Ex-Apple Exec To Lead Soundcloud Subscription Push

SoundCloud has hired Anthony Gabriele as SVP, Subscriptions & Marketing. Gabriele was head of subscription marketing at Apple where he helped grow Apple Music to over 50 million paid subscribers. In the newly created role, Gabriele will lead the growth and expansion of SoundCloud’s Listener and Creator businesses, in addition…

Has Race To The Bottom Begun? JioSaavn Cut Prices 75% To Battle Spotify, YouTube Music

Leading Indian music streaming platform JioSaavn has cut the cost of its annual ‘Pro’ subscription by 75%. The move comes just weeks after Spotify and YouTube Music launched in India. Previously, JioSaavn charged $14.49 or Rs. 999 for a full year of Pro, now it’s just $4.34 or Rs. 299…

Spotify Continues Podcast Push With Parcast Acquisition

Spotify continues its major push into podcasting with the acquisition of Parcast, a storytelling-driven podcast studio. The deal comes just weeks after the streamer acquired podcast giants Gimlet and Anchor. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019. Since…

Neighboring Rights: What They Are, Why They’re Important

The concept of neighboring rights parallels that of performance rights. Where performance rights reference the right to perform a composition, neighboring rights reference the ability to publicly perform the sound recording. So, why are these neighboring rights so important to artists and independent labels? _____________________________ Guest post by Randi Zimmerman…

New Update To Spotify For Artists Portal

Spotify has been rolling out some major changes to its "Spotify for Artists" platform that have met with largely favorable feedback from users. Here we break down what’s new. __________________________ Guest post by Bo Turner of Repost Network If you haven’t noticed already, some big changes have been made to…

7Digital Names New CEO As Simon Cole Exits

7digital has announced that Simon Cole will step down as Director and CEO next month and named John Aalbers to replace him. Simon has led the B2B digital music company since its creation from the reverse merger with UBC Media in 2014. His departure has been planned since last year….

Hypebot, MusicThinkTank Join The Bandsintown Family

I’m proud to share that Hypebot and MusicThinkTank have been acquired by Bandsintown. Both sites will still operate as independent publications, which I will continue to edit. What excites me most about this partnership is that its purpose is to further our mutual mission of helping artists at all levels…

Major Label Signs An Algorithm To A 20 Album Deal

This is NOT an early April Fools joke. Endel, an app that uses algorithms the company calls predictive mechanics to produce personalized sounds to help you focus and relax, has signed a multi-album deal with Warner Music Group. As part of the deal with WMG’s Art Music division, the five…

Spotify Begins Label Licensing Talks Amid Major Disputes

Spotify has begun negotiations to renew its licencees with all three major labels and other rights holders. The talks begin with Spotify on the offensive against the music industry on multiple fronts. The streamer must reach new deals this year with Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music, which together…

How Fans Are Building A Vibrant Gimme Radio Community

In this piece, Jon Maples explains how the principles and process behind the unique radio streaming app Gimme Radio have given rise to a successful listening platform, home to a vibrant social community. __________________________ By Jon Maples of Gimme Radio from Medium Slack was on fire. Our emergency channel, the…