How Spotify Gatekeepers Convert Listeners To Fans (Or Not)

While radio was once the main tastemaker for ALL music consumers, Spotify playlist curators have since taken on that mantle, which can be good news for the artists chosen, but leaves others needing a Plan B. _________________________ Guest post by Sam Chennault of ChartMetric It’s accepted wisdom that the impact…

4 Editing Tricks To Make Your Songs More Playlist Friendly

Playlist curators are the tastemakers of the modern age, and when they’re putting their playlists together, they have a specific set of requirements in mind. Here Michael Warner explains how artists can game with a few editing tricks to make their songs more playlist-friendly. ____________________________ By Michael Warner from CDBaby’s…

Which Comes First, Live Money Or Streaming Money

This article explores how the financial balance of power in the music industry has shifted with the rise of streaming, how contemporary high-profile artists are making this shift work in their favor, and whether it could ever revert back to an older model. _____________________________ Guest post by Professor David Philp…

Apple Music For Artists Opens To All – Free Sign Up

Apple Music For Artists, the promised free analytics platform for musicians and labels that Apple, has entered public beta with sign up available to all artists. The platform promises to provide “everything you need to understand your music’s impact across Apple Music and iTunes, Apple Music for Artist. Several thousand…

Spotify Drops ‘Hate And Hateful’ Conduct Policy

After rolling out a new content policy designed to sideline “hate content and conduct” just days ago, Spotify has abandoned the most controversial part of the new policy. Spotify said that, while their “intentions were good,” the language in the policy was too vague and created “confusion and concern.” Spotify…

How Apple Could Succeed As A Music Publisher

Apple Music is launching a music publishing division. They won’t be buying song catalogs or signing writers, because this is more about servicing songwriter and publisher relations. But Apple could be positioning itself for a broader move later, says Chris Castle, and if it does, it starts with some distinct…

6 Steps To Get Placed On Spotify Official Playlists

Getting your music on an Official Spotify playlist is the holy grail of modern music marketing. But since most of us don’t know the secret handshake, the team of music marketers at Burstimo created an infographic offering a 6 step plan that will vastly increase your chances of striking Spotify…

Cover Art Mistakes That Get You Booted Off Streaming Services

Cover art is one of the best ways to make an instant first impression on your listeners, but can also easily backfire and drive them away. Beyond this, cover art that doesn’t comply with the guidelines of streaming and download services will be kicked before it has the chance to…

Spotify Is ‘Cash Flow Positive,’ says CEO Ek, Admits Hate Policy Handled Badly

Spotify CEO Daniel EK has now publicly admitted that the company handled the implementation of its new "hate content and hateful conduct" policy badly. More surprising was how the founder and CEO says that he views profitability at the music streamer. Though intended to offer transparency, Spotify’s new "hateful conduct"…

Spotify ‘Hate and Hateful’ Policy Crisis Is About Social Responsibility [Mark Mulligan]

After backlash over the removal of tracks by R Kelly and XXXTentacion from official playlists, Spotify has been forced to rethink its new ‘hate speech and hateful behavior’ policy. But there are no easy choices. "It would be as wrong for Spotify to opt for the ‘neutral platform’ approach," writes…