Snapchat ended 2022 with 375m users but flat revenue growth
Snapchat’s parent company Snap announced its latest quarterly financial results yesterday. Its app ended 2022 with 375 million daily users.
The post Snapchat ended 2022 with 375m users but flat revenue growth appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Beatport buys a majority stake in electronic music brand IMS
Beatport has been one of the more acquisitive music companies in recent years, and yesterday it announced its latest deal.
The post Beatport buys a majority stake in electronic music brand IMS appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Encore Music Tech Solutions launches with Empire Publishing deal
Startup Encore Music Tech Solutions has launched to help more music companies modernise their royalties and payments systems.
The post Encore Music Tech Solutions launches with Empire Publishing deal appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Aimi’s new app lets listeners interact with its musical AI
We know startup Aimi as the company behind an app that provides adaptive electronic music using its AI system.
The post Aimi’s new app lets listeners interact with its musical AI appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Unison files new lawsuit against Spanish collecting society SGAE
The collecting societies sector in Spain has a chequered history. SGAE was expelled from global societies body CISAC in 2019.
The post Unison files new lawsuit against Spanish collecting society SGAE appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Utopia Music promises a ‘faster, leaner’ company as CEO departs
Changes are brewing at Utopia Music with the announcement yesterday that CEO Markku Mäkeläinen has left the company.
The post Utopia Music promises a ‘faster, leaner’ company as CEO departs appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UMG’s DSP talks include bonus pools and superfan subscriptions
We reported on Universal Music Group’s announcement yesterday that it’s working with Tidal on a new economic model for streaming.
The post UMG’s DSP talks include bonus pools and superfan subscriptions appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify CEO on spending decisions: ‘I probably got a little carried away’
Regrets? He had a few, but Spotify CEO Daniel Ek also defended his company’s spending decisions in 2022 in the company’s Q4 earnings call.
The post Spotify CEO on spending decisions: ‘I probably got a little carried away’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UMG just found a streaming service to work with on ‘artist-centric’ payouts
Universal Music Group boss Sir Lucian Grainge thinks that “the economic model for streaming needs to evolve”.
The post UMG just found a streaming service to work with on ‘artist-centric’ payouts appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify ended 2022 with 205m subscribers and 489m active users
Spotify has published its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022, and thus for the entire year.
The post Spotify ended 2022 with 205m subscribers and 489m active users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Warner Music Group gets persistent on Roblox with Rhythm City
We’ve said this before, but on platforms like Roblox, music activations have tended to be one-offs, rather than persistent worlds.
The post Warner Music Group gets persistent on Roblox with Rhythm City appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sony Music expands ‘Beyond The Instrument’ initiative to the UK
‘Beyond The Instrument’ is Sony’s music education initiative to get equipment into the hands of young people.
The post Sony Music expands ‘Beyond The Instrument’ initiative to the UK appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
MVT report reveals decline in UK independent venues’ concerts
There are positive figures in UK charity the Music Venue Trust’s latest annual report… but also plenty of worrying stats too.
The post MVT report reveals decline in UK independent venues’ concerts appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BMG boss to step down but his successor is already lined up
There are abrupt leadership changes at big companies, and smoother transitions. BMG’s falls into the latter category.
The post BMG boss to step down but his successor is already lined up appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music launches Replay 2023 and Rihanna Super Bowl promo
Spotify Wrapped makes waves in December, but Apple Music’s Replay promo is a year-round thing. The 2023 version is now live.
The post Apple Music launches Replay 2023 and Rihanna Super Bowl promo appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to appear before US House in March
TikTok has been facing increasing pressure in the US over issues including privacy and children’s safety. Its CEO will appear at a hearing.
The post TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to appear before US House in March appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Gap widens between YouTube and Melon services in South Korea
The music industry has been thinking a lot about how South Korean artists like BTS and Blackpink are growing their audiences.
The post Gap widens between YouTube and Melon services in South Korea appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Google reveals (but doesn’t release) text-to-music AI MusicLM
Google has built an AI model capable of “generating high-fidelity music from text descriptions” that “outperforms previous systems”.
The post Google reveals (but doesn’t release) text-to-music AI MusicLM appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Artists denied class-action status in UMG termination rights lawsuit
A group of artists have been denied class-action status in a lawsuit focusing on termination rights and Universal Music Group.
The post Artists denied class-action status in UMG termination rights lawsuit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Indian artists are still dominating YouTube’s global music chart
Indian news site Mint has been celebrating the fact that Bollywood playback star Alka Yagnik is the top artist on YouTube’s global chart.
The post Indian artists are still dominating YouTube’s global music chart appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Australian government backs new cultural policy with $286m
The Australian government has launched a new National Cultural Policy called ‘Revive’ which includes establishing a new music industry body.
The post Australian government backs new cultural policy with $286m appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
web3 music firm Hume buys generative audio startup Blocktones
Having raised $11.7m of funding last September, web3 music firm Hume has now splashed some of that cash on an acquisition.
The post web3 music firm Hume buys generative audio startup Blocktones appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Madison Square Garden owner questioned about facial recognition tech
New York’s attorney general Letitia James has written to MSG Entertainment with some pointed questions about its facial recognition tech.
The post Madison Square Garden owner questioned about facial recognition tech appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WMG reveals first numbers from its legacy unrecouped program
Warner Music Group published its latest Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report yesterday, including new figures.
The post WMG reveals first numbers from its legacy unrecouped program appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Subscriptions now account for 55% of audio streaming in Spain
Spanish industry body Promusicae has published some figures for 2022, including the news that the number of music streams grew by 16%.
The post Subscriptions now account for 55% of audio streaming in Spain appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Metal Workout offers a rockier spin on digital fitness services
Hell’s Kettlebells! Run to the Treadmills! And Fitness for All! Etc etc. Don’t think we’re poking fun: metal tracks are great for workouts.
The post Metal Workout offers a rockier spin on digital fitness services appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Lickd signs a deal with Streamlabs to reach more creators
We’ve reported on various licensing deals that UK startup Lickd has signed with rightsholders for its service.
The post Lickd signs a deal with Streamlabs to reach more creators appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitch says its streamers earned more than $1bn in 2022
There’s a big figure in the latest blog post from Twitch’s chief product officer Tom Verrilli and chief monetization officer Mike Minton.
The post Twitch says its streamers earned more than $1bn in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WMG reveals plans for Spinnin’ Records party in The Sandbox
Warner Music Group became one of the landowners on web3 virtual world The Sandbox in January 2022. Now it’s holding a party there.
The post WMG reveals plans for Spinnin’ Records party in The Sandbox appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Cyanite debuts tech for ‘complex text input’ music searching
Cyanite’s latest music-search tech involves complex text input” using natural language, like the latest crop of text-to-image AIs.
The post Cyanite debuts tech for ‘complex text input’ music searching appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
PPL’s annual payouts grew by 7.1% to £244.9m in 2022
2022 was a good year for UK CMO PPL, which says its payouts to performers and recording rightsholders grew by 7.1% to £244.9m last year.
The post PPL’s annual payouts grew by 7.1% to £244.9m in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
One House and Aerial launch tool to fuel greener music tours
The latest tool to help musicians cut their carbon emissions comes from talent development firm One House and sustainability company Aerial.
The post One House and Aerial launch tool to fuel greener music tours appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TuneCore appoints rapper Papoose as its new head of hip-hop
TuneCore has a genuine history with Shamele ‘Papoose’ Mackie, who has just been named its head of hip-hop.
The post TuneCore appoints rapper Papoose as its new head of hip-hop appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify’s new Glow initiative will focus on LGBTQIA+ artists
Spotify has launched a new program to boost the profiles of LGBTQIA+ artists through a mixture of playlists, advertising and collaborations.
The post Spotify’s new Glow initiative will focus on LGBTQIA+ artists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
US Department of Justice sues Google over digital ads market
The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit focusing on Google’s dominance of the digital advertising market.
The post US Department of Justice sues Google over digital ads market appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Live Nation talks bots but US politicians are talking breakup
Look what you’ve made them do, Taylor Swift. ‘Them’ being the politicians on the US Senate Judiciary Committee.
The post Live Nation talks bots but US politicians are talking breakup appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Hipgnosis returns to acquisitions with $200m Justin Bieber deal
Hipgnosis has acquired 100% of Justin Bieber’s interest in his publishing copyrights, recordings and neighbouring rights.
The post Hipgnosis returns to acquisitions with $200m Justin Bieber deal appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
US Senate Judiciary Committee prepares for ticketing hearing
Front-row seats are brilliant, right? Possibly not if you’re Joe Berchtold, president and CFO of Live Nation Entertainment.
The post US Senate Judiciary Committee prepares for ticketing hearing appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
The Kid Laroi will debut new music in his Fortnite island
The Kid Laroi’s partnership with Fortnite publisher Epic Games goes beyond an individual performance, with his own island.
The post The Kid Laroi will debut new music in his Fortnite island appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Rewind app offers historical music discovery (ChatGPT reviews included)
One of Tidal’s developers, Ziad Al Halabi, has created a mobile app called Rewind that explores music history.
The post Rewind app offers historical music discovery (ChatGPT reviews included) appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Support Act publishes guide to sexual harm and harassment
The Australian music industry has been rocked by recent revelations about sexual harassment and harm within its workplaces.
The post Support Act publishes guide to sexual harm and harassment appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Shakira sets a new Spotify record for Latin American artists
It’s fair to say Shakira is having a bit of a moment at the start of 2023, thanks to her recent Bzrp Music Session.
The post Shakira sets a new Spotify record for Latin American artists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
What do we mean by ‘artist-centric’ music streaming models?
This month, UMG boss Sir Lucian Grainge went public with his belief that “the economic model for streaming needs to evolve”.
The post What do we mean by ‘artist-centric’ music streaming models? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify confirms layoffs and management re-org with Dawn Ostroff departing
Spotify has announced a round of layoffs as part of what CEO Daniel Ek called an effort “to bring our costs more in line”.
The post Spotify confirms layoffs and management re-org with Dawn Ostroff departing appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Alphabet cuts 12k jobs as Spotify layoffs speculation emerges
Meta, Amazon and Microsoft have recently announced thousands of layoffs, and on Friday it was the turn of Google and YouTube’s parent firm.
The post Alphabet cuts 12k jobs as Spotify layoffs speculation emerges appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
45% of games developers are still sceptical of the metaverse
In the music industry there is excitement and scepticism alike around ‘the metaverse’ but how do games developers feel about it?
The post 45% of games developers are still sceptical of the metaverse appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians launch UK census for musicians
In the UK, the Musicians’ Union and charity Help Musicians have both regularly published research canvassing musicians’ views.
The post Musicians’ Union and Help Musicians launch UK census for musicians appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube Music to test new features in ‘Listening Room’ program
Want to get first dibs on brand new features on YouTube Music? Apologies, you’re already too late: applications closed this weekend.
The post YouTube Music to test new features in ‘Listening Room’ program appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sometimes ‘heating’ is the reason videos go viral on TikTok
Sometimes when videos go viral on TikTok, it’s not an entirely organic phenomenon. Forbes has offered some evidence for this.
The post Sometimes ‘heating’ is the reason videos go viral on TikTok appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music publishers talk innovation: ‘When there’s a will, there’s always a way’
We hear a lot about the new revenue streams that labels are hunting down in social, gaming, fitness and other areas
The post Music publishers talk innovation: ‘When there’s a will, there’s always a way’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music streaming remuneration: ‘The value is fans, less so scale’
Remuneration is THE hot topic in the music industry of 2023, in terms of the models used by streaming services for their payouts.
The post Music streaming remuneration: ‘The value is fans, less so scale’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Netflix is adding subscribers again, as its founder steps down
The big news from Netflix’s financial results yesterday was that its co-founder Reed Hastings is stepping down from his co-CEO role.
The post Netflix is adding subscribers again, as its founder steps down appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Montreal’s Igloofest to send attendees on an NFTs treasure hunt
There’s still a lot of NFTs potential to be explored, and the latest example comes from a partnership between Igloofest and Mega Labs.
The post Montreal’s Igloofest to send attendees on an NFTs treasure hunt appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Viberate slashes the cost of its music analytics service
One of the announcements made at the NY:LON Connect conference this week came from music analytics firm Viberate.
The post Viberate slashes the cost of its music analytics service appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok tastemaker Ari Elkins is launching a label with Avex
In the last two years TikTok has been the launchpad for a new wave of playlisters, among them Ari Elkins.
The post TikTok tastemaker Ari Elkins is launching a label with Avex appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Luminate talks music data: Coldplay, Indonesia, streaming growth and more
Its name may have changed, but research firm Luminate remains one of the music industry’s key sources of data.
The post Luminate talks music data: Coldplay, Indonesia, streaming growth and more appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple unveils a second-generation HomePod smart speaker
We may still be in the rumours part of the hype cycle around Apple’s plans for an AR/VR headset, but yesterday the company unveiled a new device.
