Amazon Music’s Post

Amazon/Amazon Music really knew how to 'Pop Out and Show' everyone... They are [not so slowly] taking over the world and they know it! If you're not currently living under a rock, you know that Kendrick Lamar's Pop Out concert was a significant moment for the everyone from everywhere - making Hip Hop History on Juneteenth. Not only was it one of the best concerts of our time, it was a loud message to the movement of holding celebrities accountable. Amazon’s strategy to host Kendrick Lamar, an artist who continuously pushes the boundaries of creativity and social commentary, was nothing short of brilliant. This concert wasn't advertised extensively, creating an air of exclusivity and mystery, which only amplified the excitement and buzz around it. It showcased Amazon's deep understanding of cultural dynamics and its ability to engage with audiences in meaningful, unexpected ways. For the masses, Kendrick Lamar's pop-up concert was more than a show. It was a celebration of art, a nod to the roots of hip-hop, and a testament to the power of surprise in today's saturated market. The energy was palpable, the crowd was diverse (*IYKYK*), and the message was clear: music can still bring us together in profound ways. ❤️🤝💙 And on Juneteenth of all days?! Nobody could have done it better. Kudos to Amazon for recognizing and leveraging the cultural influence of Kendrick Lamar. This event not only highlighted Amazon’s innovative marketing prowess but also underscored the importance of music and culture in creating unforgettable experiences. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love what we do in the world of marketing and entertainment. #Marketing #KendrickLamar #Amazon #LiveMusic #Innovation #BrandStrategy #CustomerEngagement #MusicIndustry Photo credit: Amazon Music

New Post: Spotify & iHeartMedia Lead Music Stocks, SM Entertainment Shares Dip Amid Sex Scandal - https://lnkd.in/gjR5MriD - Spotify’s stock price rose 3.9% this week after the company’s announcement of a U.S. price increase on Monday (June 3) sent the stock on a roller-coaster ride. Shares rose to a new 52-week high of $331.08 on Wednesday — its highest point since Feb. 25, 2021 — before closing at $308.11 on Friday (June 7).  After raising subscription prices in the United States and many other major markets in July 2023, Spotify further hiked rates in the United Kingdom and Australia in May. The additional U.S. price increase, which goes into effect in July, will raise individual rates to $11.99 per month and family plans to $19.99 per month. The higher prices will help Spotify cover the costs of bundling music with limited free streaming of audiobooks. The streamer is giving its customers plenty of options, though. A music-only tier has been introduced in the United Kingdom that costs 10.99 pounds ($13.99) per month, compared to 11.99 pounds ($15.26) per month for the music-and-audiobook option. Two-person Duo plans and student plans also offer discounts to the standard individual plan. Related Spotify’s U.S. Price Increase Welcomed by Investors as Stock Spikes 06/03/2024 The Billboard Global Music Index rose 0.1% to 1,801.44 as Spotify’s gain helped overshadow losses by 13 of the index’s 20 companies. Other of the index’s largest companies posted modest declines this week: Warner Music Group fell 0.9% to $29.51, Universal Music Group fell 1.2% to 28.23 euros ($30.53) and Live Nation dropped 3.4% to $90.56. The index is 2.5% below its high of 1,847.64, set the week ended May 3, 2024. iHeartMedia, the index’s greatest gainer for the second consecutive week, rose 35% to $1.25 a week after gaining 6.4%. In just two weeks, iHeartMedia’s year-to-date loss has improved from 67.4% to 53.2% without any major news releases or regulatory filings. At the company’s annual general meeting on Wednesday (June 5), shareholders reelected CEO Bob Pittman and CFO/COO Rich Bressler to the board of directors and approved an advisory vote on the company’s 2023 executive compensation.  SM Entertainment dropped 8.5% to 83,500 won ($60.51) amidst controversy over an alleged sex scandal involving Johnny and Haechan of the group NCT, which SM Entertainment has denied. Such a large drop isn’t uncommon when a K-pop company’s artists are plastered across the South Korean news. In October, K-pop stocks dropped on news that SM Entertainment artist Exo was leaving for a different agency. In April, HYBE s

The first part of Q2 already explains Q1. There is no need to add the second part just to sound more artistic and less materialistic. Q1: "They ended the year with 44.12 million paid subscribers, a 15.3% year-on-year growth from the end of 2022...Their overall revenue from music services grew by 17.6% to RMB 4.4 billion – roughly $621.1 million." Q2: "NetEase put it down to 'monetization momentum from our core online music business and our optimized operating efficiency and cost structure.' They add: 'We continually engage our community to have more music-inspired connections and strengthen the bonds within our community.'" https://lnkd.in/gwRvfMf2

