An already dwindling number of online music site – or too often, music celebrity click bait engines – may be about to get a good bit smaller with news that perpetually struggling online publisher SpinMedia is for sale. ____________________________ SpinMedia music sites include SPIN, Vibe, Death and Taxes, Stereogum, Idolator,…
Category archives: Music Business
Pandora Names Questlove Strategic Advisor, First Artist Ambassador
Questlove is getting creative with Pandora. Change happens slowly at the music streamer, particularly when its comes to its consumer offering. But teaming with the Roots drummer may hint at a new Pandora as it preps the launch of its own Spotify and Apple Music competitor as early as next…
New Twitter Features Could Make Promotion More Difficult
As seems to so often be the case, a new host of updates for Twitter will likely make DIY promotion for artists more difficult when it comes to getting their content seen by fans. New features being added to the platform include changes in notification settings and, worst of all,…
Frank Ocean Just Proved: Direct To Fan Works, Labels Mean Less Than They Think, Exclusives Suck But Still Matter
Frank Ocean has just shaken up the music industry, probably forever. His dual exclusive releases via Apple on Friday and Saturday ignited a long overdue debate about exclusive streaming releases; and hidden in the details are lessons that should be sending shockwaves through the executive suites at Universal, Sony and…
Should We Believe All The Negative Hype Surrounding New DOJ Rules on PROs?
In this article Dave Brooks of Amplify offers an alternative perspective on the recent Department of Justice ruling, suggesting that the rules may in fact help rather than harm venues and event producers. __________________________ Guest post by Dave Brooks of Amplify Here’s something no one in the music industry will…
Know You Suppliers, Research Your Team
Have you been curious about how to get a supplier to work with you who will be reliable and produce what you actually want and need? Here an industry offers some experiential advice choosing the right supplier. _____________________________ In this latest selection from MusicThinkTank, Leena Sowambur sheds some light, as…
In Japan, Music Business Changes Very Slowly
A recent look at some overseas music industry numbers in Japan has revealed streaming’s continued growth, and that physical sales, while still dropping, are slower to decline there. Additionally, and unlike the US, ringtones continue to take up an appreciable share of the market there as well. _______________________________ Guest post…
5 Marketing Truths Most Musicians Have Ignored For Too Long
Most artists would rather focus on their creative output than getting bogged down with the business side of things. That said, marketing is an inherent part of being a successful artist, so we’re offering five marketing truths musicians can apply when "selling" their act. ____________________________ Guest Post by Dave Ruch…
WED. BRIEF: Frank Ocean Ignites ‘Exclusives’ Debate • STX Buys Surreal • Lisn, Alively Launch • Live 365 • More
WEDNESDAY 8.24.16 Music Business News From Around The Web Frank Ocean has triggered an overdue debate over release exclusives while also affirming the growing power of the direct to fan connection and diminishing value of record labels. Updated continuously under our More News tab
Recording Industry Claims Keeping Copyright Terms At Life Plus 50, Instead Of Life Plus 70 Too Expensive
Although one would expect record labels to be happy that the TPP includes a provision extending the life of minimum copyright at the expense of the listening public, it seems they still not content, complaining that making alterations will be too costly to rights holders, says Mike Masnick. ___________________________ Guest…