The post Apple unveils a second-generation HomePod smart speaker appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
You Me At Six get some promotional welly from Amazon and TikTok
Operating in the streaming environment in 2023 is a case of balancing promotional demands from streaming and social media services.
The post You Me At Six get some promotional welly from Amazon and TikTok appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
US Senate will hold its Ticketmaster hearing on 24 January
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights has set a date for its hearing on the ticketing industry.
The post US Senate will hold its Ticketmaster hearing on 24 January appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify and Deezer step up their pressure for an Apple crackdown
It’s been a few weeks since the last call from Spotify for a regulatory crackdown on Apple, so it must be time for another one.
The post Spotify and Deezer step up their pressure for an Apple crackdown appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Just how big is the music industry’s ‘fake streams’ problem?
The grumbling about how bad actors are trying to game the streaming system and siphon royalties away has slowly but surely grown.
The post Just how big is the music industry’s ‘fake streams’ problem? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Roblox reports strong December metrics with 61.5m daily users
Roblox is one of the publicly-listed tech companies that has been enduring a rocky time on the markets in recent times.
The post Roblox reports strong December metrics with 61.5m daily users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Now Getty Images is suing Stability AI over its training
This comes soon after a class-action lawsuit filed by three visual artists against the company, along with Midjourney and DeviantArt.
The post Now Getty Images is suing Stability AI over its training appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Bandzoogle hits $100m music, merch and ticket sales milestone
More than half of that $100m has been generated in the last five years, while 75% of the total has come from merchandise.
The post Bandzoogle hits $100m music, merch and ticket sales milestone appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK music bodies concerned by BBC Music Introducing uncertainty
In many parts of the world radio continues to play a powerful role for the music industry – including emerging acts.
The post UK music bodies concerned by BBC Music Introducing uncertainty appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube renews its livestreaming deal with Coachella festival
Coachella has been one of the flagships of YouTube’s work in music livestreams, offering it a chance to test its technologies and features.
The post YouTube renews its livestreaming deal with Coachella festival appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok music boss talks short video, long-form listening and licensing
2023 is shaping up to be a fascinating year for TikTok, for reasons both positive and negative. And 2022 was eventful enough…
The post TikTok music boss talks short video, long-form listening and licensing appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Regulating the streaming economy: ‘Consumption isn’t the same as consumer’
The debate about how the music streaming economy works for artists and how it could be improved has reached new heights.
The post Regulating the streaming economy: ‘Consumption isn’t the same as consumer’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Stability AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt face artists’ lawsuit
Some big names in text-to-image AI were facing a new challenge yesterday: a class-action lawsuit from three visual artists.
The post Stability AI, Midjourney and DeviantArt face artists’ lawsuit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
PRS for Music agrees new funding deal with PRS Foundation
The news follows loud protests last year after PRS for Music announced plans to cut its annual funding for the foundation by 60%.
The post PRS for Music agrees new funding deal with PRS Foundation appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Nick Cave gives ChatGPT both barrels: ‘This song is bullshit’
It’s a brave person who gets the ChatGPT AI to write a song in the style of Nick Cave, then sends it to Nick Cave to see what he thinks.
The post Nick Cave gives ChatGPT both barrels: ‘This song is bullshit’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Orfium bolsters broadcasting tech with Soundmouse acquisition
Music tech firm Orfium’s CEO Rob Wells relished his mic-drop moment at NY:LON Connect 2023 yesterday.
The post Orfium bolsters broadcasting tech with Soundmouse acquisition appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
New music formats: ‘Your fans aren’t AI. Your fans are real people’
We’ve moved from a music industry based on physical sales to one driven by streams, but what are the new music formats looming?
The post New music formats: ‘Your fans aren’t AI. Your fans are real people’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WMG’s Oana Ruxandra on music’s evolution: ‘Conservatism is out the door!’
Oana Ruxandra has been a prime mover in a host of new partnerships and tech experimentation for Warner Music Group.
The post WMG’s Oana Ruxandra on music’s evolution: ‘Conservatism is out the door!’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Tencent targets TikTok with WeChat Channels short-video feature
Last year we reported on the enormous claimed audience for a Backstreet Boys concert that was livestreamed on WeChat: 44.2 million viewers.
The post Tencent targets TikTok with WeChat Channels short-video feature appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube faces criticism over plans to demonetise sweary videos
Warning! If you’re filming a ****ing YouTube video, don’t ****ing swear in the first eight ****ing seconds. Or perhaps not.
The post YouTube faces criticism over plans to demonetise sweary videos appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report claims SoundHound has laid off nearly half of its staff
Last time SoundHound pinged our radar, it was preparing plans to go public via a SPAC merger with a $2.1bn valuation.
The post Report claims SoundHound has laid off nearly half of its staff appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music boss adds Apple TV+ business to his responsibilities
Oliver Schusser is one of the longest-serving executives in Apple’s music business, from the iTunes days through to Apple Music now.
The post Apple Music boss adds Apple TV+ business to his responsibilities appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Moj parent company ShareChat holds another round of layoffs
In the wake of TikTok’s ban in India, Moj prospered. However, its parent company ShareChat is having to make cutbacks now.
The post Moj parent company ShareChat holds another round of layoffs appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Facebook is shutting down its Creator Studio dashboard
Facebook has long had two tools for managing pages and profiles on the social network: Facebook Creator Studio and Meta Business Suite.
The post Facebook is shutting down its Creator Studio dashboard appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
PRS for Music sues LIVENow over livestreaming licensing
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, for many artists livestreaming was suddenly the only way they could connect with their audiences to perform.
The post PRS for Music sues LIVENow over livestreaming licensing appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok to host public votes for the 2023 Brit Awards
TikTok is heavily involved again, hosting the public vote aspect of the awards for the second year.
The post TikTok to host public votes for the 2023 Brit Awards appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Livestreaming music app Sessions has shut down
Music livestreaming app Sessions, the startup founded by former Pandora boss Tim Westergren, shut down abruptly before Christmas.
The post Livestreaming music app Sessions has shut down appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
DCMS Committee publishes UK streaming inquiry follow-up report
We’ve been paying close attention to the UK parliamentary inquiry into the economics of music streaming, as our past coverage shows.
The post DCMS Committee publishes UK streaming inquiry follow-up report appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
App store spending fell by 2% in 2022 (but it was still $167bn)
Data·ai (formerly App Annie) analyses the mobile apps market and makes revenue predictions. Its latest annual report has plenty of juice.
The post App store spending fell by 2% in 2022 (but it was still $167bn) appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
K-Pop streams for businesses grew by more than 200% in 2022
Soundtrack Your Brand, one of the main companies providing music to shops, restaurants and other businesses, has offered some data points.
The post K-Pop streams for businesses grew by more than 200% in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
After text-to-image AIs now there’s a text-to-playlist AI
We’ve been writing regularly about the emergence of ‘text-to-image’ AIs. Now there’s another branch to think about: text-to-playlist AIs.
The post After text-to-image AIs now there’s a text-to-playlist AI appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok signs a licensing deal with MENA-based Rotana Music Group
While TikTok continues to butt heads with major label licensing teams behind closed doors, there is at least one new agreement to report.
The post TikTok signs a licensing deal with MENA-based Rotana Music Group appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Dr Dre joins catalogue sales boom with UMG and Shamrock deals
Did you think the catalogue-acquisitions bandwagon had forgot about Dre?
The post Dr Dre joins catalogue sales boom with UMG and Shamrock deals appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UMG boss Grainge: ‘The economic model for streaming needs to evolve’
Universal Music Group chief Sir Lucian Grainge has sent his annual start-of-the-year message to employees.
The post UMG boss Grainge: ‘The economic model for streaming needs to evolve’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Metal band Assimilate had album stolen on streaming services
The British metal band have 130 monthly listeners on Spotify, yet they saw their album ‘Suffer in Silence’ re-uploaded to streaming services.
The post Metal band Assimilate had album stolen on streaming services appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
More than 80% of Apple Music subscribers listen to spatial audio
Apple’s annual state-of-services post, this year written by services boss Eddy Cue, revealed new stats focused on its spatial audio feature.
The post More than 80% of Apple Music subscribers listen to spatial audio appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Streaming subscriptions could be ‘affordable luxuries’ in 2023
“There are no two ways about it, 2023 is going to be a challenging year” according to Midia Research MD Mark Mulligan.
The post Streaming subscriptions could be ‘affordable luxuries’ in 2023 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube Shorts ad revenue-sharing program kicks off in February
As YouTube turns on the advertising taps for Shorts, it’s also time to start sharing that money with creators – and music rightsholders.
The post YouTube Shorts ad revenue-sharing program kicks off in February appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AR Rahman talks up plans for Katraar digital music platform
AR Rahman is one of the most revered Indian musicians, but now he has ambitions in the music-tech world too.
The post AR Rahman talks up plans for Katraar digital music platform appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Kano is launching some new Stem Players without Kanye West
British firm Kano started off making computers for kids, before moving into music-tech in 2021 with the Donda Stem Player.
The post Kano is launching some new Stem Players without Kanye West appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Belarus changes rules for rightsholders from ‘unfriendly’ countries
Alexander Lukashenko’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a knock-on effect for his country’s international status.
The post Belarus changes rules for rightsholders from ‘unfriendly’ countries appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Keychange adds 74 people to its talent development programme
Gender-equity organisation Keychange is starting 2023 with the addition of 74 people to its ‘Talent Development Programme’.
The post Keychange adds 74 people to its talent development programme appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Mastercard uses Polygon for its new web3 artist accelerator
There are so many ‘web3 artist accelerators’ being launched at the moment, soon we’ll need a web3-artist-accelerator accelerator to help the good ones stand out from the crowd.
The post Mastercard uses Polygon for its new web3 artist accelerator appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Independent artist Damien Jurado removes his music from Spotify
Neil Young’s removal of his catalogue from Spotify last year sparked a small wave of similar action by likeminded artists, but not a bigger trend.
The post Independent artist Damien Jurado removes his music from Spotify appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Independence (and TikTok) fuelled Raye’s rise to UK chart summit
Hearty congratulations to British artist Raye, who sits atop the latest official singles chart in the UK with her latest release ‘Escapism’.
The post Independence (and TikTok) fuelled Raye’s rise to UK chart summit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Musicians press for US rule over post-termination mechanicals
In the US, the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) was set up to collect mechanical royalties from streaming services, then pay them out to publishers and songwriters.
The post Musicians press for US rule over post-termination mechanicals appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Taylor Swift holds a flash sale for ‘Midnights’ digital albums
There is still some innovation to be had around downloads, and Taylor Swift is the latest to explore it.
The post Taylor Swift holds a flash sale for ‘Midnights’ digital albums appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AI music startup Beatoven launches $50k fund… for human artists
From the earliest days of the modern AI-music era, startups in this area have been keen to work with human artists.
The post AI music startup Beatoven launches $50k fund… for human artists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify’s latest personalised playlist is a 2023 time capsule
Spotify is hoping to inspire some musical nostalgia in a year’s time with its latest personalised playlist.
The post Spotify’s latest personalised playlist is a 2023 time capsule appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Fitness+ adds Beyoncé music and kickboxing workouts
Apple has provided a new-year update for its Apple Fitness+ workouts service, including a partnership with one of the world’s biggest artists.
The post Apple Fitness+ adds Beyoncé music and kickboxing workouts appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Downtown Music Holdings acquires Curve Royalty Systems
One of the more acquisitive companies in the independent music space, Downtown Music Holdings, has swooped again.
The post Downtown Music Holdings acquires Curve Royalty Systems appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple deploys AI tech for ‘digital narration’ of audiobooks
Only a small proportion of published books get audiobook versions, due to the costs of recording voice narration professionally.
The post Apple deploys AI tech for ‘digital narration’ of audiobooks appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Irish regulator slaps Meta with €390m of privacy fines
Yesterday was an expensive day indeed for Meta, hit by €390m of fines from Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC).
The post Irish regulator slaps Meta with €390m of privacy fines appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UMG could face a class-action lawsuit over Spotify royalties
The label has been accused of withholding nearly $750m of royalties from its artists in a proposed class-action lawsuit by Black Sheep.
The post UMG could face a class-action lawsuit over Spotify royalties appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Calvin Harris taps Wave for a virtual concert on TikTok
Electronic music star Calvin Harris is the latest artist planning a livestream on TikTok, with ‘The Calvin Harris Experience’ on 13 January.
The post Calvin Harris taps Wave for a virtual concert on TikTok appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Shazam offers predictions for breakthrough artists in 2023
After a flurry of 2023 predictions at the end of last year, Shazam has published its tips for emerging artists who could break through.
The post Shazam offers predictions for breakthrough artists in 2023 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: SVOD services to slow growth in original content spend
Recent years have been boomtimes for TV production companies, thanks to the emergence of streaming video services and their enormous budgets.
