UPDATE: Spotify stock closed down 4.42% Monday on news that Amazon was close to launching a free ad-supported music service. With the exception of Pandora’s radio-like free offering, no other major streamer offers a free music service. Details and analysis here. Amazon To Launch Free Ad-Supported Music Service To Take…
Author archives: Bruce Houghton
Many Spotify, Apple Music Subscribers Share Passwords Costing Artists, Labels Millions
A survey of 1000 streaming service subscribers showed that many share their passwords with others, breaking terms of service. Apple Music subscribers were the biggest offenders among music services, with 31.4% admitting to sharing their passwords with others. 22.2% of Spotify subscribers and 13,5% of Pandora users shared their passwords,…
You Just Dropped A New Release, Now What?
You had a great marketing plan leading up to your new release, but do you have a plan on what to do after it’s released? "Sadly many small labels significantly cut back their marketing efforts once the album is out," says Music Biz Weekly podcast co-host Michael Brandvold. [Listen To…
BTS, Halsey Break 24 Hour YouTube Record Capping Massive Weekend For The K-Pop Superstars
YouTube has confirmed that the new video from BTS, “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey, is the now most-viewed 24 hour music video debut in YouTube history, adding to an already huge week for the K-Pop superstars. “Boy With Luv” got 74.6 million views in its first 24 hours. The video…
UMG Reports 19% Revenue Gain, ‘Progress’ On Sale
Universal Music Group reported an 18.8% jump in revenue for the first quarter of 2019. The increase came as part of a strong financial report from parent Vivendi. Music subscription and streaming revenue grew 28.1% year-over-year. The company also reported that it is making progress on its plan to sell…
Apple Music Slammed For Bowing To Chinese Censors
After pressure from authorities in China, Apple Music has removed songs with lyrics that refer the Tienanmen Square massacre. Several members of Congress members are calling out Apple for bowing to pressure and missing the chance to "become a stronger voice for freedom around the globe." Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators…
EU Gives Final Approval To Article 13 Copyright Directive, YouTube, Facebook Expected To Be Hit Hard
On Monday morning, the EU Member States gave the Article 13 copyright directive the final green light, after months of contentious debate. Nineteen member countries voted yes, six voted against and three abstained. The directive is expected to hit platforms based on user-generated content including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram hardest….
Deborah Dugan Elected First Female Recording Academy CEO
Deborah Dugan, the CEO of nonprofit AIDS group (RED), will reportedly replace current president/CEO Neil Portnow when his contract ends in July. Portnow, who helmed the Recording Academy and its Grammy Awards for 17 years, said last year that he would leave the organization when his contract ended this summer….
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MONDAY 4.15.19
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TODAY IS RECORD STORE DAY 2019: Get off your computer, put down your phone and GO BUY SOMETHING!
Today is Record Store Day 2019, with hundreds of independent record stores in the US and Europe celebrating a resurgence that many thought would never happen. Thanks to vinyl, their survival skills and loyal music fans, these stores are experiencing a resurgence.But that will only continue if you turn off…