Spotify ‘Seriously’ Explores Nixing IPO In Favor Of Direct Listing, Motivated By $1B Funding Terms

This week’s announcement that Spotify had cut a multi-year licensing deal with UMG, and the subsequent deals with other rightsholders that will certainly follow, paves the way for Spotify to become a public company. But instead of the traditional IPO, Spotify is seriously exploring taking a more unconventional approach. ______________________________…

Best Gear For Indie Artists

A band’s gear can often be one of the tools which gives them an opportunity for self-expression and the ability to craft a wholly unique sound. This article looks at five different areas of sound-shaping tech. __________________________________ In this recent post to MusicThinkTank, Joe Pacheco breaks down a multitude of…

THU. BRIEF: Spotify Readies IPO • U2’s Edge Invests In Coras • Spotify UMG Deal Secrecy Criticized • More

4.5.17 Music Business News From Around The Web The Spotify UMG deal is still dominating the headlines, but will it really change anything? Updated continuously under our More News tab

How To Get A Job At Spotify

Spotify hires about 1000 new workers each year; and CEO Daniel Ek says that he’s asked how to get a job at the music streamer so often that he tasked the Human Resources Department to write a guide, "How To Get A Job At Spotify". ______________________________ I quite often get…

Universal, Spotify Deal Is Even Bigger Than It Looks [Mark Mulligan]

Yesterday’s announcement that Spotify had signed a multi-year licensing deal with UMG is a clearly a big deal, clearing the way for a Spotify IPO. But it’s also much, much more than that, says respected industry analyst Mark Mulligan. _______________________________________ Mark Mulligan of MIDiA and the Music Industry Blog Universal…

YouTube Go Launches In India

YouTube has expanded the footprint of its YouTube Go service to India. The YouTube Go beat app is now available for download in the Google Play Store. Key features of YouTube Go include: A home built for you: YouTube Go home screen features trending and popular videos in your area,…

WED. BRIEF: Spotify UMG Deal Reaction • Kanye Steams Platinum • ASCAP’s 3rd $1B Year • More

Music Business News From Around The Web The impact of the Spotify and UMG deal will be both more and less than most think. Updated continuously under our More News tab

Full Text Of The Spotify, Universal Licensing Announcement

Spotify and Universal Music Group have finalized a new licensing deal that includes for two week album windowing for select releases. Full text of the official announcement: ____________________________ Read our analysis here. Spotify and Universal Music Group announce global, multi-year license agreement April 4, 2017 Spotify, the leading global music…

Pandora And Spotify Diversify, Offer New Features

In what has been a busy month for the music streaming biz, Pandora debuted a new on-demand option, while Spotify began to consider limiting its free tier as it looks ahead towards an initial public offering. ________________________ Guest post by Melina Druga of Midem March was a busy month in…

TUE. BRIEF: Spotify Inks UMG Deal • Social Media Sameness • Sillerman Is Back • More

TUESDAY 4.4.17 Music Business News From Around The Web With the Spotify UMG deal done, the other majors – and then an IPO – will soon follow. Updated continuously under our More News tab