The post Report: SVOD services to slow growth in original content spend appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Kenyan musician Bien-Aime Alusa wants to expand HustleSasa app
The app enables artists and retailers to sell products to fans who can pay using bank cards or mobile payments platforms.
The post Kenyan musician Bien-Aime Alusa wants to expand HustleSasa app appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon Music shows off 360 Reality Audio music in cars at CES
Hi-res and surround-sound music is one of the key points of competition between Amazon Music and Apple Music.
The post Amazon Music shows off 360 Reality Audio music in cars at CES appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Recorded music consumption in the UK grew by 4.3% in 2022
British music industry body the BPI has published its annual figures for recorded music consumption in the UK, which grew by 4.3% in 2022.
The post Recorded music consumption in the UK grew by 4.3% in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
2023’s the magic number: De La Soul’s first six albums hit streaming services in March
Since the dawn of the streaming economy, De La Soul’s back catalogue was a say-no-go area for music services. That’s now changing.
The post 2023’s the magic number: De La Soul’s first six albums hit streaming services in March appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok is still battling against the political winds in the US
TikTok’s difficult end to 2022 in the US, related to security tensions with China, continued right up to the wire.
The post TikTok is still battling against the political winds in the US appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Kids entertainment firm Moonbug’s revenues grew 148% in 2021
Moonbug Entertainment has become one of the biggest players in children’s music and YouTube videos, according to its latest financial results.
The post Kids entertainment firm Moonbug’s revenues grew 148% in 2021 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Disturbed used an image-generating AI for latest music video
Rock band Disturbed have become one of the most prominent music artists to use image-generating AI technology to create a music video.
The post Disturbed used an image-generating AI for latest music video appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NetEase Cloud Music trumpets 760k album sales for Hua Chenya
The Chinese music service has always been keen to point out that artists are selling albums on its platform, rather than only being streamed.
The post NetEase Cloud Music trumpets 760k album sales for Hua Chenya appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
The Weeknd beats Ed Sheeran for most-streamed Spotify track
Congratulations are due to The Weeknd, whose track ‘Blinding Lights’ has (at the time of writing) 3,334,180,640 streams on Spotify.
The post The Weeknd beats Ed Sheeran for most-streamed Spotify track appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
You’ll surely enjoy Bob Dylan’s opinion of music streaming
Is it a crystal-clear factual statement with no verbal flourishes, or a delightfully gnomic stream of rhythmic consciousness?
The post You’ll surely enjoy Bob Dylan’s opinion of music streaming appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
After Blackpink concert, PUBG Mobile is now launching a label
Mobile game PUBG Mobile has been exploring music for some time: working with Blackpink in 2020, Anghami in 2021
The post After Blackpink concert, PUBG Mobile is now launching a label appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
EU-funded project aims to ‘democratise and monetise’ access to lyrics
LyricFind has long been banging the drum for translated lyrics, especially in recent years when non-English tracks have become global hits.
The post EU-funded project aims to ‘democratise and monetise’ access to lyrics appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta delays Within acquisition amid court battle with FTC
It’s more than a year since Meta announced that it was buying VR startup Within, but the deal has yet to close.
The post Meta delays Within acquisition amid court battle with FTC appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok gets more transparent about ‘For You’ recommendations
A new feature enables TikTok users to tap on any ‘For You’ video’s share panel to see why it was recommended to you.
The post TikTok gets more transparent about ‘For You’ recommendations appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Japan’s music streaming revenues have grown by 24% in 2022 so far
Although it’s still the second biggest recorded music market in the world, Japan was famously one of the slowest to adopt streaming.
The post Japan’s music streaming revenues have grown by 24% in 2022 so far appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
19 moments from music’s exploration of the metaverse in 2022
Today’s topic is music and the metaverse. online games and virtual worlds, virtual reality, augmented reality, avatar artists and more.
The post 19 moments from music’s exploration of the metaverse in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Gig Life Pro’s Priya Dewan talks APAC: ‘Every music market in this region works quite differently’
Artists in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are making creative use of collaborations to expand their fanbases there, according to Priya Dewan.
The post Gig Life Pro’s Priya Dewan talks APAC: ‘Every music market in this region works quite differently’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Epic Games to pay $520m in two FTC settlements over Fortnite
It’s an almighty double-OOF for one of the biggest brands in children’s entertainment.
The post Epic Games to pay $520m in two FTC settlements over Fortnite appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
The latest artist in metaverse Decentraland is… Bing Crosby?!
If you thought Bing Crosby looked awkward duetting with David Bowie, imagine the scenes if he was having to get to grips with Decentraland.
The post The latest artist in metaverse Decentraland is… Bing Crosby?! appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Virtual artist Polar gets in on the Christmas-single action
We’ve reported on a number of virtual artists this year, and Polar is one of the examples that appears to have some momentum.
The post Virtual artist Polar gets in on the Christmas-single action appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Muso.ai wraps streaming and social data in Encore experience
It has launched a Spotify Wrapped-style feature to help its ‘Pro’ tier users show off their career achievements at the end of 2022.
The post Muso.ai wraps streaming and social data in Encore experience appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon adds music videos to its Fire TV service in the US
Amazon has announced a deal with Xite to make tens of thousands of music videos available for free viewing on its Fire TV service.
The post Amazon adds music videos to its Fire TV service in the US appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
10 of the best Music Ally Focus podcast episodes of 2022
Music Ally is continuing our series of articles looking back at the music industry’s 2022. Today the focus is our own podcast.
The post 10 of the best Music Ally Focus podcast episodes of 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Blokur to build a copyright hub for licensing agency IMPEL
The licensing and data firm is ending 2022 with a deal to provide a copyright hub for independent publishing licensing agency IMPEL.
The post Blokur to build a copyright hub for licensing agency IMPEL appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Scott Cohen reveals JKBX’s executive team ahead of 2023 launch
In November we reported on former WMG exec Scott Cohen’s plans to launch a fractionalised music royalties startup.
The post Scott Cohen reveals JKBX’s executive team ahead of 2023 launch appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Former Tidal COO raises $7m for catalogue-buying firm Duetti
How long can the boom in music catalogue acquisitions continue? Judging by the number of startups in the area, there’s still life in this trend.
The post Former Tidal COO raises $7m for catalogue-buying firm Duetti appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Roxi now has 1m users… and Simon Cowell as a curator
British music streaming service Roxi has signed up another starry playlist curator, and announced its first user figures.
The post Roxi now has 1m users… and Simon Cowell as a curator appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
South Korea music revenues grew by 31.7% in first half of 2022
Korean creative industry body KOCCA’s report on the first half of 2022 held good news for South Korea’s music industry.
The post South Korea music revenues grew by 31.7% in first half of 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
12 ways the music industry leaned in to climate action in 2022
Today, what we’re looking back on is the music industry’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency by reducing its emissions.
The post 12 ways the music industry leaned in to climate action in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitter blocks Mastodon links and suspends prominent journalists
“I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” tweeted Elon Musk in April.
The post Twitter blocks Mastodon links and suspends prominent journalists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BPI to celebrate billion-stream artists with new award
With apologies to Justin Timberlake in The Social Network: A million streams isn’t cool. You know what’s cool? A billion streams…
The post BPI to celebrate billion-stream artists with new award appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Singing startup Biiah launches Kickstarter for its mobile app
Biiah, formerly known as The Choral Hub, was one of the winners in our recent Music Ally SI:X startups contest.
The post Singing startup Biiah launches Kickstarter for its mobile app appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Anghami taps Mubert for 170k AI-generated football chants
A streaming service teaming up with an AI music startup to create “over 170k songs”? Sound the klaxons!
The post Anghami taps Mubert for 170k AI-generated football chants appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WMG takes a stake in augmented-reality fashion startup DressX
Another web3/metaverse partnership for Warner Music Group: the partner is DressX, which has been building a business in digital fashion.
The post WMG takes a stake in augmented-reality fashion startup DressX appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
14 thoughts about music, NFTs and web3 technologies in 2022
Today, we’re talking web3, a space that generated buzz and backlash in pretty much equal measures this year.
The post 14 thoughts about music, NFTs and web3 technologies in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify is cancelling some of its original live-audio shows
This time last year, it felt like live audio would be Spotify’s next big growth category. Now there appears to be a bit of a shake up.
The post Spotify is cancelling some of its original live-audio shows appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music NFTs roundup: Armin van Buuren, Led Zeppelin, Hume…
Web3-driven communities, an NFT drop for one of the biggest rock bands in history, and a songwriting camp in Miami Beach…
The post Music NFTs roundup: Armin van Buuren, Led Zeppelin, Hume… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok gets less vertical with horizontal full-screen mode test
One of the prime platforms behind the vertical videos trend is… going horizontal? Well, kind of.
The post TikTok gets less vertical with horizontal full-screen mode test appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Epidemic Sound’s music is heard 1.5bn times a day on YouTube
Production music firm Epidemic Sound gets quite a few people’s backs up in the music industry, it’s fair to say.
The post Epidemic Sound’s music is heard 1.5bn times a day on YouTube appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
US Senator Marco Rubio wants TikTok to be banned in the US
What was that we wrote yesterday in our look back at the big TikTok news stories of 2022?
The post US Senator Marco Rubio wants TikTok to be banned in the US appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SoundCloud ended 2021 with 130m listeners and 19.2% revenue growth
SoundCloud doesn’t describe them as listeners, we should note.
The post SoundCloud ended 2021 with 130m listeners and 19.2% revenue growth appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
1% of Anghami’s music is Arabic but it generates 60% of listening
CNN’s profile of Middle Eastern streaming service Anghami includes some interesting stats on the role that local music plays for the platform
The post 1% of Anghami’s music is Arabic but it generates 60% of listening appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Tidal turns listeners into DJs while Deezer adds music quizzes
Tidal and Deezer are ending 2022 by adding some interesting features to their streaming services.
The post Tidal turns listeners into DJs while Deezer adds music quizzes appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Tracklib finds sampling still rising – and the 2000s are hot
Sample-clearance service Tracklib has published its end-of-year report: ‘State of Sampling 2022’.
The post Tracklib finds sampling still rising – and the 2000s are hot appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
7 reasons why AI music was a fascinating space in 2022
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made great strides in recent years, and one area where it is beginning to have an impact is music.
The post 7 reasons why AI music was a fascinating space in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music NFTs roundup: Public Pressure, 3lau, UMG…
Three interesting music NFTs and web3 stories from startup Public Pressure, artist 3lau and Universal Music Group
The post Music NFTs roundup: Public Pressure, 3lau, UMG… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Lickd adds another major licensing partner in Warner Chappell
Startup Lickd has been growing the catalogue of music it has available to license to creators on platforms including Twitch and TikTok.
The post Lickd adds another major licensing partner in Warner Chappell appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify launches in-app rewards program for Indian listeners
Spotify is doing something interesting with its ‘Premium Mini’ short-term subscription plan in India.
The post Spotify launches in-app rewards program for Indian listeners appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketmaster under fire over ticketing issues at Bad Bunny gig
Fresh from controversy surrounding tickets for Taylor Swift’s North American tour, Ticketmaster is facing criticism in Mexico.
The post Ticketmaster under fire over ticketing issues at Bad Bunny gig appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
12 big talking points around TikTok and music in 2022
TikTok was never far from the music industry headlines in 2022, for better or worse. We’re looking at the biggest talking points.
The post 12 big talking points around TikTok and music in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Feature.fm gets YouTube conversion and attribution data
Using smart-links to direct fans to their preferred streaming service is a long-established part of music marketing.
The post Feature.fm gets YouTube conversion and attribution data appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
ICE Core breaks monthly distribution record as AKM signs up
Things are still going well for the ICE Core, the hub that licenses repertoire from collecting societies and various independent publishers.
The post ICE Core breaks monthly distribution record as AKM signs up appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Mystery around streaming release of ‘bootleg’ R. Kelly album
‘I Admit It’ came out on Friday on the major streaming services before being swiftly removed.
The post Mystery around streaming release of ‘bootleg’ R. Kelly album appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Musicians facing lawsuit over Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs
One result of the recent crypto-market difficulties has been anger from people who bought expensive NFTs, then saw their value plummet.
The post Musicians facing lawsuit over Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Users may be uploading copyrighted music to Russian site VK
Russian social network vKontakte was regularly criticised by music rightsholders for allowing its users to upload and share copyrighted music
The post Users may be uploading copyrighted music to Russian site VK appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
38 key music/tech funding rounds in 2022
Today’s 2022 roundup article focuses on funding rounds for startups (and bigger companies) in and around music/tech.
The post 38 key music/tech funding rounds in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Hipgnosis reveals 7.5% revenue rise in its half-year results
Hipgnosis Songs Fund enjoyed a good run as a media darling, with warm coverage of its ambition to make songs a lucrative asset class for investment.
