New Soundcloud stats show just how big its footprint is, both in terms of listenership and the size of its music catalog. Most of their listeners are free, however; and monetizing them, along with making such a massive catalog user friendly, present a challenge. ______________________________________ SoundCloud announced today that it…
Category archives: Streaming & Cloud
Mixcloud Attracts 1 Million Music Curators With Royalties Paid, No Venture Funding
Self-funded startup Mixcloud has quietly reached the million curator milestone. This achievement stands in sharp contrast to headlines touting millions in new funding alongside high profile failures by music tech startups like Crowdmix, Guvera and CUR. __________________________________________ Online radio platform Mixcloud announced that more than 1 million uploaders have contributed…
WATCH: Apple Music’s Cash Money Documentary Official Trailer
Last week Apple Music announced a new deal with hip hop powerhouse Cash Money Records, which will officially begin with a documentary about the label and its founder. Now the trailer has been released. "It’s official… Cash Money makes a power move with Apple Music,’ Cash Money Records founder Bryan…
Playlists Dominate Listening For Most Music Streamers [INFOGRAPHIC]
Streaming music users love playlists and use them to drive their music consumption, according to a new survey and infographic just released by the analysts at Music Watch. ________________________________ 90% of music streamers have listened to or created a playlist, according to a new study by Music Watch. Paid subscribers…
How Economics Of Curation Benefit Emerging Artists And Fans [Scott Keeney aka DJ Skee]
It seems more and more music consumers are eschewing algorithm driven playlists in favor of good old fashioned human curation, a trend which is having promising outcomes for both up-and-coming artists and music fans. _______________________ Guest post by Scott Keeney aka DK Skee, founder of Dash Radio Digital music services…
UPDATE: Deezer Responds To Exit Of North American CEO
On Tuesday Deezer responded to yesterday’s story that the CEO of its Deezer’s North American division had exited for another startup. The music streamer officially launched its $9.99 per month online music service in the U.S. last month. _________________________________ UPDATE: "Tyler Goldman left Deezer to pursue a new challenge and…
Universal, Sony, Warner Music To Sign 9 Acts From "The Stream" Spotify Competition
It was only a matter of time before TV talent competitions joined forces with streaming music. That’s the premise behind the open talent competition "The Stream," and Spotify along with all 3 major labels have signed on. ___________________________________ Billed as a next-generation music talent competition, The Stream will use plays…
Spotify, Netflix Tip-Toeing Into One Another’s Territory
Here we look at Spotify’s toe dip into the world of original video content, just as Netflix simultaneously releases music-centric material, while both companies face obstacles to steady growth and profitability. _____________________________ Guest post by Cherie Hu If you didn’t notice Spotify trying to be Netflix NFLX -0.28% last week,…
Samsung To Shutter Milk Music "To Invest In A Partner Model"
Samsung’s US based streaming service Milk Music is shutting down. Despite denials earlier this year, the closing is no surprise to observers who saw low adoption and a decided lack of attention from Samsung. But the closure still signals that more consolidation in the streaming sector seems likely. _____________________________________ Samsung…
Frank Ocean Releases "Blonde" As Apple Music, iTunes Exclusive And Free At Pop-Up Shops
Frank Ocean has debuted his much anticipated album "Blonde" exclusively on Apple Music and iTunes. The unconventional release is the latest in a growing list of major artists who are breaking all the rules of how to release an album and even what an album is. ______________________________________ Two days after…