Amazon Music Unveils Improved Alexa Suggestions for Music, Including Playlists

Amazon has just improved Alexa’s features for music fans, making it easier to discover new music and playlists.  Here’s the bad news – only Prime Music and Music Unlimited subscribers can use them. Music has become a top priority over at Amazon. So, ov…

Apple Files Application for ‘Apple Music for Business’

‘Apple Music For Business’ could potentially streamline blanket licensing for small businesses and retailers. Several months ago, following Jimmy Iovine’s departure, Oliver Schusser, Apple’s new Head of Music, quietly unveiled a global publishing busin…

SAG-AFTRA Members Approve Streaming Royalty Deal With Major Labels

With the rise of streaming music, SAG-AFTRA members have just voted to make sure they get paid. Following months of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA reached an agreement with major labels in October.  Now, in national vote completed earlier today, members of th…

As iHeartMedia Struggles to Exit Bankruptcy, Liberty Media Reportedly Eyes Control of the Company

Should Liberty Media acquire a significant share in iHeartMedia, John Malone’s company would own a majority stake in four music properties. Several months ago, John Malone and his company, Liberty Media, finally achieved what they had long hoped for. I…

Tencent Music IPO’s Filing Reveals Record Profit

Tencent Music has turned a profit the past three years.  Spotify has only turned a profit once in its lifetime.  Any questions? Several months ago, Chinese conglomerate Tencent Holdings unveiled its plan to list its music division on Wall Street. With …

Hebrew Hustle Settles Drake’s Potentially Damaging Countersuit

To avoid long-term damage to the company’s reputation, Hebrew Hustle has now settled with Drake. Several years ago, Stephen Hacker and his production company, Hebrew Hustle, filed a lawsuit against Drake. They alleged the Canadian hip-hop artist had wi…

Mixcloud Unveils Select, a New Subscription Service

Just how much will Mixcloud Select artists earn from channel subscriptions? Two months ago, Mixcloud signed a major licensing deal with Universal Music Group (UMG). Under the deal, the British indie streaming platform would fairly pay UMG artists when …

Indie Labels Now Account for 39.9% of the Global Recorded Music Market

77% of all indie artists also choose to renew their contracts at indie labels. According to a new report from the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), indie label growth has surpassed that of major labels. Indie record labels accounted for 39.9% of the…

Ahead of Spotify’s Launch in India, JioMusic and Saavn Unveil Unified Streaming Music Platform

With JioSaavn’s launch, Spotify will face an even more difficult time competing in India. Several months ago, Reliance Limited, a major telecom company in India, and Saavn, a local streaming music service, confirmed a major deal. In a transaction value…

Jean-Michel Jarre Partners with TheWaveVR

Jean-Michel Jarre believes VR is the next frontier for music fans. Jean-Michel Jarre has confirmed a new partnership. The French EDM producer will work together with TheWaveVR, a social virtual reality platform, for his latest album, Equinoxe Infinity….