The post Hipgnosis reveals 7.5% revenue rise in its half-year results appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NetEase Cloud Music salutes success of K-Pop group (G)I-DLE
Chinese service NetEase Cloud Music prides itself on having plenty of young listeners who are keen to discover international music as well as homegrown tracks.
The post NetEase Cloud Music salutes success of K-Pop group (G)I-DLE appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Tuned Global adds two more clients in the medtech industry
B2B music firm Tuned Global is seeing a big opportunity in the medical technology (medtech) industry, buoyed by a recent report predicting that musical therapy could be a $4.4bn market by 2028.
The post Tuned Global adds two more clients in the medtech industry appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music NFTs roundup: OffBeat, Clef, Public Pressure…
OffBeat is the startup formerly known as MonkingMe, which rebranded in March and pivoted towards NFTs.
The post Music NFTs roundup: OffBeat, Clef, Public Pressure… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify says Wrapped 2022 broke its weekly merch-sales record
The dust has settled from the Spotify Wrapped 2022 promotion (and the inevitable memes riffing off it).
The post Spotify says Wrapped 2022 broke its weekly merch-sales record appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
14 music diversity, equity and inclusion must-reads from 2022
Today’s roundup of articles from Music Ally in 2022 focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion within the music industry.
The post 14 music diversity, equity and inclusion must-reads from 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: global music subscribers grew to 616.2m in Q2 2022
At the end of 2021 there were 523 million users of paid music streaming subscriptions.
The post Report: global music subscribers grew to 616.2m in Q2 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
American Music Fairness Act takes another step forward
Step by step, the American Music Fairness Act is working its way through the US legislative system.
The post American Music Fairness Act takes another step forward appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Indiana’s attorney general files two lawsuits against TikTok
TikTok is ending 2022 with more legal headaches in the US: two lawsuits filed by Indiana’s attorney general against the company, focusing on user data and children’s safety.
The post Indiana’s attorney general files two lawsuits against TikTok appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TuneCore reaches a new milestone: $3bn of DIY-artist earnings
Believe has announced that its distribution subsidiary TuneCore has now reached the milestone of $3bn of artist earnings, having hit the $2.5bn mark in April this year.
The post TuneCore reaches a new milestone: $3bn of DIY-artist earnings appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
FTC and Meta prepare for court battle over Within acquisition
The US Federal Trade Commission and Meta are heading to a courtroom in San Jose today
The post FTC and Meta prepare for court battle over Within acquisition appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: European tech industry has lost $400bn in value in 2022
The numbers involved are still huge, but it’s still a clear snapshot of a difficult year for the sector.
The post Report: European tech industry has lost $400bn in value in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Snapchat gets a new spin on digital collectibles: Bitmoji Drop
NFTs may all be digital collectibles, but not all digital collectibles have to be NFTs. Look at what Snapchat’s parent company Snap is doing…
The post Snapchat gets a new spin on digital collectibles: Bitmoji Drop appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music NFTs roundup: WMG x LGND Music, Punx, Winamp…
Time for a few more music NFT announcements before Christmas, including the latest partnership for Warner Music Group.
The post Music NFTs roundup: WMG x LGND Music, Punx, Winamp… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK indie body AIM names Silvia Montello as its new CEO
Montello is a former BMG and Kobalt executive, and has also held positions at Blokur and Audio Network in recent years.
The post UK indie body AIM names Silvia Montello as its new CEO appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music adds ‘Sing’ karaoke feature with adjustable vocals
Now subscribers can turn off/down the vocals on tens of millions of tracks to sing along, while seeing lyrics that are properly ‘real-time’.
The post Apple Music adds ‘Sing’ karaoke feature with adjustable vocals appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
9 notable moments for K-Pop music in 2022
Today our focus is on K-Pop: the music and artists of South Korea whose horizons were truly global in the music industry of 2022.
The post 9 notable moments for K-Pop music in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Hybe launches online comic for &Team with Webtoon and Wattpad
Webtoons – essentially digital comics often created with mobile reading in mind – are big business particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
The post Hybe launches online comic for &Team with Webtoon and Wattpad appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music Leaders Network women’s leadership scheme opens 2023 applications
Music Leaders Network offers coaching, training and networking for women and people who identify as non-binary or trans.
The post Music Leaders Network women’s leadership scheme opens 2023 applications appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music Venue Trust names first Pipeline Investment Fund grants
In October, the UK’s Music Venue Trust announced its latest fund to help grassroots venues who are struggling: the Pipeline Investment Fund.
The post Music Venue Trust names first Pipeline Investment Fund grants appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Warner Music’s WMX launches three FAST music channels with Roku
The television industry loves its acronyms, and FAST (free, ad-supported, streaming TV) is the latest buzzy one.
The post Warner Music’s WMX launches three FAST music channels with Roku appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SoundCloud launches joint venture with music firm Third & Hayden
Traditional music industry boundaries continue to blur, particularly around artist development.
The post SoundCloud launches joint venture with music firm Third & Hayden appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
17 of the main strategic moves made by Spotify in 2022
Our Spotify roundup focuses on the big moments of 2022 for that streaming service, Apple, Joe Rogan, tips economics, audiobooks and much more.
The post 17 of the main strategic moves made by Spotify in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Roblox gets official Mariah Carey ‘Winter Wonderland’ experience
The announcement came alongside another digital activation for Carey: a series of official classes on fitness-tech platform Peloton.
The post Roblox gets official Mariah Carey ‘Winter Wonderland’ experience appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify caught in the middle of BTS and Blackpink fandom-feud
Last week’s release of Spotify Wrapped 2022 generated the usual mountain of social-media buzz – but also some controversy.
The post Spotify caught in the middle of BTS and Blackpink fandom-feud appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketmaster faces a ticketing lawsuit from Taylor Swift fans
Ticketmaster’s difficult end to 2022 continues. The recent on-sales for Taylor Swift’s North American tour are at the centre of it.
The post Ticketmaster faces a ticketing lawsuit from Taylor Swift fans appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Triller music deals under the microscope amid catalogue removals
What’s the deal with Triller and music? It’s a longstanding question around the short-video service, and there are competing narratives.
The post Triller music deals under the microscope amid catalogue removals appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
15 key moments from the fights for musicians’ rights in 2022
We’re publishing a daily roundup in December. Today’s focuses on the fights for artists’ rights (and higher royalties) in the streaming era.
The post 15 key moments from the fights for musicians’ rights in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Viberate breaks down ‘Taylor Swift As a Marketing Mastermind’
Profoundly unsurprising news of the day: Taylor Swift has been hugely popular on social media for a long, long time.
The post Viberate breaks down ‘Taylor Swift As a Marketing Mastermind’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Discord expands its ‘server subscriptions’ feature to more users
People with thriving Discord servers are already making money from them, but the most common model is to charge subscriptions on other platforms for access.
The post Discord expands its ‘server subscriptions’ feature to more users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Audius opens up its artist-tipping feature to credit cards
web3 streaming service Audius is making its payments features more accessible to mainstream music fans.
The post Audius opens up its artist-tipping feature to credit cards appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Kanye West suspended from Twitter again after swastika post
It turns out that even ‘free-speech absolutists’ have, well, an absolute limit to the hate content that they’ll tolerate.
The post Kanye West suspended from Twitter again after swastika post appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
We DO talk about the top song of 2022 on YouTube in the US
It’s still Recap Week in streaming-land, with YouTube publishing its regional charts of popular videos, Shorts, creators and songs.
The post We DO talk about the top song of 2022 on YouTube in the US appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
17 key music industry acquisition stories from 2022
Every working day in December, we’re publishing a new article drawing together some of the big music industry stories. Today: acquisitions.
The post 17 key music industry acquisition stories from 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Logcast links with Spotify for artists’ short-form audio talk
Swedish firm Logcast is a service helping creators to record and publish short-form audio clips, and to make money from them.
The post Logcast links with Spotify for artists’ short-form audio talk appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Aurora set for an in-game concert in Sky: Children of the Light
Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft may hog the headlines when it comes to in-game music performances, but there are opportunities beyond that trio.
The post Aurora set for an in-game concert in Sky: Children of the Light appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NFTs roundup: OpenSea, Warner Chappell, Probably a Label…
These are testing times for the crypto world, but there is still plenty of activity going on around NFTs, music and web3 technologies.
The post NFTs roundup: OpenSea, Warner Chappell, Probably a Label… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Measure of Music conference to return in February 2023
Measure of Music has built a deserved reputation as one of the most thoughtful and diverse music, tech and data conferences.
The post Measure of Music conference to return in February 2023 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
VR update: Megan Thee Stallion on Quest and FitXR’s new tracks
Earlier this year, Megan Thee Stallion went on a virtual reality tour of the US in partnership with startup AmazeVR.
The post VR update: Megan Thee Stallion on Quest and FitXR’s new tracks appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
A conversation with OpenAI’s ChatGPT about the music industry
Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has revealed its latest project. “We’ve trained a model called ChatGPT…”
The post A conversation with OpenAI’s ChatGPT about the music industry appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
22 best data sources to understand the music industry in 2022
Here is Music Ally’s handy primer on the best sources of data on the music market: industry stats, surveys, forecasts and more.
The post 22 best data sources to understand the music industry in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify Wrapped 2022 is here: end-of-year charts, artist data and more
Apple, YouTube and Deezer did well to get their end-of-2022 recaps out yesterday: Spotify has just launched its annual Wrapped promotion.
The post Spotify Wrapped 2022 is here: end-of-year charts, artist data and more appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Women In Music’s third annual summit will be a global event
Non-profit organisation Women In Music is preparing for its third annual summit, , which will be held worldwide in January 2023.
The post Women In Music’s third annual summit will be a global event appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Trevanna Tracks and Soundmouse team up in sync partnership
We recently covered a report published by Synchtank focusing on the “fiendish mass of complexities” around sync licensing and reporting.
The post Trevanna Tracks and Soundmouse team up in sync partnership appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
US senators put FTC under the microscope over ticket-buying bots
Live Nation has been under the spotlight since the difficulties with the ticket on-sales for Taylor Swift’s next tour.
The post US senators put FTC under the microscope over ticket-buying bots appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Universal Music Group buys 49% stake in indie group PIAS
Independence is still being stressed, with Gates and fellow co-founder Michel Lambot retaining majority control of PIAS.
The post Universal Music Group buys 49% stake in indie group PIAS appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music, YouTube Music and Deezer launch their annual recaps
With Spotify’s annual Wrapped promotion imminent, three other streaming services launched their recap features for listeners yesterday.
The post Apple Music, YouTube Music and Deezer launch their annual recaps appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Elon Musk picks a fight with Apple over ads and the App Store
Sound the klaxons! Elon Musk is picking a fight with Apple. Twitter’s new owner blasted the tech giant yesterday in a tweet.
The post Elon Musk picks a fight with Apple over ads and the App Store appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Bicep is the latest face of TikTok’s #ElectronicMusic campaign
TikTok has announced its latest music livestream, and it’s coming from Northern Irish duo Bicep at Alexandra Palace in London.
The post Bicep is the latest face of TikTok’s #ElectronicMusic campaign appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AI music firm DAACI joins Abbey Road Red startups incubator
London’s Abbey Road Red music-tech incubator has announced its latest participant: British startup AI music company DAACI.
The post AI music firm DAACI joins Abbey Road Red startups incubator appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NetEase Cloud Music extends its deal with Japanese label Avex
Chinese streaming service NetEase Cloud Music [NCM] sees even more potential for J-Pop (Japanese pop music) to grow in China.
The post NetEase Cloud Music extends its deal with Japanese label Avex appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Pixelynx tests out its Elynxir tech with AR game in Miami Beach
Pixelynx began life as a startup helping musicians to forge partnerships with metaverse companies, with co-founders including deadmau5.
The post Pixelynx tests out its Elynxir tech with AR game in Miami Beach appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
IFPI publishes its first official music chart for MENA region
The Middle East and North Africa is one of the ‘high potential’ regions being eyed eagerly by the global music industry.
The post IFPI publishes its first official music chart for MENA region appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK’s CMA publishes its final report on music streaming market
The UK’s competition regulator the CMA has published its final report from its market study of music streaming.
The post UK’s CMA publishes its final report on music streaming market appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitter verification to return as Musk trumpets signup stats
What’s the plan for Twitter’s verification system? Three colours, ‘tentatively’ launching on Friday, according to a tweet from Elon Musk.
The post Twitter verification to return as Musk trumpets signup stats appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Cliff Richard aims for Christmas charts success… with a magazine
Our British readers may remember a time when veteran artist Cliff Richard was a reliable end-of-year singles-chart topper.
The post Cliff Richard aims for Christmas charts success… with a magazine appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Dutch university reseacher wins €1.5m grant for streaming study
Politicians and regulators have been keen to understand streaming’s impact on the music industry and on artists in recent times.
The post Dutch university reseacher wins €1.5m grant for streaming study appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sao Paolo, Mexico City and Santiago are the metal megacities
Chartmetric’s latest deep-dive blog post comes from SoundCloud’s director of music intelligence and analytics Wyatt Marshall.
