Building A Fanbase With Facebook Music Video Ads

Thanks to social media, buying advertising to promote music is no longer just for deep pocketed major labels. But where is the best place to spend limited funds? That’s a question we’re working to answer in a series of posts produced with the help of entertainment advertising experts Dash Two….

How To Sneakily Promote Your Music Without Actually Talking About It

While the idea of self-promotion without talking up one’s self may seem backwards or impossible the reality is that, as an artist, more subtle forms of marketing and promotion can often be the most effective. _________________________________ Guest Post by Dave Kusek on the Sonicbids Blog I know it sounds completely…

Spotify’s Most Viral Tracks US, UK And Globally

These lists represent the most viral tracks on Spotify, based on the number of people who shared it divided by the number who listened to it, from 8/5-11/2016 via Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and Spotify. SPOTIFY’S MOST VIRAL TRACKS United States 1. Blkkathy, Lemon (Manimal Group) 2. DJ Snake, Let Me…

Smooth Move: Copyright Holders Take Down Katie Ledecky/Carlos Santana Mashup

A video synching up swimmer Katie Ledecky’s recent Olympic victory with the universally recognized opening guitar riff from the song "Smooth" was recently pulled from Twitter over copyright concerns, unfortunate for a number of reasons, particularly the violation of fair use. __________________________________ Guest Post by Mike Masnick on Techdirt By…

JOB: Director Marketing, Sales, Licensing At Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is seeking a new Director Marketing, Sales and Licensing. Smithsonian Folkways is an internationally prominent nonprofit record label located within the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at Smithsonian Institution. Details: ______________________ HAVE A JOB TO POST? We’re retooling our Music Industry Jobs section. In the meantime,…

Musical Inventions In The 21st Century

For better or for worse, the 21st century has brought about numerous changes for the music industry, particularly where tech is concerned. In this article we look at what some of these major innovations are, and how they’ve impacted the music business landscape. _______________________________ In this latest piece from MusicThinkTank,…

Universal Invests in Indie Petrol Records, Deal Includes New INXS Documentary and Records

UMG has taken a major stake in indie Petrol Records. Now that, thanks to streaming, the major music groups have found their footing, they’re again consolidating their dominate position with investments and acquisitions. No longer are the targets tangential businesses like merch, concerts or tech startups; but rather independent record…

Apple Music Makes Cash Money "Power Move"

Apple Music certainly does likes exclusives and is willing to open its checkbook to get them. A new deal with hip hop powerhouse Cash Money Records, which will officially begin with a documentary about the label, is the latest in a growing list. _____________________________________ "It’s official… Cash Money makes a…

WED. BRIEF: Apple, Cash Money "Power Move" • Kesha Drops Abuse Claims • Blockchain Investments • More

WEDNESDAY 8.16.16 Music Business News From Around The Web Apple continues to write checks to the ‘big’ music industry, but will they ever fund artist development? Updated continuously under our More News tab

How Frank Ocean, Drake, Kayne West, DJ Khaled, Others Are Using A Loophole To Game The Charts

[UPDATED] In late 2014, as part of a move to include digital consumption in its chart calculations, Billboard began counting 1,500 streams or 10 paid downloads of a song as the equivalent of one album sold. Recently, a growing number of top artists have released mega-albums that use this calculation…