Music Piracy Up 13% In The Us Last Year, Stream-Ripping To Blame.

While many thought that the rise of streaming had brought about an end to music piracy, a new report reveals this is far from the case. In fact, it appears the phenomenon known as stream-ripping has seen a significant spike in the past year. __________________________ Guest post by James Shotwell…

Bandwear Responds To Post-PledgeMusic Payment Concerns

This week music merchandiser Bandwear announced expansion of its crowdfunding platform and an offer to help musicians affected by the PledgeMusic collapse. Included is a staggered payout system similar to one which PledgeMusic reportedly abused by funding daily operations with money intended for artists and labels. "we understand many in…

TikTok Passes 120M Montlhy Users In India As Label Talks, Streaming Plans Continue

TikTok now has 200 million registered users, with 120 million using the short video app every month. The milestone comes as the company is in talks with major labels and publishers to launch a music streaming service. ByteDance, the Chinese conglomerate that owns TikTok, could launch its Spotify competitor as…

SoundCloud Promotes Michael Weissman To President

SoundCloud has promoted Michael Weissman to President. He will report to Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Trainor. Weissman previously served as SoundCloud Chief Operating Officer. Weissman was has been a key player in SoundCloud’s strategic partnerships and acquisitions including its ad sales partnership with Pandora in the U.S., several exclusive international…

DistroKid Links With Audible Magic To Verify Music Authenticity, Launches DistroLock

DistroKid has joined a growing list of music distributors and services using Audible Magic to fight unauthorized content by verifying the authenticity of both tracks and artists before it is distributed. CD Baby and The Orchard, both of whom have been tagged by Spotify and Apple Music as preferred partners…

Spotify Exec Shane Tobin Exits For Sofar Sounds

Spotify Head of Partnerships for Content & Creator, Shane Tobin, is leaving the streamer to become Sofar Sounds VP of Partnerships and Entertainment Relations, Hypebot has confirmed. Sofar Sounds recently announced $25 million in new funding led by Battery Ventures and Union Square Venture. Three months ago, former Spotify and…

Spotify Launches Your Daily Drive Music + News Playlist

Spotify has added Your Daily Drive, a playlist that combines personalized music with news and short features. At launch, the Wall Street Journal, NPR and PRI are providing non-music content. The music mixes old and new based on the user’s previous listening habits. Your Daily Drive has launched for all…

WED. BRIEF: Spotify’s Daily Drive • TikTok India ↑120M • YouTube Notifications • Billboard Acquires Zig • More

WEDNESDAY 6.12.19
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Should Copyright Protect Music Created By Artificial Intelligence?

As technology develops to the point where AI is capable of creating original music, questions are being raised as to whether this computer generated music, and the people behind the code that make it possible, should be granted the same legal protections as more traditionally created music. _________________________________ Guest post…

Beatstars Has Paid Out $50 Million To Producers

BeatStars has paid out more than $50 million to the producers who license and sell their work on the marketplace, the startup announced today. The site boasts has more than 340,000 active sellers, and its tracks have been used on a number of major hits, including Lil Nas X "Old…