Spotify As A Hardware Company? The Pro And Cons

There has been a good deal of speculation lately that Spotify is considering launching a series of Spotify branded streaming hardware. As with any such new business venture, there are several pros and cons to this new direction which we explore here. _____________________________ Guest post by Bobby Owsinski of Music…

Spotify’s Investor Narrative Is The Best Is Yet To Come

Spotify filed for its first public stock offering yesterday, and with it came a mixed bag of stats from the music streamer. Analyst Mark Mulligan turns his critical eye to the numbers shared and the accompanying narrative, which was clearly designed to attract investors. ____________________________________ By Mark Mulligan of MIDiA…

How to Use Facebook Live to Promote Music

Recent changes in Facebook’s algorithm have sent musicians and music marketers scrambling for new ways to grab the attention of the social network’s massive audience. The jury is still out on most tactics, but one thing is certain: Facebook ranks and delvers more eyeballs to live video. _____________________________ By Dave…

Music Streamer Gaana Raises $115M Round Led By Tencent

Gaana has raised $115 million, as the music streamer’s home market of India continues to attract new competitors. Leading the round is Chinese internet giant Tencent, who has become a steady supporter of streaming music globally. Like Spotify, Gaana offers users both free and paid streaming tiers. The startup has…

Another Music Licensing Deal Signed For Facebook

While Facebook hasn’t entered into the streaming game yet, it does seem to be leaning that way, having recently dipped a second toe in after signing a deal with ICE Services, a licensing group representing several European performing rights organizations. _____________________ Guest post by Bobby Owsinski of Music 3.0 Facebook…

Amazon Prime Music Streaming Adds India

As rumored, Amazon has rolled out its Prime Music service in India, with apps available for web, Android and iOS. The streaming service is now included in all Rs. 999/$15 USD annual Amazon Prime memberships which includes shipping, video and other perks.. Local competitors including Saavn, Gaana, Apple Music and…

How Scammers Legally Collected $1 Millon From Spotify

An alleged scam operation in Bulgaria collected as much as $1 million in royalties form Spotify last year; and did so, apparently, without breaking any laws. According an MBW report, those behind the scheme created playlists of little-known artists and songs and then paid for Premium Spotify accounts to listen…

Could Music Modernization Act Be Trojan Horse For Orphan Works?

In taking a closer look at the language used in the controversial Music Modernization Act, Chris Castle here speculates that the bill may contain some of the same content as an orphan works bill that went down in flames. __________________________ Guest post by Chris Castle of Music Technology Policy OrphanWorks.net…

Why Congress Should Pass The Classics Act: Artists Speak

Here notable artists Mary Wilson and Darlene Love make a powerful case in favor of shutting the massive loophole which currently allows digital music services to artists and rights owners attached to music recorded before 1972. ____________________ Guest post by William Glanz of SoundExchange Artists themselves make the most powerful…

One Senator’s Vote Can Stop Net Neutrality Repeal, Join Operation: #OneMoreVote

One U.S. Senator’s vote is all that is need to help stop the repeal of net neutrality. Today, Tuesday, February 27th, please join us and other net neutrality supporters and major web platforms in Operation: #OneMoreVote, a mass day of online and offline action. 50 senators have already come out…