The post Sao Paolo, Mexico City and Santiago are the metal megacities appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
‘From Apple Music With Love’ Christmas countdown promo returns
The Christmas season is well and truly underway for music streaming: all the services are rolling out their festive content and promotions.
The post ‘From Apple Music With Love’ Christmas countdown promo returns appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK charity Youth Music launches latest round of incubator fund
British charity Youth Music’s incubator fund has so far provided more than 800 paid work opportunities in the music industry.
The post UK charity Youth Music launches latest round of incubator fund appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Deezer reveals its most streamed artists and albums of 2022
Deezer has published its end-of-year charts to avoid clashing with (and thus being flattened by) Spotify Wrapped.
The post Deezer reveals its most streamed artists and albums of 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ed Sheeran’s Pokémon track causes Twitch takedown headaches
Sheeran’s track ‘Celestial’ is being played over the end credits of the latest Pokémon games: Scarlet and Violet.
The post Ed Sheeran’s Pokémon track causes Twitch takedown headaches appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Utopia Music confirms layoffs to focus on ‘sustainable growth’
Utopia Music is one of the companies that has been most aggressive with its headcount growth in recent times.
The post Utopia Music confirms layoffs to focus on ‘sustainable growth’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report predicts 12.5m sales of consumer VR headsets in 2022
Research firm Omdia has been gazing into its crystal ball – or should that be crystal headset? – for the virtual reality market.
The post Report predicts 12.5m sales of consumer VR headsets in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music-events tech company Xceed raises €2m funding round
It’s not been a brilliant year, to say the least, for companies with businesses based on selling tickets and travel around music events.
The post Music-events tech company Xceed raises €2m funding round appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Stormzy to chat and perform for Amazon Music +44 showcase
Amazon Music really is throwing its full weight behind British artist Stormzy’s new album, with a Stormzy special event to be held in London.
The post Stormzy to chat and perform for Amazon Music +44 showcase appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NetEase Cloud Music revenues grew by 22.5% in Q3 2022
We don’t have the latest financial results from NetEase Cloud Music yet, but we do have some numbers from Cloud Village’s majority shareholder NetEase.
The post NetEase Cloud Music revenues grew by 22.5% in Q3 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok tipped to grow its annual ad revenues to $122.5bn by 2027
If labels weren’t already pushing for a share of TikTok’s advertising revenues, the latest predictions from research firm Omdia should change that.
The post TikTok tipped to grow its annual ad revenues to $122.5bn by 2027 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Facebook’s Widely Viewed Content report reveals news feed stats
Facebook has published a report on ‘Widely Viewed Content’, focusing on what its users in the US are seeing in their news feeds.
The post Facebook’s Widely Viewed Content report reveals news feed stats appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NFTs firm Sound adds activity feed to boost music discovery
Sound is one of the more interesting music NFTs platforms we saw spring up in the last couple of years.
The post NFTs firm Sound adds activity feed to boost music discovery appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BeatBread secures $100m fund to power its advances for artists
Music financing company BeatBread started the year by raising $34m of its own funding to build a business providing advances to musicians.
The post BeatBread secures $100m fund to power its advances for artists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music artists and ClientEarth call for new Euro climate law
A group of music artists are among the signers of an open letter calling for the EU to adopt a new law cracking down on deforestation.
The post Music artists and ClientEarth call for new Euro climate law appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketmaster to face US Senate hearing by the end of this year
Ticketmaster’s difficult end to 2022 continues, with the company now facing a hearing in the US Senate over its business practices.
The post Ticketmaster to face US Senate hearing by the end of this year appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Warner Music Group revenues grew 9% to $1.5bn in Q3 2022
WMG had another strong quarter in Q3 2022, with its financial results revealing a 9% year-on-year growth in the major’s revenues.
The post Warner Music Group revenues grew 9% to $1.5bn in Q3 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Instagram’s takedown of a drill music video has been overturned
Earlier this year, Instagram took down a music video featuring a track called ‘Secrets Not Safe’ by British drill artist Chinx (OS).
The post Instagram’s takedown of a drill music video has been overturned appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
DAACI, Hawkr, Volta XR, Biiah, Curve and Music Health win Music Ally SI:X
It’s time to announce the winners of Music Ally SI:X, our new global showcase, contest and mentorship program for music/tech startups.
The post DAACI, Hawkr, Volta XR, Biiah, Curve and Music Health win Music Ally SI:X appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
MBA For Africa to release its 2022 album: ‘Fuel & Flames’
MBA for Africa returned for its second year in April, and evolved into a company led by its latest cohort of aspiring industry executives in September.
The post MBA For Africa to release its 2022 album: ‘Fuel & Flames’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Believe and TuneCore enlist Luminate for gender equality study
Believe and TuneCore have published two of their annual ‘Be The Change’ gender equality studies so far, in 2021 and 2022.
The post Believe and TuneCore enlist Luminate for gender equality study appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Kanye West back on Twitter, but Jack White and Trent Reznor quit
Musk had stated that he would not reinstate prominent banned accounts until he had formed “a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints”.
The post Kanye West back on Twitter, but Jack White and Trent Reznor quit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK Music report reveals updated stats on industry diversity
UK Music’s latest Workforce Diversity Survey data is an important guide both to the progress made so far, and areas for improvement.
The post UK Music report reveals updated stats on industry diversity appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify expands its audiobooks feature to more countries
Having launched its new catalogue of audiobooks in the US in September, Spotify has moved quickly to roll it out to other countries too.
The post Spotify expands its audiobooks feature to more countries appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Has the key change been dying out in western popular music?
Audiomack data analytics expert Chris Dalla Riva has been listening to every single number-one track from Billboard’s Hot 100.
The post Has the key change been dying out in western popular music? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon Music reveals Stormzy pop-up and Central Cee livestream
Amazon Music has announced its latest pair of artist partnerships in the UK: one offline and one online.
The post Amazon Music reveals Stormzy pop-up and Central Cee livestream appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Dice extends its ticketing partnership with Primavera Sound
The companies have worked together since 2019, and Dice has sold nearly half a million mobile tickets for Primavera Sound’s events in 2022.
The post Dice extends its ticketing partnership with Primavera Sound appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Brands survey hints at recession silver lining for ad-supported music
There are significant concerns about the impact that economic recessions around the world may have on paid music subscriptions.
The post Brands survey hints at recession silver lining for ad-supported music appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Deutsche Grammophon launches Stage+ classical subscription service
The UMG subsidiary service will combine audio, video and livestreams with music drawn from the DG and Decca catalogues.
The post Deutsche Grammophon launches Stage+ classical subscription service appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketmaster cancels public on-sale for Taylor Swift tour
Ticketmaster has cancelled the public on-sale of tickets for next year’s US leg of Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’, with the company firmly on the defensive amid criticism from fans and politicians alike.
The post Ticketmaster cancels public on-sale for Taylor Swift tour appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Anghami revenues grow but 22% of its staff have been laid off
Middle Eastern and North African music streaming service Anghami has published its financial results for the third quarter of 2022.
The post Anghami revenues grow but 22% of its staff have been laid off appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok to stream Wet Leg concert as part of #AltMusic push
On the TikTok, on the TikTok, on the TikTok, all day long, on the TikTok… Well, not all day long if we’re honest: British band Wet Leg’s 24 November London concert will be streamed on TikTok for a shorter period of time, but at least it will be live.
The post TikTok to stream Wet Leg concert as part of #AltMusic push appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sony Music backs ‘Rising Star’ new-talent contest in Africa
Sony Music Africa is giving its backing to a competition for emerging and unsigned artists in Africa.
The post Sony Music backs ‘Rising Star’ new-talent contest in Africa appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
After $100k of payouts, Royal launches music rights marketplace
Royal is the startup founded by musician Justin Blau (aka 3lau) to help artists sell NFTs that include a share of their streaming royalties.
The post After $100k of payouts, Royal launches music rights marketplace appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Linktree’s ‘Payment Lock’ can paywall content (music included)
Smart-links firm Linktree has launched a new feature called ‘Payment Lock’ which aims to help people charge for access to exclusive content.
The post Linktree’s ‘Payment Lock’ can paywall content (music included) appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Jukedeck co-founder returns to AI music with Stability AI role
British firm Jukedeck was one of the first AI music startups to launch and get some traction, back in late 2014.
The post Jukedeck co-founder returns to AI music with Stability AI role appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Neil Young dings Spotify again over Joe Rogan and music quality
Neil Young removed his catalogue from Spotify earlier this year in protest at podcaster Joe Rogan’s views on Covid-19.
The post Neil Young dings Spotify again over Joe Rogan and music quality appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Deezer reveals its latest B2B partner: DAZN in Italy
Since going public, streaming service Deezer has been outlining its strategy for growth, including good B2B partnerships.
The post Deezer reveals its latest B2B partner: DAZN in Italy appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SiriusXM and Pandora launch an artist accelerator program
Ever since SiriusXM bought streaming service Pandora in 2018, the two services have explored partnerships and cross-promotions.
The post SiriusXM and Pandora launch an artist accelerator program appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music in Christmas covers battle
As in previous years, music streaming services are gearing up to celebrate Christmas with a battle royale of exclusive music.
The post Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music in Christmas covers battle appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
IFPI explores 2022’s music-listening trends in its new report
The IFPI’s Global Music Report makes plenty of springtime headlines with its figures for the recorded music industry.
The post IFPI explores 2022’s music-listening trends in its new report appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketmaster shifts Taylor Swift onsales after presale chaos
Ticketmaster has rescheduled some of the onsales for Taylor Swift’s upcoming tour, after “historically unprecedented” demand for tickets in the initial presale.
The post Ticketmaster shifts Taylor Swift onsales after presale chaos appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube roundup: Black Voices Fund music class and Shorts updates
There are a few stories from YouTube to let you know about today, starting with the announcement of its Black Voices Fund class of 2023.
The post YouTube roundup: Black Voices Fund music class and Shorts updates appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AIM launches investment syndicate and apprenticeship program
British independent labels body AIM held its annual general meeting yesterday, and announced a pair of new initiatives.
The post AIM launches investment syndicate and apprenticeship program appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music licensing startup Uppbeat reaches 1m users milestone
Startup Uppbeat emerged early in 2021 as a music licensing service for YouTubers, with a catalogue of 900 cleared tracks and a freemium business model.
The post Music licensing startup Uppbeat reaches 1m users milestone appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music NFTs roundup: Santigold, Coachella, Pianity x Sacem…
Santigold is the latest artist to experiment with NFTs in the context of an online fanclub.
The post Music NFTs roundup: Santigold, Coachella, Pianity x Sacem… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK streaming inquiry: ‘The elephant in the room is fair remuneration’
Yesterday, the UK’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee held a pair of follow-up sessions for its inquiry into the economics of music streaming.
The post UK streaming inquiry: ‘The elephant in the room is fair remuneration’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK music streaming inquiry returns with follow-up evidence sessions
Thought you’d heard the last of the UK’s parliamentary inquiry into the economics of music streaming. Soz, but no.
The post UK music streaming inquiry returns with follow-up evidence sessions appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: Amazon is preparing to lay off around 10,000 people
Amazon may be the next tech giant to lay off thousands of people, according to a report in the New York Times.
The post Report: Amazon is preparing to lay off around 10,000 people appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify wants to help artists sell more merch on its service
Merchandise has been part of Spotify for a while now, and the company is increasing its efforts to help artists use that feature.
The post Spotify wants to help artists sell more merch on its service appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Musicians to suffer from ‘cost of working’ crisis this winter
A survey by the charity Help Musicians has found 98% of musicians are ‘concerned’ about their ability to earn enough income in the next six months.
The post Musicians to suffer from ‘cost of working’ crisis this winter appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Tencent Music revenues fall, but its online music business is still growing
Chinese music-streaming giant Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) has published its financial results for the third quarter of 2022.
The post Tencent Music revenues fall, but its online music business is still growing appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Emma McGann talks Discord RPGs, Unreal music videos and pushing tech boundaries
British artist Emma McGann is launching a Discord RPG bot game alongside her latest EP ‘Monsterverse’, as well as Unreal music videos.
The post Emma McGann talks Discord RPGs, Unreal music videos and pushing tech boundaries appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
DeviantArt wants to help visual artists opt out of AI systems
There’s a growing debate about whether and how visual artists should be able to opt out of their work being used to train creative AI systems.
The post DeviantArt wants to help visual artists opt out of AI systems appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Staccato pitches itself to songwriters as ‘an AI Lennon to your McCartney’
The new AI-music startup, like its established rivals, is pitching itself as a boon for human songwriters rather than a replacement for them.
The post Staccato pitches itself to songwriters as ‘an AI Lennon to your McCartney’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta is getting out of its Portal smart-displays business
Meta has been running TV ads for its Portal smart displays, but canny buyers may want to hang on until Black Friday or the Boxing Day sales.
