Apple Music has launched a web player in public beta. It is available to all users worldwide and marks the first time that the music streamer has been officially available on the web. Hundreds of thousands of Apple Music users have flocked to unofficial web players. The new Apple Music…
Author archives: Bruce Houghton
Billboard Parent Valence To Acquire Nielsen, Soundscan [REPORT]
Valence Media, the parent company of Billboard and Hollywood Reporter is acquiring Nielsen’s music-related data, software and analytics business, according to multiple reports. Nielsen Soundscan provides the data that power’s Billboard’s iconic music charts. The deal is expected to close later this year at a price in the eight-figure range,…
FRI. BRIEF: RIAA Mid-Year Report • FCC Payola Probe • Alibaba Invest $700M In NeatEase Music • More
FRIDAY 9.6.19
Music Business News From Around The Web
Updated continuously under the More News tab
How To Get Your Share Of $10 Million Lowery v. Rhapsody and Napster Settlement
Artist advocate and musician David Lowery of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker helped lead a class action lawsuit against Rhapsody International (aka Napster). The case, which alleged that the streamer had unlawfully reproduced and distributed certain copyrighted compositions, has preliminarily settled, and indie musicians may be entitled to compensation. Instructions…
BUSINESS OF INDIE: Major Label Kool-Aid • R.I.P. Keith Case • AIM Awards Winners • More
In this new edition of the Business Of Indie, two top indie execs caution against drinking the major label Kool-Aid, Nashville agent Keith Case passes, the UK’s Association Of Independent Music announces its 2019 winners and much more. Like Hypebot’s More News section, The Business Of Indie is nestled under…
$45 Tool CD Gives Indie Record Stores Unexpected Boost
A funny thing happened last week with the new Tool album" says Coalition Independent Music Stores (CIMS) executive director Michael Bunnell, "indie retail had an old-school moment." "Several stores had well-attended midnight sales on Thursday (it was my store’s first midnight sale in 10 years)," continues Bunnel. "When we returned…
Why Are Vinyl Records So Expensive?
Vinyl records have become a fan favorite as well as a significant income stream for many artists. But vinyl records are expensive and can take many weeks to produce. Discmakers CEO Tony Van Veen explains why in this short video.
Switzerland Is 2nd Country To Offically Kill FM Radio
Switzerland is the latest country plotting the official end of FM broadcasting. According to the studies by Swiss regulator OFCOM, by the end of June 2019 only 17% of Swiss were listening to FM radio exclusively anyway. FM radio licenses set to expire this year will be extended through the…
QUICK HITS: BMG • Parlaphone • PJ Loughran • Marathon Music • ALIBI • Emporium
BMG has promoted label veteran Andreas Katsambas to the newly created role of EVP, Latin America, and Canada as part of international expansion. Currently, 50% of BMG’s revenues come from the US, but the company is looking further afield as overseas markets become increasingly important in the era of digital…
THU. BRIEF: Spotify, FB, IG, BMG Go Latin • Sony Acquires Kontraband • Apple Music Adds Original EPs • More
THURSDAY 9.5.19
Music Business News From Around The Web
Updated continuously under the More News tab