March. The current delay is reportedly because Spotify has…
With Spotify Canvas, Artists Add Moving Visuals To Tracks
Spotify is beta testing Canvas, a new feature which allows artists and labels to add a fullscreen, 3-8 second moving visual to tracks. It replaces cover art and will loop in the Now Playing view of the Spotify app. "Right now, we’re testing this feature with a small, diverse group…
THE PITCH: FeedFM – Music For Fitness and Wellness
In response to a new wave of interesting music tech startups, we’re bringing back THE PITCH, a semi-regular feature that allows promising apps and services to share a very short "pitch" about why we should all be paying attention. First up is music + fitness app Feed.FM. ________________________________________ Feed.fm adds…
Apple Music Streams Free On American Airlines Flights
Apple Music subscribers will have access to tho there steaming accounts on any domestic American Airlines flight equipped with Viasat satellite Wi-Fi with no Wi-Fi purchase required., starting Friday. AA is the first airline to provide exclusive access to Apple Music through complimentary inflight Wi-Fi. “For most travelers, having music…
SiriusXM Reports Record Revenue, 34 Million Subscribers
SiriusXM reported record earnings for both Q4 and for the full year of 2018, with revenue of $1.5 billion and $5.8 billion respectively. The satellite broadcaster added a net of 346,000 subscribers in Q4, ending it with 34 million plus. The company’s fourth-quarter results were similarly solid, with net income…
THU. BRIEF: Labels Appeal Stream Ripping Loss • Apple Music, American Airlines Partner • Sonos + YouTube Music • More
THURSDAY 1.31.19
Music Business News From Around The Web
Updated continuously under the More News tab
R. Kelly Is Shopping New Album, But Who Will Release It?
R. Kelly is looking for a home for a new finished album, according to multiple sources. The controversial rapper was dropped by longtime label RCA/Sony recently, after multiple accounts of sexual abuse, including with minors. But who would risk the wrath of the #MuteRKelly movement and actually sign him? Opinions…