Author archives: Bruce Houghton

What Will Taylor Do? Big Machine To Release Vinyl Singles

Despite a very public feud with Taylor Swift, her former label, the just acquired by Scooter Braun Big Machine Records, is wasting no time cashing in on her catalog with the release of five songs from her 2006 self-titled debut album on limited-edition vinyl. In celebration of the LP’s 13th…

Amazon Music Unlimited Subscriptions Surge 70%, Faster Than Spotify Or Apple Music

Subscriptions to Amazon Music Unlimited grew an impressive 70% last year, according to a new report. Amazon Music and Amazon Music Unlimited had more than 32 million subscribers combined as of the end of April, according to the Financial Times. By comparison, Spotify has 100 million paid subscribers and 26%…

Billboard, Bandsintown Partner To Grow Artist and Concert Discovery Across Their Massive Music Platforms

Billboard and Bandsintown have announced a multifaceted partnership designed to drive music discovery, fan engagement and sell more tickets. The collaboration launches with the addition of Bandsintown’s comprehensive global tour date listings across Billboard and its portfolio of music sites which include Spin, Vibe, and Stereogum. Billboard and its sites…

FRI. BRIEF: Amazon Music Grows 70% • Billboard, Bandsintown Partner • Int’l Dominates YouTube • ROCCR • More

FRIDAY 7.12.19
Music Business News From Around The Web
Updated continuously under the More News tab

Revenue For Unsigned Artists Grew 35% Last Year

A new study from MIDiA Research and indie distributor Amuse shows that independent artists are the fastest-growing segment of the global recorded music business, the beginning of what may be the biggest paradigm shift within the music business in decades. The survey of 250 musicians globally offers a snapshot of…

Jay-Z Named Chief Cannabis Brand Strategist At Caliva

California cannabis company Caliva announced this week that billionaire rapper and business mogul Jay-Z has joined its team as chief brand strategist. According to the announcement, the rapper will be tasked with making creative decisions, outreach efforts and strategy for the brand. He will also focus on improving social justice…

YouTube (Finally) Blocks Major Streaming Ripping Sites

YouTube is blocking major stream ripping sites, according to multiple reports. It’s an action that musicians and rightsholders have long advocated for. The major trippers effected include YouTubeMP3, Onlinevideoconverter.com and Mp3-youtube.download. Thus far, YouTube has not publically commented on the new effort to block streaming rippers. While YouTube’s block is…

SiriusXM Expands App Access, Adds Pandora Personalization

30 million SiriusXM Select subscriptions now include free app access, alongside new personalized stations powered by Pandora. Included are 100 recently launched Xtra Music Channels. The expansion coincides with an expanded preview of SiriusXM Video which includes hundreds of in-studio performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. Subscribers to the SiriusXM All…

BUSINESS OF INDIE: Indie Growth • Iggy Azalea Goes Indie • Merlin + Jaxsta • More

In a new edition of the Business Of Indie we share of streaming driven indie growth, hitmaker Iggy Azalea’s return to an independent label, Merlin’s new Jaxsta deal for music credits and more/ Like Hypebot’s More News section, The Business Of Indie is nestled under its own Indie tab at…