Spotify Ends SoundCloud Acquisition Talks, Again

Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride. For what we’re pretty certain is the third time, SoundCloud has reportedly been left at the aquistion alter by Spotify. __________________________________ Spotify has ended talks to acquire SoundCloud, a source familiar with the talks tells TechCrunch. During previous talks between the two streaming…

Pandora Unveils Premium And It’s All About You

At a press event earlier this week in New York City, Pandora unveiled its paid Spotify competitor. Schedule to launch early next year, Pandora Premium is centered around the not terribly revolutionary idea of auto-magically delivering the music that users actually want to hear. _________________________________ Pandora has finally unveiled Pandora…

UPDATED: YouTube Pays Just Over $1 Per Music User Yearly vs $18 For Spotify, Says IFPI

[UPDATED] Earlier this week, YouTube shared that it had paid in excess of $1 billion to the music industry in the last 12 months. It’s an impressive number; but not nearly big enough, according to global major label trade group the IFPI, who says that even the much maligned Spotify…

How Technology Has Changed The Online Musical Marketplace

While technology has altered both how performers create and how engineers produce music, perhaps the most appreciable alteration has been the shift in how consumers both discover and listen to it. Here we look at the specific technologies and trends that have led to this massive change. _____________________________ In this…

SoundCloud Go Launches In Germany

A local language version of Soundcloud’s paid subscription streaming music service Soundcloud Go has launched in Germany. It’s priced at s 9,99 € ($10.75 USD) per month for full access to 135 million tracks. More details here. Related articles Soundcloud Subscription Tier Is Coming Guvera Fails To Pay U.S. and…

Vinyl Sales Tops Digital Downloads In UK

For the first time ever, the recording industry made more money from vinyl album sales than downloaded albums in the UK last week. According to figures published by the Entertainment Retailers Association, vinyl accounted for sales of £2.4m ($3m USD), while downloads took in £2.1m ($2.6M). The ERA suggested that…

Pandora Predictions: Lil Yachty’s Sailing Team Member Kodie Shane Is Back

In this week’s edition of the Pandora Predictions Chart, some notable up-and-comers include nineteen-year-old rapper/singer Lil Peep, even younger Atlanta rapper Kodie Shane, and Dutch chill trap DJ San Holo. __________________________ Guest post by Emily Blake of Next Big Sound Yung Lean may continue his reign this week on top…

Apple Music Passes 20 Million Subscribers In 18 Months, But Execs Want More Users and Exclusives

Apple Music has 20 million subscribers 18 months after launch, according to stats released by Apple. But the music industry expected more, and so apparently do some Apple executives. ____________________________________ Apple Music has passed 20 million subscribers, an increase of 15% in the last 3 months. Apple also shared that…

WED. BRIEF: Apple Music Passes 20M • Pandora Unveils Premium • Musical.ly On Defensive • More

Wednesday 12.7.16 Music Business News From Around The Web Apple Music’s 20 million paid subscribers is impressive after 17 months, but far less than the industry expected. Updated continuously under our More News tab

Spotify Control Of Sonos Is Now Live For All

One of the most requested additions of Sonos users – the ability to control Sonos wireless speakers directly from the Spotify app using the music streamer’s Connect feature – is now live for all Premium users after a month in beta. ________________________ Here’s a video intro. Get more details here….