Google Combines YouTube, Google Play Music Teams, Unified App Appears Likely

Google’s multiple music platforms – Google Play Music, YouTube, YouTube Music, YouTube Red – have always presented a confusing and even competing mix, portions of which have failed to gain much traction. Now, Google is combining its music teams into a single unit, and a unified music app would seem…

THU. BRIEF: Twitter Stumbles • HitsMeUp To Launch Video Hub • Songwriters Fight DOJ • Stars Curate Vinyl Service • More

Thursday 2.9.17 Music Business News From Around The Web Shades Of MySpace: Twitter is far from done, but its struggles serve as a reminder of the danger of building a social strategy around a single service. Updated continuously under our More News tab

CHANGES @ INgrooves • A2IM • United Talent Agency • Wembley Arena • More

Indie distributor INgrooves has nabbed global digital distribution and label services with ONELOVE music group. Now in its 15th year, the top Australian-based EDM music brand is involved promoting, touring, licensing and recordings. • Lisa Hresko joins A2IM as Associate Member Relations Manager. Lisa spent 10 years at CMJ as…

New York Times Subscribers Now Get Free Spotify Premium

On-demand music streamers are all pretty much stuck charging $/€/£ 9.99 – much to there detriment, according to MIDiA’s Mark Mulligan. So to attract new customers, they are constantly experimenting with discounts, pricing and partnerships like the one that Spotify and the New York Times announced today. _____________________________ The New…

For Continued Growth, Music Streaming Needs Product & Pricing Innovation [MARK MULLIGAN]

Issues with pricing are nothing new in the streaming economy. Although $9.99 remains something of a standard, many companies are working to ease customers in with steeper discounts, with the result of devaluing the service, and the industry is in need of a more stable pricing strategy. _________________________ By Mark…

Snapchat Faces Challenges And Opportunities As IPO Nears

As the tech world braces for Snapchat’s impending IPO, the popular photo sharing app has number of challenges to face, whether from their ever-unpredictable consumer base, or competitors like Instagram. ___________________________ Guest post by Jesse Kirshbaum of Nue Agency It’s a very interesting time as the Snap IPO gears up….

WED. BRIEF: Spinal Tap Creators Join $400M Lawsuit • Spotify, AccuWeather Partner • YouTube Expands Live • More

WEDNESDAY 2.8.17 Music Business News From Around The Web Which is sadder? Rock stars way past their prime or a multi-billion company ripping off the parody of aging rock stars way past their prime? Updated under our More News tab

Snapchat IPO Invites Skepticism, Here’s Why

Creating massive buzz in economic circles, Snapchat’s parent company’s filing of an IPO is one of the most hotly anticipated business moves of the year, but the recent public review has served to increase pre-existing concerns about the future of the company. ____________________________ Guest Post by Karol Severin on Midia…

10 Pandora Initiatives It Says Are Moving The Music Industry Forward

Not long ago, if you asked someone in the music industry about Pandora, you’d get an earful about aggressive attempts to pay lower royalties. Now, their not paying much more than they always did; but most would give the streamer a thumbs up. That shift is largely because artist-friendly founder…

Spotify Joins Apple, Facebook, Google, 100+ More Major Companies In Fight Against Trump’s Anti-Immigration Plan

Spotify has joined more than 120 companies filing an amicus brief in the US Court of Appeals in San Francisco in the case against President Trump’s anti-immigration executive order. Until now Spotify has been silent on the issue, and many others in the sector remain so. Spotify has joined 120…