Instruments In Transit: What Artists Need To Know In Event Of ‘No Deal’ Brexit

While there’s been no shortage of media coverage over the ongoing Brexit dumpster fire, one group that often gets left out of the hypotheticals and conjectures are touring musicians. Here we look at what some of the technical ramifications might be for artists transporting their instruments between the UK and…

CD Baby, AVL Digital Acquired By Downtown Music

Downtown Music Holdings has acquired AVL Digital Group and its portfolio of music distribution, rights management and artist services businesses, including CD Baby, AdRev, DashGo and Soundrop. DMH is the company behind Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust. The deal is estimated to be worth $200 million. In 2018, CD Baby…

Advice To Labels: When Reissuing Vinyl, Take The Extra Step

The resurgence of vinyl has breathed new life into a number formerly overlooked albums, bringing hitherto forgotten artists out of the woodwork. When it comes to these fresh pressings, however, it’s important that labels take the time (and money) to invest in top notch audio quality. ___________________________ Guest post by…

YouTube’s 1B Plays Club is Changing Global Music Culture [Mark Mulligan]

Despite the headlines, YouTube is still the top music destination in most of the world. That massive reach, particularly within the global Latin community, is changing the face of what it means to be a superstar. ___________________ By Mark Mulligan of MIDiA and the Music Industry blog "139 music videos…

Soundcloud Adds Curated Playlists, Community Pages, More Music Discovery Options

Since playlists are the new radio, Soundcloud is making sure they have a place on the dial. Beginning today, alongside the personalized “SoundCloud Weekly” and playlists like “Fresh Pressed,” the steamer is adding more handcrafted playlists, including some curated by leading music journalists and artists. Soundcloud has also added community…

PosterMyWall Offers Low Cost Graphic Design Tool with 80,000 Templates

PosterMyWall offers a low cost d.i.y. graphic design tool to create everything from gig poster and flyers to custom images for social media, album covers and even video teasers. Its secret sauce is ease of use along with 80,000+ customization templates. Payment is based on use – usually just $2-$5…

A Wholistic Perspective On The Article 13 Solution To The Value Gap

Sweeping Article 13 copyright reform passed the European Parliament yesterday, effectively ending Safe Harbor protections for YouTube and shifting the paradigm for all sites based on user generated content. In this detailed article, Jason Peterson looks at the progression of Article 13 through European Parliament and what it means for…

PledgeMusic Update: Millions Owed, Buyer Interest, Noisetrade Co-Founders Unpaid

At least one potential buyer is taking a serious look at acquiring debt ridden PledgeMusic, according to new reports. Unable to pay funds due artists and labels, PledgeMusic suspended all crowdfunding campaigns in early February, and has been operating with a skeleton staff since. A potential buyer is “very interested”…

Music Management Commissions – What’s Fair?

While managers in the music business have always has a lot to do with an artists’ success, never have they made or broken an artist more than in the current music economy, and never have they had to work harder – so what is a sustainable business model for managers…

Spotify Adds Personalization To Curated Playlists and That’s Great News For Artists, Labels

Some official Spotify playlists will now be personalized based on a listener’s taste. For those playlists, no two will be the same. So while not the same as a permanent playlist placement, all music now has a much better chance of getting heard by the right listeners. What does all…