The post Meta is getting out of its Portal smart-displays business appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK telco Vodafone’s Voxi launches an ‘unlimited music’ plan
British Telco Vodafone is making music a key selling point in the latest affordable mobile plan from its Voxi brand.
The post UK telco Vodafone’s Voxi launches an ‘unlimited music’ plan appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BPI trumpets indies’ growth ahead of streaming inquiry follow-up
“In the first ten months of the year, independently-released music made up 28.6% of the UK music market,” announced the BPI this morning.
The post BPI trumpets indies’ growth ahead of streaming inquiry follow-up appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Viberate explores the Netflix effect for artist Sofia Carson
Analytics firm Viberate has been digging into the Netflix bump for artist and actor Sofia Carson, star of Purple Hearts.
The post Viberate explores the Netflix effect for artist Sofia Carson appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Lorde warns fans about the ‘demented struggle’ of touring
Lorde sold nearly 20,000 tickets to her recent London concerts, which makes her one of the artists who’s keeping her head above water.
The post Lorde warns fans about the ‘demented struggle’ of touring appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Songwriter sues 3lau over revenues from his NFT sales
Artist Justin Blau (aka 3lau) has been one of the early movers in music NFTs, selling his own and founding startup Royal.
The post Songwriter sues 3lau over revenues from his NFT sales appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
HIFI Labs outlines plans for its Neume web3 music data layer
In May we reported on startup HIFI Labs spinning out a project called Neume, to create a data layer for web3 music platforms.
The post HIFI Labs outlines plans for its Neume web3 music data layer appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AI music startup Boomy has been used to create 10m songs
We’ve seen a flurry of announcements from streaming services about their catalogues reaching 100m tracks. Now Boomy has its own milestone.
The post AI music startup Boomy has been used to create 10m songs appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WMG launches ‘Out of Order’ label for emerging-markets music
WMG’s latest label has a wide-ranging geographic focus: Africa, India, the Middle East, Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The post WMG launches ‘Out of Order’ label for emerging-markets music appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Elon Musk has ‘killed’ Twitter’s official labels… or has he?
It’s possible you don’t want a daily blow-by-blow account of what Elon Musk is doing and saying as the new owner and CEO of Twitter
The post Elon Musk has ‘killed’ Twitter’s official labels… or has he? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube Content ID processed 758m copyright requests in 1H22
YouTube has published its latest copyright transparency report, covering the first half of 2022. It includes stats for Content ID.
The post YouTube Content ID processed 758m copyright requests in 1H22 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Medical music startup MediMusic joins Abbey Road Red incubator
UK-based startup MediMusic, which explores the intersection of music and medicine, has just joined the Abbey Road Red music-tech incubator.
The post Medical music startup MediMusic joins Abbey Road Red incubator appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Esports brand Fnatic is launching its own music label
Fnatic is one of the big names in the esports world, with its teams of professional gamers competing in tournaments.
The post Esports brand Fnatic is launching its own music label appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon Music for Artists adds two more merchandise features
Amazon Music has been making a significant push recently around merchandise, encouraging artists to explore the ways they can sell merch.
The post Amazon Music for Artists adds two more merchandise features appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube now has 80m paid Music and Premium subscribers
It’s more than a year since YouTube announced that it had 50 million paid subscribers for YouTube Music and YouTube Premium.
The post YouTube now has 80m paid Music and Premium subscribers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music names Bad Bunny as its artist of the year for 2022
Apple Music is stealing a march on its rivals by announcing that Bad Bunny is its artist of the year for 2022.
The post Apple Music names Bad Bunny as its artist of the year for 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Anything World raises $7.5m from investors including WMG
Startup Anything World has big ambitions to make it easier for people to create 3D worlds. Now it has a big new round of funding.
The post Anything World raises $7.5m from investors including WMG appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta to lay off more than 11,000 staff – 13% of its headcount
Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta has announced plans to lay off 11,000 of its staff – around 13% of its workforce.
The post Meta to lay off more than 11,000 staff – 13% of its headcount appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Deezer hires former Vivendi exec Maria Garrido as chief marketing officer
Streaming service Deezer has a new chief marketing officer: Maria Garrido, former global chief insights and analytics officer at Havas Group.
The post Deezer hires former Vivendi exec Maria Garrido as chief marketing officer appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
MQA gains approval for new MQair wireless audio tech
We know MQA for its hi-res audio technology that has been adopted by a range of digital music services, hardware firms and broadcasters.
The post MQA gains approval for new MQair wireless audio tech appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitter plans ‘official’ label for ‘some public figures’
Another day, another update in how Twitter is planning to change its verification system for public figures and brands.
The post Twitter plans ‘official’ label for ‘some public figures’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Condé Nast sues Drake and 21 Savage over promo campaign
Did you enjoy the spoof Vogue magazine cover created to promote Drake and 21 Savage’s new album? Condé Nast didn’t.
The post Condé Nast sues Drake and 21 Savage over promo campaign appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
#FestivalsWithoutBarriers campaign aims for more accessible festivals
Attitude is Everything is an organisation campaigning to improve accessibility to concerts and festivals for disabled people.
The post #FestivalsWithoutBarriers campaign aims for more accessible festivals appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Endlesss adds third-party instruments and audio imports
Endlesss started as a mobile app where electronic musicians could create and collaborate. Now it’s widening its horizons.
The post Endlesss adds third-party instruments and audio imports appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Reservoir financials reveal 10% growth in Q3 revenues
Music rights firm Reservoir Media has published its latest financial results, revealing that its revenues grew by 10% year-on-year.
The post Reservoir financials reveal 10% growth in Q3 revenues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Pressure mounts on TikTok over its music royalties payments
There has been a steady increase in the chorus of grumbling from music rightsholders about how TikTok pays royalties for music.
The post Pressure mounts on TikTok over its music royalties payments appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitter alternative Mastodon reaches 1m monthly active users
Mastodon is one of the Twitter alternatives that some people are migrating to in the wake of Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company.
The post Twitter alternative Mastodon reaches 1m monthly active users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ticketswap expands to UK (but it already has 1.5m users there)
Ticketswap is one of the firms trying to build an ethical business out of ticket reselling, rather than going down the tout’s-paradise route.
The post Ticketswap expands to UK (but it already has 1.5m users there) appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Get set for a festival playing every Taylor Swift song ever
Yes, every single one. Which according to the latest blurb means 194 Taylor Swift songs will be performed at the two-day festival.
The post Get set for a festival playing every Taylor Swift song ever appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BeatBlox gives Decentraland’s Metaverse Music Festival a LatAm twist
Later this week the second Metaverse Music Festival takes place in virtual world Decentraland. BeatBlox is one of the companies involved.
The post BeatBlox gives Decentraland’s Metaverse Music Festival a LatAm twist appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Moon Projects adds publishing division via Warner Chappell partnership
The lines between labels, music publishers and management companies get ever blurrier, as shown by Moon Projects’ new publishing arm.
The post Moon Projects adds publishing division via Warner Chappell partnership appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: Meta could announce significant layoffs this week
Last week’s big tech-layoffs news story may have been Twitter, but this week’s seems likely to be Meta, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The post Report: Meta could announce significant layoffs this week appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Indian regional streaming app Baahi adds subscription tier
Baahi is a music streaming service that launched in 2020 in the Assam region of India, focusing on regional music.
The post Indian regional streaming app Baahi adds subscription tier appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok trumpets #ClassicalMusic (with Hans Zimmer’s help)
Well, TikTok isn’t just trumpeting classical music in its latest promo: it’s celloing it, fluting it and bassooning it for good measure.
The post TikTok trumpets #ClassicalMusic (with Hans Zimmer’s help) appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Lil Nas X stars at League of Legends Worlds opening ceremony
More than five million people (plus an unknown number of viewers watching livestreams in China) watched the final matches of the League of Legends Worlds 2022.
The post Lil Nas X stars at League of Legends Worlds opening ceremony appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
ISP faces $46.8m damages after losing piracy battle
Record label lawsuits against ISPs for piracy conducted by the latter’s customers feels like a story from a different age.
The post ISP faces $46.8m damages after losing piracy battle appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Audioshake wins Swimming with Narwhals music-tech startups contest
Stem-separation startup Audioshake has another feather in its cap this month: it won the Swimming with Narwhals startups contest.
The post Audioshake wins Swimming with Narwhals music-tech startups contest appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SoundOut launches OnBrand music-search tool for marketers
There’s a giant haystack of music out there, with every brand searching for the needles that will work best for their campaigns.
The post SoundOut launches OnBrand music-search tool for marketers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Block financials hint at $56m of quarterly Tidal revenues
Fintech firm Block is a.) the owner of music service Tidal, and b.) a public company, so its quarterly results give us an insight into how Tidal is performing.
The post Block financials hint at $56m of quarterly Tidal revenues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Live Nation posts strong Q3 but Biden tweet spells trouble ahead
Live Nation has hailed “record levels” of demand for concerts in the third quarter of this year, but there may be some regulatory clouds gathering for its ticketing business in the US, encouraged from the very highest level of US politics.
The post Live Nation posts strong Q3 but Biden tweet spells trouble ahead appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Believe reports 36.9% growth in its Q3 2022 financial results
Business continues to be very good for distributor Believe, which announced its Q3 2022 financial results yesterday.
The post Believe reports 36.9% growth in its Q3 2022 financial results appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Peloton lost 200,000 members in the third quarter of 2022
“For the last nine months my goal has been to turn around Peloton and position it for sustained growth and scale.
The post Peloton lost 200,000 members in the third quarter of 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Former Apple exec Jimmy Iovine has some advice for Spotify
We’d happily listen to Jimmy Iovine telling anecdotes about his time producing the likes of John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen.
The post Former Apple exec Jimmy Iovine has some advice for Spotify appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Diplo, Ellie Goulding and Kygo invest in biodegradable bottles
When it comes to the climate emergency, some artists are putting their money where fans’ mouths are.
The post Diplo, Ellie Goulding and Kygo invest in biodegradable bottles appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Climate emergency: notes from Julie’s Bicycle’s We Make Tomorrow 2022
As part of Music Ally’s coverage of the climate emergency and the music industry, we’ve written several times about Julie’s Bicycle.
The post Climate emergency: notes from Julie’s Bicycle’s We Make Tomorrow 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: global music copyright value grew 18% to $39.6bn in 2021
Every year, author and former Spotify chief economist Will Page publishes his analysis of the ‘global value of music copyright’.
The post Report: global music copyright value grew 18% to $39.6bn in 2021 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify says ‘no news to report’ on Anghami acquisition rumour
Is Spotify buying Middle Eastern streaming service Anghami? The question wasn’t in our minds until we read this quote from the company’s spokesperson: “We have no news to report regarding a potential acquisition between Spotify and Anghami.”
The post Spotify says ‘no news to report’ on Anghami acquisition rumour appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
How does music streaming affect the valuations of catalogues?
We know how streaming has had an impact on the value of the recorded music industry, but what about on the value of music catalogues?
The post How does music streaming affect the valuations of catalogues? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Hybe revenues grow and Com2uS buys stake in SM Entertainment
K-Pop giant Hybe has published its financial results for the third quarter of 2022.
The post Hybe revenues grow and Com2uS buys stake in SM Entertainment appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music and climate: #WeMeasureTogether and Nordic pilot project
This weekend sees the latest ‘Conference of the Parties’ (COP) climate summit kick off in Egypt, with COP27 due to bring world leaders, climate scientists and activists together.
The post Music and climate: #WeMeasureTogether and Nordic pilot project appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
AI music roundup: Holly+ does Dolly, Emergent Drums…
“Your algorithm’s like a breath of spring, your code is soft like summer rain…” These are NOT the lyrics in a new cover of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, we hasten to add: it’s very faithful to the original.
The post AI music roundup: Holly+ does Dolly, Emergent Drums… appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Elton John goes ‘Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’ on Roblox
Elton John has launched his own Roblox experience today. It’s called Elton John Presents ‘Beyond The Yellow Brick Road’.
The post Elton John goes ‘Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’ on Roblox appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Labels, artists and DSPs join campaign to protect Black art
There has been a growing wave of concern and anger within the music industry about how Black artists’ lyrics have been used as evidence against them in US courtrooms.
The post Labels, artists and DSPs join campaign to protect Black art appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Pandora ad revenues increase but listener total still falling
US satellite radio firm SiriusXM has published its financial results for the third quarter, including the latest figures for its music-streaming service Pandora.
The post Pandora ad revenues increase but listener total still falling appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Taylor Swift clean-sweeps top 10 in Billboard Hot 100 chart
Women may be underrepresented in Blokur’s chart of the top 100 songwriters globally, but this week at least, it’s a different story in Billboard’s Hot 100 tracks chart in the US.
The post Taylor Swift clean-sweeps top 10 in Billboard Hot 100 chart appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BPI hails UK chart surge for dance-music releases in 2022
It’s a good year for big fish and cardboard boxes in the UK.
