Anti-YouTube Crusader Elton John Partners With YouTube

Already an artist with a long history of flip-flopping on what the web’s role in the music business should be Elton John, recently a vocal opponent of YouTube, has announced a new public music video contest sponsored by the popular video sharing site. _______________________________ Guest post by Timothy Geigner of…

FRI. BRIEF: SoundExchange $’s Could Fall $200M In ’17 • Run-DMC Sues Amazon, WalMart • More

Friday 12.30.16 Music Business News From Around The Web SoundExchange has been an industry, bright spot, but that could change in 2017 thanks for direct licensing. Updated continuously under our More News tab

Shazam To Add Songkick Concert Listings In 2017

In a year end letter, Songkick CEO Matt Jones shared some impressive direct to fans ticket sales stats and an announcement that Shazam would be joining Spotify, SoundCloud and Pandora in distributing its concert listings. Pandora’s current concert listings are primarily limited to shows from its own Ticketfly ticketing platform….

THU. BRIEF: UMG Acquires Office Augusta • Alibaba Plans $7.2B Entertainment Investment • Facebook Music ID • More

Thursday 12.29.16 Music Business News From Around The Web If the last few days are any indication, 2017 will be a good year for investments in music including some major IPOs. Updated continuously under our More News tab

SoundCloud Touts Music Discovery, Creator Updates In Year End Report

SoundCloud is touting improvements in both music discovery and tools for creators in its year-end wrap up. 2016 was the year that the music streamer finally added a paid subscription service and began paying more, but not all, creators. _____________________________________________ A few weeks SoundCloud added Recently Played tracks and Listening…

UPDATE: Sony Music, Bob Dylan Twitter Accounts Hacked – Company Issues Statement

[UPDATED] The Sony Music and Bob Dylan Twitter accounts were hacked on Tuesday and false reports that Britney Spears has died were posted on both accounts. Spears is in fact alive, according to her management, and the offending tweets have been deleted. More details and screenshots: _______________________________________ The Twitter accounts…

TUE. BRIEF: Sony Music Hacked • Azoff, Radio Reach Cease-Fire • Songkick Moves 500K Adele Tickets • More

TUESDAY 12.27.16 Music Business News From Around The Web The holiday break was not so restful for the Sony Music social media team. Updated under our More News tab

FRI. BRIEF: Billboard Buys Spin • Apple Music On Defense • US v Pirate Bay • Pandora Investor Doubles Down • More

Friday 12.23.16 Music Business News From Around The Web Is Billboard buying Spin, Vibe and Stereogum a smart acquisition or last ditch consolidation of dying legacy media? Updated continuously under our More News tab

Turning Pennies To Dollars: Increasing The Efficiency Of Royalty Collections

Although little attention was paid to them in a more profitable era, keeping track of minimal royalty collections has become increasingly important in the music industry, something which is being helped by the emergence of new technological and business related innovations. ________________________ Guest Post by Antony Bruno of Royalty Exchange…

THU. BRIEF: AirPods Debut To Raves • Amazon Scores Garth Brooks Streaming Exclusive • Team Rock Goes Under • More

Thursday 12.22.16 Music Business News From Around The Web While you’re resting for the holiday, rest assured that we’ll be keeping you informed of all the important stories. And don’t forget to join our holiday online networking party here. Updated under our More News tab