5 Good Reasons To Enter The Independent Music Awards

The Independent Music Awards will soon be given out, bringing industry attention to self-released and independent artists. Here Alexandra Kennedy outlines five reasons to enter the IMAs by February 1. _________________________ Guest post by Alexandra Kennedy of the Symphonic Blog Music Connection’s very own Senior Editor, Mark Nardone will join…

SiriusXM Reports Record Revenue, 34 Million Subscribers

SiriusXM reported record earnings for both Q4 and for the full year of 2018, with revenue of $1.5 billion and $5.8 billion respectively. The satellite broadcaster added a net of 346,000 subscribers in Q4, ending it with 34 million plus. The company’s fourth-quarter results were similarly solid, with net income…

4 Instagram Best Practices For Musicians In 2019

For those serious about their music career, dismissing Instagram as a casual photo sharing app can be hugely detrimental to your career. In the wake of Instagram’s meteoric rise to become one of the top social media platform’s, we look at four key practices for artists looking to capitalize on…

R. Kelly Is Shopping New Album, But Who Will Release It?

R. Kelly is looking for a home for a new finished album, according to multiple sources. The controversial rapper was dropped by longtime label RCA/Sony recently, after multiple accounts of sexual abuse, including with minors. But who would risk the wrath of the #MuteRKelly movement and actually sign him? Opinions…

She Rocks Awards Celebrate Women In The Music Industry

The She Rocks Awards took over the House of Blues Anaheim last the weekend to pay tribute to women from all corners of the music and audio industries. Co-hosted by Lyndsey Parker and Christine Devine in association with the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), the 7th annual gala celebration…

Live Albums: Lost Art Or Underutilized Asset? [Jake Udell]

Here Jake Udell explores how the live album, a format which has a fallen a bit by the wayside in recent years, was utilized by breakout artist Freya Ridings with hugely successful results. ___________________________ Guest post by Jake Udell of Art of Manager Live albums… Are they a lost art……

Registering Your Band Name, Logo

Even in the early stages of brand development, it’s a good practice for bands or solo artists to take the time to register their name, and any particular logos associated with the act, through the proper copyright channels. The process is relatively painless, and can help your brand grow, in…

PledgeMusic Co-Founder Benji Rogers Returns As Advisor, Promises 3rd Party Financial Oversight

PledgeMusic Co-Founder Benji Rogers is returning to the struggling crowdfunder as a volunteer strategic advisor and observer to the board. PledgeMusic has come under fire over the last six months for widespread late payments and non-payments to artists. "I have seen first hand how tirelessly the team, management and board…

Benji Rogers Pens New Open Letter To PledgeMusic Artists and Fans [FULL TEXT]

Benji Rogers is returning to PledgeMusic as a "volunteer strategic advisor and observer to the board" as the music crowdfunding platform continues to struggle to pay artists monies pledge to by their fans. In keeping with the sincerity and openness that has made him a popular figure in music tech,…

Average Spotify User Paying Only $5.50 Per Month

While industry insiders have suggested that a $5 price point is an ideal monthly streaming amount as far as maximizing growth, major labels have generally forced platforms’ hand closer to a $9.99 charge. A new dip into Spotify’s finances, however, has revealed that the average user of that platform is…