Artificial intelligence (AI) and fast internet connectivity, both critical ingredients for smartphones, smart home devices and smart speakers, will drive the U.S. consumer technology industry to a record-breaking $398 billion in retail revenues in 2019. That’s $301 billion wholesale and 3.9% year-over-year (YOY) growth, which includes streaming services revenue, according…
Author archives: Bruce Houghton
Queen Spotify Streams Surge 333%, 70% From Under Age 35
The hit film "Bohemian Rhapsody" has reignited interest in Queen, but not just among original fans, according to new stats from Spotify. Att last night’s Golden Globe Awards. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the surprise winner for Best Drama and and Rami Malek won best actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury….
Taylor Swift’s "The Swift Life" Artist App To Shutter
Taylor Swift’s "The Swift Life" gamified artist app developed in partnership with games maker Glu Mobile, announced that it would shut down effective February 1st. Glus is also responsible for “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood,” “Britney Spears: American Dream,” “Katy Perry Pop” and “Nicki Minaj: The Empire.” Apps by musician’s have struggled…
R. Kelly Streams Jump After Damning Documentary Airs
R. Kelly streams increased significantly after the airing of a Lifetime docu-series that included interviews with victims and former friends Johnny Legend and Wendy Williams chronicling his alleged history of sexual abuse, including of underage girls. A rep for Spotify told The Blast that the “Ignition” singer’s streams were up…
Jury To Decide Ed Sheeran, Marvin Gaye Infringement Case
US district judge Louis Stanton has ruled that a jury will decide the outcome of a plagiarism lawsuit against Ed Sheeran over his No. 1 single “Thinking Out Loud.” The lawsuit, which alleges that Sheeran copied portions of Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit “Let’s Get It On,” was launched against the…
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1.7.19
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Music Scores Big Wins At Golden Globes 2019
Music related films scored big wins at last night’s 76th Golden Globe Awards. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the surprise winner for Best Drama and "Green Book" the winner of Best Film Comedy/Musical. Rami Malek best actor for “Bohemian Rhapsody" and Glenn Close won best actress for “The Wife. ”Lady Gaga won…
2018 On-Demand Music Streams +42%, Paid Streams +50% In Q4 [BuzzAngle Music]
[UPDATED] On-demand audio streams set a record high of 534.6 billion in the US in 2018, up 42% over the previous year, according to the BuzzAngle Music Industry Year End Report. But the best news for artists and labels came thanks to 50% growth in streams by paid subscribers. Those…
YouTube’s Streaming Domination Clips the Market’s Wings [Mark Mulligan]
For all the media attention given to Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube is still the world’s most popular music streaming service. But its unique licensing position and massive free offering often has a negative effect on the entire music streaming market. _________________________________ By Mark Mulligan of MIDiA and the Music…
Naxos Acquires Indie Label ARC Music
After 42 years as an independent World Music label, ARC Music Productions International is now part of Naxos Music Group, following its acquisition by Naxos Rights Europe. Under the terms of the new agreement, Naxos Music Group, which has been distributing the ARC label digitally worldwide and physically in several…