UPDATED: Amazon is in talks with the major labels to launch an ad-supported music streaming service in direct competition to Spotify and Pandora according to a new report. The free music service could launch as early as next week. Currently, Spotify is the only major music service to have a…
Author archives: Bruce Houghton
BTS Is First K-Pop Artist To Pass 5 Billion Spotify Streams
BTS has released its new album, MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA today and Spotify is confirming that they are now the first K-Pop group and first artist from Asia to surpass 5 billion streams on the platform. BTS also has an impressive 10 million followers on Spotify. Their hit song…
Saturday Is Record Store Day 2019 – GO BUY SOMETHING!
UPDATED: Tomorrow, Saturday 4/13 is Record Store Day 2019, with hundreds of independent record stores celebrating a resurgence that most thought would never happen. Thanks to vinyl, survival skills and loyal fans, these stores are, for the most part, experiencing a resurgence. But that will only continue if you turn…
Spotify: The Decline of Playlists and Rise of Podcasts [MIDiA]
Just as the music industry gets comfortable with playlists as a marketing and revenue generation tool, come words of caution from the analysts at MIDiA. A playlist ‘hit’ often does not do much to help long-term artist brand building, they say, and then there are the challenges and opportunities caused…
Vevo Uses A Simple Tactic To Increase Music Video Views and You Should Too
Major label owned music video platform Vevo has discovered a simple tactic that leads to an average double digit improvement in engagement. This tactic works particularly well for videos released years ago, many of which were getting lost within YouTube’s massive and always growing catalog. What is Vevo’s secret sauce?…
Questlove To Keynote ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, More Panelists Announced
Questlove has been added to keynote this year’s ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams will interview the drummer, DJ, producer, author and member of The Roots, who will also recieve an ASCAP Creative Voice Award. The honor is presented to members whose…
Spotify [SPOT] Gets Boost From Mad Money’s Jim Cramer
[UPDATED] During his daily Mad Money Lightening Round Thursday, CNBC host Jim Cramer gave a very positive shout out to Spotify. "I think it’s only a matter of time before subscriptions take over," said Cramer. "This is a good one." But the former hedge fund manager’s stock picking track record…
Read Barack Obama’s Tribute to Nipsey Hussle
Barack Obama wrote a wonderful tribute to Nipsey Hussle that was read by hip-hop music executive Karen Civil during the late rapper’s memorial service at Staples Center in LA Thursday. Here is Obama’s full tribute: Thank you to @BarackObama for sending this letter for me to read celebrating @NipseyHussle’s life…
FRI. BRIEF: Entertainment One Acquires Audio Network • AMLC Makes Case • New Apple Music Antitrust Probe • More
FRIDAY 4.12.19
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1 Dead, 3 Wounded During Nipsey Hussle Funeral Procession, As ‘Senseless’ Violence Continues
One person died and three others were wounded during the 25 mile funeral procession for beloved LA rapper and activist Nipsey Hustle, as it wound its way through Los Angeles Thursday. Earlier in the day, 21,000 fans and supporters filled The Staples Center for his memorial. “We must stop this,”…