New Post: Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota on Indie Challenges, Helping Startups & Bringing More Value to Music - https://lnkd.in/gqvvwTtM - When Jeremy Sirota signed on as CEO of indie digital rights nonprofit Merlin in January 2020, he had already spent years championing the independent music community.  After starting his career as a tech lawyer in the mid-2000s, Sirota worked for nine years at the Warner Music Group at WEA and ADA, helping to distribute WMG’s affiliated indie-label partners. He then moved to Facebook Music, where he was independent label lead for its business and partnerships team. That experience gives him the perspective needed to assist Merlin’s 500-plus members representing 30,000-plus label partners in more than 70 countries in navigating an increasingly complex digital world.  Over the past four years, he has worked to set those labels — which collectively represent some 15% of the global recorded-music market — on a course to optimize partnerships that increasingly power the business. They include expanded alliances with Meta and YouTube; deals with SoundCloud, for its fan-powered royalties structure, and Deezer, for its “artist-centric” royalties plan; and a new initiative, Merlin Connect, that grants select tech startups a license for its members’ catalogs to help educate those new companies about music usage on their platforms while getting Merlin’s labels and their artists paid.  Related Merlin Launches New Initiative to Help Emerging Tech Platforms License Indie Music 06/05/2024 Since Sirota became CEO, Merlin has added more than 100 members and launched a mentorship program, Merlin Engage, which pairs women music executives with the next generation of female industry leaders. He’s also debuted Merlin Insights, launched in April to help parse the avalanche of data that indies must process. And as the sector grows globally, Sirota says he’s focused on how to best superserve Merlin’s labels. “There are a lot of ways we think about growth,” he explains. “The most important are ‘Am I driving more value to my members? Am I helping support their ability to be independent? And am I helping to shape a future where artistry, authenticity and creativity can thrive?’ ”  Have you brought in new members and territories this year? Our growth is about making sure that our values are held by the members who join. This year, 11 new members have joined Merlin, including Artist Partner Group, UNIFIED and Rostrum Pacific. We’ve grown the team to deliver on white-glove support. That involves three things: automate as much as possible; communicate; and collaborate more efficiently and effectively

🎶 Now, more music is being sent to streaming platforms than ever. With the rapid growth of AI platforms, more and more people can create music, which means there’s a boom in music distribution. 🎷🪕According to Spotify’s data, they maintain a database of more than 100 million songs and a record of 60,000 new songs added every day. This fierce industry demands authenticity more than ever, and even if it doesn’t guarantee success, people who have the chance to study and professionalize themselves in music, can expand the scope and discover the diverse career paths in the market. 📖🎼To learn and understand a little bit more about the music Industry, I invited Natalia Toache, a Mexican artist/songwriter and alumni of Berklee College of Music. We talked about her experience studying at Berkley, and the challenges of professional development in the music business and the music industry in LA. 🎧 🎙 👇  https://lnkd.in/dEwKGu4N Hope you enjoy this episode. 🙌 La Otra Escuela. El Podcast p.s. This episode is in Spanish

🎶 Now, more music is being sent to streaming platforms than ever. With the rapid growth of AI platforms, more and more people can create music, which means there’s a boom in music distribution. 🎷🪕According to Spotify’s data, they maintain a database of more than 100 million songs and a record of 60,000 new songs added every day. This fierce industry demands authenticity more than ever, and even if it doesn’t guarantee success, people who have the chance to study and professionalize themselves in music, can expand the scope and discover the diverse career paths in the market. 📖🎼To learn and understand a little bit more about the music Industry, I invited Natalia Toache , a Mexican artist/songwriter and alumni of Berklee College of Music. We talked about her experience studying at Berkley, and the challenges of professional development in the music business and the music industry in LA. 🎧 🎙 👇  https://lnkd.in/dEwKGu4N Hope you enjoy this episode. 🙌 La Otra Escuela. El Podcast p.s. This episode is in Spanish

🌟🎶 Ready to Elevate Your Music Career? 🎶🌟 📚 Introducing "Rise to Music Stardom: Unlock Strategies, Win Grammys" Now On Amazon Shelves 📚 🚀 Dive into the ultimate guide to skyrocketing your music career and unlocking your full potential! From aspiring artists to seasoned professionals, this book is your roadmap to success in the ever-evolving music industry. 🔑 Discover insider strategies, industry secrets, and proven tactics that will propel you towards your goals. Whether you dream of topping the charts, winning prestigious awards like the Grammys, or simply making a lasting impact with your music, this book has you covered. 📈 Learn how to: ✨ Build a strong personal brand that stands out in a crowded market ✨ Navigate the digital landscape to expand your reach and fanbase ✨ Collaborate effectively with industry professionals and fellow artists ✨ Monetize your talent and create sustainable income streams ✨ Overcome obstacles and setbacks with resilience and determination 💡 Packed with actionable insights and real-life examples, "Rise to Music Stardom" is not just a book—it's your blueprint for success in the music industry. 📖 Get your copy now on Amazon shelves and start your journey towards music stardom today! https://hi.switchy.io/LKED Don't just dream it, live it. 🌟🎶 #MusicIndustry #SuccessStrategies #RiseToStardom #Grammts #AmazonBooks #MusicCareer #UnlockYourPotential #DreamBig

