Spotify Is Shutting Down Direct Distribution: What Artists Need To Know Now

Spotify announced yesterday that it is closing down its free direct upload system after less than a year, and forcing all artists to find an outside distributors within 30 days if they want their music available on the top streaming service. Here’s what artists need to know to avoid problems…

You Shouldn’t Go On Tour Unless You’ve Done These 3 Things

While the prospect of touring is hugely exciting for new bands, they may be unaware of the grueling realities of life on the road. That said, if you’re determined to hit the pavement and bestow your music on the masses, at least make sure you’ve first done these three things….

Creating A Music Industry That’s Safer For Women

The music industry, like so many others, is distressingly male dominated meaning that, in addition to making it harder for female artists and producers to break out, systemic issues of objectification, discrimination, and sexual assault are pervasive throughout all aspects of the business. Here we look at some ways to…

How To Write and Produce Music To Get The ‘Spotify Sound’ [VIDEO]

Spotify and other streaming services are changing more than the way we listen to music – they are changing the way music is written and produced. Here the Sound Field team uncovers techniques used to create successful streaming tracks and talk to James Sunderland and Brett Hite of Frenship about…

Spotify Ends Free Direct Distribution

Spotify has decided that it doesn’t want to be in the music distribution business, after all. Eleven months ago, the streamer launched a beta program that allowed artists to upload new music to the platform at no cost. Now, it has informed artists that will be shutting down. To keep…

Ridesharing, The New VIP Event Transportation Experience

When crafting a VIP event experience, it’s important to make sure the attendee has an elevated experience from the moment they walk out the door. Luckily, the advent of ridesharing technology has made premium, stress-free transportation an achievable reality. _____________________________ Guest post by Rachel Grate from the Eventbrite blog A…

Music Market Focus: China Streaming, Recording Business In China [Part 1/2]

Recently, China has successfully navigated its way up the music industry food chain, rising from 12th to 7th in the global industry in just two years. Here we look at what has led to the rapid growth in the country’s streaming and recording business, ________________________ Guest post from the Soundcharts…

Merlin Pulled Down Almost $900 Million For Indie Labels In 12 Months

Where historically being on an indie label was often a last resort after being rejected by a major, these days an indie signing can actually benefit an artist, thanks in large part due to Merlin, an organization dedicated to collecting global digital royalties for independent labels. _________________________ Guest post by…

Free Social Music Discovery App LÜM Launches To Boost Emerging Artists

LÜM has launched its its iOS app designed to connect merging artists with new fans. The Madison, WI based startup recently closed their $1.2 million seed financing and recently partnered with concert promoters Frank Productions. LÜM’s goal is to decrease the disparity between mainstream and undiscovered music by leveraging streaming…

Beatport Adds Offline DJ Locker in Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox

DJ focused music subscription service Beatport LINK is now available in Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox software. The public beta is currently available on Mac only, but will be available for Windows soon. With the new rekordbox integration, laptop DJs can take 50 (with Beatport LINK PRO) or 100 (with Beatport LINK…