The post BPI hails UK chart surge for dance-music releases in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Former Warner Chappell exec Eric Mackay reveals new venture Imbr
It must be the week for music industry veterans who recently left Warner Music to the wrappers off their new startups.
The post Former Warner Chappell exec Eric Mackay reveals new venture Imbr appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Fred again tapped Discord for album-launch listening parties
There’s a lot of buzz around the latest album from British artist Fred again, and a decent chunk of that buzz is being driven by his thriving fan community on Discord.
The post Fred again tapped Discord for album-launch listening parties appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Elon Musk’s next stunt might just be a revival of Vine
In our Twitter report yesterday, we noted that new owner Elon Musk had tweeted a poll asking ‘Bring back Vine?’ – referring to Twitter’s long-shuttered short-video spin-off. It seems he may not have been joking.
The post Elon Musk’s next stunt might just be a revival of Vine appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Olivia Rodrigo was 2021’s top songwriter – but only 15% of the top 100 were women
Startup Blokur has released its second ‘Songwriters’ Review’ report, based on its analysis of Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube.
The post Olivia Rodrigo was 2021’s top songwriter – but only 15% of the top 100 were women appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ex-WMG exec Scott Cohen to launch fractionalised music royalties startup
In September, Warner Music Group announced that Scott Cohen, its chief innovation officer, recorded music, would be leaving the company at the end of September.
The post Ex-WMG exec Scott Cohen to launch fractionalised music royalties startup appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
eMarketer predicts tenfold slowdown of social-media ad growth
“Who killed the social media ad boom?” asked the Financial Times on Friday, in a piece sparked by the estimates from research firm eMarketer.
The post eMarketer predicts tenfold slowdown of social-media ad growth appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
WIN opens up new international networking project for indies
Global independent body WIN is launching a new project called ‘WINHUB’ as part of its efforts to connect members around the world.
The post WIN opens up new international networking project for indies appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
FTC plans to question Zuckerberg in case to block Within deal
Meta bought the developer of popular VR music game Beat Saber in 2019 without a hitch, and may have expected similar for Within.
The post FTC plans to question Zuckerberg in case to block Within deal appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon lays off some Amp staff but says still focused on growth
Amazon unveiled the Amp app in March, with artists, radio hosts, journalists and listeners able to launch their own music station and play DJ.
The post Amazon lays off some Amp staff but says still focused on growth appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Deezer revenues rise but subscriber total declines slightly
Deezer is the latest digital music company to publish its financial results for the third quarter of 2022.
The post Deezer revenues rise but subscriber total declines slightly appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Elon Musk’s Twitter: paid verification, moderation council and more
You wouldn’t get a prize for predicting that Elon Musk’s first few days in charge of Twitter would be eventful, for better or worse.
The post Elon Musk’s Twitter: paid verification, moderation council and more appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Universal Music Group Q3 revenues up 23.7% year-on-year
Universal Music Group has reported another strong quarter, with its Q3 revenues up 23.7% year-on-year to €2.66bn ($2.65bn) – or up 13.3% at constant currency, which translates last year’s figures to today’s exchange rates. Whichever metric you go with, UMG’s business is growing well.
The post Universal Music Group Q3 revenues up 23.7% year-on-year appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple services revenue up 5% as subscribers top 900m
Business is still good for Apple: the tech giant posted record quarterly revenues in Q3 this year (its fiscal Q4), up 8% year-on-year to $90.15bn.
The post Apple services revenue up 5% as subscribers top 900m appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Instagram now has more than 2bn monthly active users
Something we missed in our report on Meta’s latest financial results yesterday: CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed a new milestone stat for its Instagram service.
The post Instagram now has more than 2bn monthly active users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Opulous litepaper reveals ‘Royalty Vault’ and advances plans
“Q4 is product time. Let’s make history,” tweeted Opulous, the web3 spin-off from distributor Ditto Music, yesterday.
The post Opulous litepaper reveals ‘Royalty Vault’ and advances plans appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Peloton has ‘indefinitely paused’ use of Kanye West’s music
Streaming services are uncomfortable with the idea of removing Kanye West’s catalogue due to his recent round of interviews expressing antisemitic views.
The post Peloton has ‘indefinitely paused’ use of Kanye West’s music appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
CISAC and SCAPR publish their annual collections figures
Collecting societies body CISAC has published its annual Global Collections Report this morning, revealing the latest figures and trends from its member bodies.
The post CISAC and SCAPR publish their annual collections figures appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Black Lives in Music unveils its industry anti-racism code
British organisation Black Lives in Music has announced its anti-racism code for the music industry, which will be adopted in 2023 with the backing of industry bodies and the UK’s Independent Standards Authority.
The post Black Lives in Music unveils its industry anti-racism code appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sony Music, WMG and Ticketmaster back ‘Own Our Venues’ campaign
UK charity the Music Venue Trust launched its ‘Own Our Venues’ campaign earlier this year with the aim of raising enough money to buy the freeholds of independent music venues, and thus safeguard their futures.
The post Sony Music, WMG and Ticketmaster back ‘Own Our Venues’ campaign appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Songwriter tools: Session x SONA, and Bridger gets collaborative
Accurate metadata is going to be the lifeblood for songwriters in the future (or, to put it less positively, inaccurate or missing metadata has been a big problem for them in the streaming era thus far).
The post Songwriter tools: Session x SONA, and Bridger gets collaborative appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
89% of British adults are still weekly radio listeners
The next time that somebody flippantly tells you that music streaming has already ‘killed’ radio, point them in the direction of the latest figures from British radio industry body Rajar.
The post 89% of British adults are still weekly radio listeners appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music Ally SI:X 2022 :: meet the 36 finalists in our startups contest
Earlier this year, we launched Music Ally SI:X, our new, global music startups contest. Today, we’re announcing the 36 finalists.
The post Music Ally SI:X 2022 :: meet the 36 finalists in our startups contest appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Audiobooks are the latest spark in Spotify-Apple battle
Spotify launched audiobooks in the US recently, but the process of buying them is far too complicated and confusing – according to Spotify!
The post Audiobooks are the latest spark in Spotify-Apple battle appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Volumetric capture startup Tetavi raises $15m and rebrands
It’s a mark of the pace at which things are moving that the first time Music Ally is writing about Tetavi, it’s already rebranding.
The post Volumetric capture startup Tetavi raises $15m and rebrands appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YellowHeart sets its ticketing sights on the metaverse
We first wrote about YellowHeart in 2019, when it emerged as a blockchain ticketing startup backed by EDM duo the Chainsmokers.
The post YellowHeart sets its ticketing sights on the metaverse appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta and Tidal team up for new series of virtual concerts
Could musicians be part of the solution to disappointing usage figures for Meta’s Horizon Worlds virtual world?
The post Meta and Tidal team up for new series of virtual concerts appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Musicians’ Union publishes ‘Misogyny in Music’ inquiry response
The Musicians’ Union’s response to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee ‘Misogyny in Music’ inquiry has been published.
The post Musicians’ Union publishes ‘Misogyny in Music’ inquiry response appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify pushes back on pressure to remove Ye’s music
Ek said that if Ye’s recent “awful comments” had been made on a podcast or a music track, it would have been removed for being hate speech.
The post Spotify pushes back on pressure to remove Ye’s music appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Alphabet financials reveal decline in YouTube ad revenues
YouTube’s advertising revenues were down 1.9% year-on-year in Q3: a rare decline for one of tech firm Alphabet’s key business lines.
The post Alphabet financials reveal decline in YouTube ad revenues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify reaches 195m subs and hints at future price rise
The cost-of-living crisis isn’t biting yet for Spotify’s premium business. It’s expecting to cross the 200m milestone by the end of this year.
The post Spotify reaches 195m subs and hints at future price rise appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Lil Durk preps a ‘music IPO’ with Grand Theft Auto perks
The latest artist hoping to sell fans a share of his royalties is US rapper Lil Durk, with a gaming tie-in to his plans for a “music IPO”.
The post Lil Durk preps a ‘music IPO’ with Grand Theft Auto perks appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify encourages artists to prepare for Wrapped 2022
Spotify is preparing for its annual Wrapped promo, where artists and fans alike share their streaming stats for the year.
The post Spotify encourages artists to prepare for Wrapped 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Unionisation afoot for YouTube and Netflix music workers
The topic of unionised workers within and around the music industry is growing in prominence, with two more stories to add to the trend.
The post Unionisation afoot for YouTube and Netflix music workers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Chinese firm Kuaishou is Merlin’s latest licensing partner
Kuaishou has a global footprint: more than 45 million users of its separate Kwai app in Brazil for example.
The post Chinese firm Kuaishou is Merlin’s latest licensing partner appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
The 1975 set to be Amazon Music’s next concert livestream
Amazon Music really does have the bit between its teeth when it comes to livestreamed concerts.
The post The 1975 set to be Amazon Music’s next concert livestream appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
CAA ends relationship with Ye after antisemitic comments
It’s been a troubling few weeks watching Ye (formerly Kanye West) making antisemitic comments in a series of interviews.
The post CAA ends relationship with Ye after antisemitic comments appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Will Apple Music subscription rise spur rivals to follow?
If Apple’s move paves the way for its rivals to follow suit, this may be a significant moment. Can we quantify the impact?
The post Will Apple Music subscription rise spur rivals to follow? appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Call for entries :: Music Ally Sandbox Marketing Campaigns of the Year 2022
Every December, our final Sandbox report of the year highlights the best, most original and most impactful music marketing campaigns from around the world.
The post Call for entries :: Music Ally Sandbox Marketing Campaigns of the Year 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok hits back at Forbes allegations over tracking tech
TikTok is on the defensive again, after a report by Forbes making some very serious allegations about the app.
The post TikTok hits back at Forbes allegations over tracking tech appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
British artist Shygirl debuts new music video on OnlyFans
Subscription platform OnlyFans has been increasingly keen to talk about its potential for creators beyond the adult entertainment industry.
The post British artist Shygirl debuts new music video on OnlyFans appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SCAPR opens up International Performer Numbers with UMG
Collecting societies body SCAPR is opening up its IPN [International Performer Number] system beyond its PRO members.
The post SCAPR opens up International Performer Numbers with UMG appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Pepsi follows Coca-Cola with new emerging artists initiative
Launched last year as a pilot program, it’s now essentially an artist incubator being run with distributor UnitedMasters.
The post Pepsi follows Coca-Cola with new emerging artists initiative appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Finnish startup Gixon launches live music bookings app in UK
Gixon is a startup from Finland that launched in 2021 and aims to make it easier to book artists for live performances.
The post Finnish startup Gixon launches live music bookings app in UK appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify turns to Twitch star Pokimane for latest campaign
Moroccan-Canadian streamer Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys is one of the biggest Twitch stars, with 9.3 million followers there.
The post Spotify turns to Twitch star Pokimane for latest campaign appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BeatBread is building a network of investors in artists
Startup BeatBread’s technology automates the process of paying advances to artists based on their projected streaming revenues.
The post BeatBread is building a network of investors in artists appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
web3 DSP Audius buys online-concerts startup SoundStage·fm
Audius’s take on ‘web3 music streaming’ has focused mainly on its decentralised nature and its plans for tokens.
The post web3 DSP Audius buys online-concerts startup SoundStage·fm appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Pinterest ups music activities with WMG, Merlin and BMG
Of all the social media platforms, Pinterest might be the one most under the radar for the music industry.
The post Pinterest ups music activities with WMG, Merlin and BMG appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Activist groups team up for ‘Break up Ticketmaster’ campaign
Live Nation and Ticketmaster completed their merger in January 2010, after receiving regulatory approvals.
The post Activist groups team up for ‘Break up Ticketmaster’ campaign appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Netflix is growing again, adding 2.4m subscribers in Q3
Netflix has been spooking the investor horses – well, certainly giving them long faces – with its decline in subscribers in recent times.
The post Netflix is growing again, adding 2.4m subscribers in Q3 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
MPA offers menopause, menstruation and miscarriage guidance
October is World Menopause Awareness Month, and in fact Tuesday 18th October was World Menopause Day.
The post MPA offers menopause, menstruation and miscarriage guidance appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Hyph and Ableton launch new apps for music creation
There have been a flurry of new music-creation mobile apps in the last year or two, aimed at amateur musicians and pros alike.
The post Hyph and Ableton launch new apps for music creation appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music Venue Trust launches new fund for grassroots UK venues
The UK’s Music Venue Trust continues its work to help independent venues stay open amid continuing economic headwinds.
The post Music Venue Trust launches new fund for grassroots UK venues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Sacem taps the blockchain for Musicstart works-protection tool
French collecting society Sacem has launched a new service for songwriters called Musicstart.