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness of Latin culture, and one of the most powerful expressions of that culture is music. This isn’t just about genre or preference—this is about culture shaping the global music industry and transforming how we connect, communicate, and celebrate identity. Latin music isn’t a trend that will fade away. It's a movement rooted in deep cultural pride and creativity that has taken over charts, stages, and hearts worldwide. According to the latest report from the RIAA, Latin music revenue soared to a record $685 million in the first half of 2024 alone. This explosive growth demonstrates that Latin artists are leading the global music scene. The world is tuned in, and Latin music is setting the tempo. This is about more than albums and songs. It's about the artists who use their platforms to create change, the brands who recognize and uplift their voices, and the fans who show that there is strength in diversity. These are not isolated efforts; they are part of NUE Agency, LLC's broader mission to elevate culture through meaningful partnerships. With the Cotopaxi x Danny Ocean “Music For Good” campaign, Danny is using his voice to stand up for refugees from Venezuela and Cotopaxi is supporting those in need by donating part of the proceeds to causes that matter. In this collaboration music meets activism, and commerce becomes a tool for change. In the Lunay x McCafé At Home campaign, we’re celebrating a rich cultural legacy. Lunay honors his Latino roots by introducing K-Cup Pods inspired by the flavors of Latin America. These collaborations go beyond music or products, they’re about honoring cultural heritage, and driving real, lasting change. As Latin music continues to break barriers, it reminds us that we’re part of this movement. Together, we’re writing the future, one story at a time. #HispanicHeritageMonth #MusicMarketing #MusicAndBrands https://lnkd.in/e_K-GZpi

STREAMING STARDOM SNUBBED: DAVIDO MISSES OUT AT GRAMMYS In a surprising turn of events at the Grammy Awards, Nigerian sensation Davido faced disappointment across all three of his nominations, including the highly anticipated Best Global Music Album category. Despite his album "Timeless" amassing over a billion streams on major platforms, it fell short against the unexpected victor, "This Moment" by Shakti. The loss not only underscored the unpredictability of awards ceremonies but also sparked debates about the alignment between streaming success and traditional accolades. Although his devoted fans across the world were hoping for a victorious evening, the disparity between the Grammy results and streaming figures underscores the complex relationship between technology and the music business. It is imperative to recognize, meanwhile, that the Grammy Awards function according to their own set of criteria, which may not always align with public expectations or streaming metrics. Even though Davido has achieved unquestionable success in the digital sphere, the Grammy selection process takes into account a wide range of considerations beyond streaming figures. Therefore, while some may disagree with the result, it is challenging to determine with certainty whether Davido fulfilled all requirements for success in each category due to the complexity of the Grammy's criteria and voting process. This contradiction highlights the subjective nature of creative acclaim and the intricacy of award ceremonies. Fans and industry insiders have expressed their thoughts on social media, with some linking Davido's defeat to what they see as "politics" in the Grammy voting process. This sentiment has led to questioning the credibility of the Grammy Awards, particularly following Davido's rejection in the Best Global Music category despite the extraordinary popularity of his album “Timeless”. This response prompts consideration of how uniform the criteria are for award recognition. In reaction to the passionate outcry from Davido's fans, several internet users have questioned whether the same scrutiny and support were extended to previous setbacks for singers such as Wizkid and Burnaboy. This comment calls attention to a perceived lack of consistency in the public's response to Grammy results and raises the idea that award ceremonies should be held more consistently accountable for their choices. Future Grammy ceremonies might see a change in the standards used to assess artists' success as technology continues to transform the music industry, going beyond conventional measurements. #grammys #streamingplatforms #media #techwriter #mediatech #grammyawards

The other day I asked myself a simple question: what are the fastest growing genres in music, and why? Turns out, the timing of my question lined up excellently with Luminate’s 2024 midyear report on the same topic. I looked through the data and wanted to share some thoughts. Between Luminate’s 2023 end-of-year report and 2024 midyear report, the fastest growing genres in the U.S. are World Music, Latin, and Country. These genres are driven by Gen Z and Millennial listeners who love to discover new music and share it with friends and family. One of the main insights I took from the data is how artists in these genres are building communities around their music. Latin listeners are more likely to consume products besides music from their favorite artists. World Music appeals to diverse and underrepresented fan bases in the U.S. Country music is becoming more accessible to listeners through collaborations and relatable lyrical content. This data reflects the new generation of music fandom. Younger listeners want to feel part of a larger community. Whether it’s through influencers sharing their thoughts and sparking conversations, or fans meeting on online forums to hold discussions, people are gathering to talk about their favorite music. I am excited to see how myself and the new generation of listeners will continue to reshape fandom. Music is a fantastic way of uniting diverse and passionate individuals, and artists that lean into community building should find fans eager to support and share their work.