FREE REPORT: Independent Artists In The Age of Empowerment [Mark Mulligan]

Digital music distributor Amuse and consultancy MIDiA have partnered to release Independent Artists: The Age of Empowerment, a free report that shows the growing power and potential of independent artists – artists how are growing a substantial career without the help of a record label. _____________________________________ By Mark Mulligan of…

Concert Ticket Sales Are Down Significantly This Year

Despite the tumult of the recorded music business, live music was thought to be a bit more of a blue chip when it came to an otherwise unstable industry, but new data from Pollstar shows that sales of concert tickets have taken a significant dip in comparison to previous years….

What Will Taylor Do? Big Machine To Release Vinyl Singles

Despite a very public feud with Taylor Swift, her former label, the just acquired by Scooter Braun Big Machine Records, is wasting no time cashing in on her catalog with the release of five songs from her 2006 self-titled debut album on limited-edition vinyl. In celebration of the LP’s 13th…

How Music Engages The Brain

Music’s impact on listeners moods and emotions has long been established, but beyond simply affecting our feelings, music also has the ability to transport the listener to a different time, place, and mindset. Here we dig into some of the science behind music induced nostalgia and how it impacts the…

It’s Independent Venue Week: 4 Things You Need To Know

As Independent Venue Week kicks of its second year running, we look at four things you should know, including where the event got its inception, and which artists and venues will be participating. ___________________________ Guest post by Drea of Eventbrite Eventbrite powers some of the best and brightest independent venues,…

Billboard, Bandsintown Partner To Grow Artist and Concert Discovery Across Their Massive Music Platforms

Billboard and Bandsintown have announced a multifaceted partnership designed to drive music discovery, fan engagement and sell more tickets. The collaboration launches with the addition of Bandsintown’s comprehensive global tour date listings across Billboard and its portfolio of music sites which include Spin, Vibe, and Stereogum. Billboard and its sites…

Revenue For Unsigned Artists Grew 35% Last Year

A new study from MIDiA Research and indie distributor Amuse shows that independent artists are the fastest-growing segment of the global recorded music business, the beginning of what may be the biggest paradigm shift within the music business in decades. The survey of 250 musicians globally offers a snapshot of…

BUSINESS OF INDIE: Indie Growth • Iggy Azalea Goes Indie • Merlin + Jaxsta • More

In a new edition of the Business Of Indie we share of streaming driven indie growth, hitmaker Iggy Azalea’s return to an independent label, Merlin’s new Jaxsta deal for music credits and more/ Like Hypebot’s More News section, The Business Of Indie is nestled under its own Indie tab at…

US Streaming Growth Is Slowing, But That’s Not A Bad Thing

Streaming growth is slowing down in the US according to the Nielsen Music Mid-Year Report. But don’t hit the panic button, writes Bobby Owsinski, There’s still plenty of room for growth worldwide. By Bobby Owsinski of Music 3.0 The latest Nielsen Music Mid-Year Report shows that streaming has actually dropped…

Spotify’s ‘Dance Like Nobody’s Paying’ Serves As Call For User-centric Royalties

Spotify’s new ad campaign ‘Dance Like Nobody’s Paying’ drew ire from musicians and artist advocates “Dance like nobody’s paying because we aren’t,” tweeted singer/songwriter David Poe in response. The ad is also an ironic reminder of the need to shift to user-centric royalties, writes Chris Castle. ____________________________ By Chris Castle…