The post Sacem taps the blockchain for Musicstart works-protection tool appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Slacker hit by court judgement over SoundExchange royalties
Earlier this year, SoundExchange sued streaming service Slacker alleging that it had “stopped paying statutory royalties” in 2017.
The post Slacker hit by court judgement over SoundExchange royalties appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon Music adds another livestream: Kendrick Lamar
Just a day after announcing a new series of weekly livestreamed concerts, Amazon Music has announced another online set-piece.
The post Amazon Music adds another livestream: Kendrick Lamar appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok debuts StemDrop music format with UMG, Syco and Samsung
Amid all the speculation about TikTok Music, TikTok has been quietly working on… a new music format. It’s called StemDrop.
The post TikTok debuts StemDrop music format with UMG, Syco and Samsung appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Stability AI raises $10m as Stable Diffusion reaches 10m users
We’ve written a few times recently about Stability AI. It’s the company behind the text-to-image Stable Diffusion system, and also a backer of the Harmonai project that recently launched AI music tool Dance Diffusion.
The post Stability AI raises $10m as Stable Diffusion reaches 10m users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Discord adds YouTube integration and monthly $3 subscription
Popular chat platform Discord has announced some new features which will be relevant for artists building communities there, as well as for how music is experienced more widely on it.
The post Discord adds YouTube integration and monthly $3 subscription appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Decentraland unveils plans for second Metaverse Music Festival
web3 virtual world Decentraland has signed up more than 100 artists for its second Metaverse Music Festival, which will be happening on its platform from 10-13 November.
The post Decentraland unveils plans for second Metaverse Music Festival appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Mixcloud gets into short-form audio with new ‘Tracks’ feature
From its launch in 2008, Mixcloud’s focus was on long-form audio: DJ sets, radio shows and podcasts, complete with a blanket-licensing model to ensure royalties were paid for the music used in that content.
The post Mixcloud gets into short-form audio with new ‘Tracks’ feature appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Amazon Music launches series of livestreamed music concerts
Amazon Music is going to be livestreaming weekly music concerts, but not through the sister service you might expect. ‘Amazon Music Live’ will air every Thursday not on Twitch, but on Amazon Prime Video.
The post Amazon Music launches series of livestreamed music concerts appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report suggests podcasts could be TikTok’s next expansion
TikTok moving into audio is already the subject of frenetic speculation, with rumours that a TikTok Music streaming service (or just a geographic expansion of Resso with deeper TikTok integration) may be imminent.
The post Report suggests podcasts could be TikTok’s next expansion appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Branded worlds may bring risks as well as rewards for Roblox
New research from KidsNoBest, which surveys around one million children a year on their media and digital habits, reveals the risks.
The post Branded worlds may bring risks as well as rewards for Roblox appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: Meta’s Horizon Worlds only has 200k active users
Internal documents from Meta suggest that the company was hoping for 500,000 monthly active users for Horizon Worlds by the end of 2022.
The post Report: Meta’s Horizon Worlds only has 200k active users appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Substack says it’s more than just a newsletters platform
Co-founder Hamish McKenzie pointed out that the platform also supports podcasts, videos and audio narrations.
The post Substack says it’s more than just a newsletters platform appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Stable Diffusion used to turn lyrics into AI-driven videos
Video Killed the Radio Star… Diffusion transcribes lyrics from YouTube videos and turns them into prompts for Stable Diffusion images.
The post Stable Diffusion used to turn lyrics into AI-driven videos appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Warner Records debuts own web3 imprint Probably A Label
It’s a partnership with “former celebrity restaurateur turned web3 creator” Jeremy Fall, riffing off his existing Probably Nothing brand.
The post Warner Records debuts own web3 imprint Probably A Label appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music takes spatial audio to Mercedes-Benz cars
Spatial audio is currently one of the key selling points for Apple Music, and now it’s making its way into one of the most logical environments for this technology
The post Apple Music takes spatial audio to Mercedes-Benz cars appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
BTS Busan livestream attracted more than 49m viewers
Despite premature reports of the demise of K-Pop titans BTS, the group returned for a stadium concert in their homeland this weekend
The post BTS Busan livestream attracted more than 49m viewers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Girls I Rate seeks next generation of women hitmakers
Girls I Rate is campaigning for gender equality and female representation and recognition in the creative industries
The post Girls I Rate seeks next generation of women hitmakers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Impala still opposed to equitable remuneration for streaming
Impala recently held its latest board meeting, and has published some of the conclusions drawn and policies affirmed there.
The post Impala still opposed to equitable remuneration for streaming appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Latest TikTok advertising features include Focused View
TikTok has been pitching brands and agencies on the idea of amping up their spending in its app even more.
The post Latest TikTok advertising features include Focused View appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
SoundCloud rebrands creator tools with growth in mind
Spotify for Artists; Apple Music for Artists; Amazon Music for Artists… and now SoundCloud for Artists.
The post SoundCloud rebrands creator tools with growth in mind appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify puts Drake OVO Sound logo on FC Barcelona’s next match kit
Drake is one of the first artists to benefit from Spotify flexing the muscles of its sponsorship of Catalan football giant FC Barcelona.
The post Spotify puts Drake OVO Sound logo on FC Barcelona’s next match kit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
‘Economic reality’ puts paid to Animal Collective’s UK and EU tour
American band Animal collective announced yesterday that they have cancelled their upcoming tour of the UK and Europe.
The post ‘Economic reality’ puts paid to Animal Collective’s UK and EU tour appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta and Instagram’s ‘Creator Week’ returns in November
Every platform wants to teach creators how to make the most of its key features, and hopefully court them to give it priority.
The post Meta and Instagram’s ‘Creator Week’ returns in November appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Epidemic Sound launches web series to profile its musicians
Production music firm Epidemic Sound has launched a new web video series profiling some of the musicians that it works with.
The post Epidemic Sound launches web series to profile its musicians appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Publishers receive setbacks in latest Wolfgang’s ruling
In 2018, a company called Wolfgang’s was ruled liable for copyright infringement after a lawsuit brought by music publishers.
The post Publishers receive setbacks in latest Wolfgang’s ruling appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Google and Harmonai reveal their latest AI music models
The recent history of creative AIs and music has been a tale of fledgling startups and huge technology companies alike.
The post Google and Harmonai reveal their latest AI music models appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Meta’s Horizon Worlds metaverse has some teething issues
Meta is hoping for big things from its Horizon Worlds metaverse, but it’s fair to say there are still some teething issues.
The post Meta’s Horizon Worlds metaverse has some teething issues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
TikTok adds more editing tools and a new ‘Photo Mode’
TikTok announced a range of new features focused on editing yesterday, including making it easier to edit video clips and sounds.
The post TikTok adds more editing tools and a new ‘Photo Mode’ appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
StemsDAO raises $4m seed funding for its music-focused DAO
We’ve been following with interest some of the grassroots efforts to create decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) around music.
The post StemsDAO raises $4m seed funding for its music-focused DAO appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report claims 100k tracks are now added to DSPs every day
Forget that oft-quoted ’60k new tracks are added to music streaming services every day’ stat. Two major labels have upped the figure to 100k.
The post Report claims 100k tracks are now added to DSPs every day appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Latin music now generates 6.6% of US recorded music revenues
Latin music’s growth continues to outstrip the overall market: revenues were up by 23% year-on-year, over double the overall market growth.
The post Latin music now generates 6.6% of US recorded music revenues appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Google joins Meta in the race to improve text-to-video tech
One of Meta’s Big Tech rivals, Google, is revealing its own efforts in the discipline with not one, but two research projects.
The post Google joins Meta in the race to improve text-to-video tech appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music for Artists gets new profile and lyrics features
Apple has added more features, including a profile section where musicians can create a customised bio by answering a series of short questions.
The post Apple Music for Artists gets new profile and lyrics features appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Naked Record Club launches with sustainable vinyl focus
Vinyl sales are booming, but it’s also good to see an uptick in the discussion and innovation around making the format more sustainable.
The post Naked Record Club launches with sustainable vinyl focus appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Softside wants to help more artists sell fan-designed merch
It’s a relatively recent trend for artists and music companies to actively encourage fans creating their own merchandise – and build commercial models around it.
The post Softside wants to help more artists sell fan-designed merch appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Apple Music preps Wizkid concert and adds Flo to Up Next promo
Apple Music is getting back to its live roots by returning to the Roundhouse venue in London for a concert.
The post Apple Music preps Wizkid concert and adds Flo to Up Next promo appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify adds ‘Planet Hip-Hop’ to its branded Roblox island
One problem with music experiences on Roblox is that many of them are one-offs: a single performance or album launch then nothing more.
The post Spotify adds ‘Planet Hip-Hop’ to its branded Roblox island appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Twitch tweaks its revenue-sharing deals with top streamers
Twitch’s standard revenue share for channel subscriptions is 50/50, but the Amazon-owned platform is having to have a somewhat delicate conversation with its creator community about it.
The post Twitch tweaks its revenue-sharing deals with top streamers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Music Tectonics reveals finalists in its 2022 startups contest
The Music Tectonics conference is fast making a name for itself as one of the key music/tech events in the US, and that includes its ‘Swimming with Narwhals’ startups contest.
The post Music Tectonics reveals finalists in its 2022 startups contest appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Symphony launches video streaming service for classical music
Symphony is the latest startup hoping to build a viable streaming business around classical music.
The post Symphony launches video streaming service for classical music appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify launches audiobooks… with an a la carte pricing model
We knew Spotify was preparing to make a big splash in audiobooks, most recently signified by its acquisition of specialist firm Findaway.
The post Spotify launches audiobooks… with an a la carte pricing model appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Facebook Pages can restrict posts to top fans and subscribers
Meta has unveiled some new features for ‘creators who use Pages’ on Facebook, which could be of use to musicians.
The post Facebook Pages can restrict posts to top fans and subscribers appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
ERA claims musicians AND DSPs are more popular than labels
ERA’s longstanding consumer-tracker research interviews 2,000 Brits every quarter about a range of topics.
The post ERA claims musicians AND DSPs are more popular than labels appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Ivors Academy’s Advocacy Accelerator aims to boost diversity
British songwriters body The Ivors Academy is getting into the accelerator game, but not for startups.
The post Ivors Academy’s Advocacy Accelerator aims to boost diversity appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UK venue bodies react to government’s energy-relief plans
Bodies representing music venues in the UK have warned that spiralling costs of gas and electricity could put members out of business.
The post UK venue bodies react to government’s energy-relief plans appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
NFTs brand Doodles raises $54m with music expansion in mind
Doodles is one of the more successful brands in visual NFTs, with a collection selling for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The post NFTs brand Doodles raises $54m with music expansion in mind appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
UMG brings together its artist and label services into one unit
Universal Music Group revealed its plans yesterday for a new division with a familiar name: Virgin Music Group.
The post UMG brings together its artist and label services into one unit appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Patreon layoffs are latest wobble for the creator economy
If the creator economy is booming, why are some of the most prominent creator-economy companies laying off staff?
The post Patreon layoffs are latest wobble for the creator economy appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Report: Amazon will spend $15bn on video programming in 2022
Bloomberg Intelligence looks into how much money the biggest tech firms are spending on content for their video streaming services.
The post Report: Amazon will spend $15bn on video programming in 2022 appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
YouTube’s annual music industry payouts grow to $6bn
YouTube paid out $6bn to the music industry in the 12-month period between July 2021 and June 2022, the company has announced.
The post YouTube’s annual music industry payouts grow to $6bn appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Gramrphone adds feature to help musicians livestream to TikTok
Gramrphone emerged in 2020 as one of the startups trying to help artists audio-livestream to fans from their homes or studios.
The post Gramrphone adds feature to help musicians livestream to TikTok appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
MMF opens applications for latest music managers accelerator
Applications open today for the initiative’s fifth year, offering training and 12-month grants of up to £15k for the participants.
The post MMF opens applications for latest music managers accelerator appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Commercial tracks are only 7% of music used for US television
A new report commissioned by the PMA has broken down the sources of music used for broadcast and cable television networks in the US.
The post Commercial tracks are only 7% of music used for US television appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Techdirt takes TikTok critics to task over privacy hypocrisy
The interesting and very spirited counterpoint from Techdirt to the debate about TikTok’s data, privacy and links to China is worth a read.
The post Techdirt takes TikTok critics to task over privacy hypocrisy appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Crypto influencer Cooper Turley launches a $10m music fund
Earlier this year, we wrote about a ‘Music NFT Landscape’ chart that crypto influencer Cooper Turley had compiled.
The post Crypto influencer Cooper Turley launches a $10m music fund appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Spotify and MerchFriends launch ‘Band Shirt Day’ this month
It’s due to take place on 16 September, and revolves around exclusive merch (or discounts on existing products) and donations to charities
The post Spotify and MerchFriends launch ‘Band Shirt Day’ this month appeared first on Music Ally.
Source: Music ally
Linkfire launches its ‘next-generation’ bio link for artists
Linkfire’s bio links have become a key part of the music marketing space, among