by Jonathan P-Wright | Jun 26, 2024 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
In a perplexing turn of events, the music streaming behemoth Spotify recently raised the prices of its Premium Individual and Premium Family subscription plans. This move, which saw a $1 increase for the Individual plan and a $3 hike for the Family plan, was met with considerable backlash from users who felt blindsided by the sudden price surge.
However, the real point of contention arose when Spotify bundled its audiobook service with these premium plans, a feature that many subscribers deemed unnecessary and unwanted. This decision was particularly contentious because it allowed Spotify to classify its offerings as a bundled service, thereby qualifying for lower royalty rates payable to artists and music publishers.
According to industry estimates, this strategic maneuver could potentially result in a staggering $150 million reduction in royalty payments to musicians, a prospect that understandably ruffled feathers within the creative community.
Spotify’s Unexpected Reversal: Introducing the Basic Individual Plan
In a surprising turn of events, Spotify has now announced the introduction of a new Basic Individual plan, effectively reversing its controversial decision to bundle audiobooks with premium subscriptions. This new plan, priced at $1 lower than the Premium Individual plan, offers users the core music streaming experience without the added audiobook feature.
By unbundling audiobooks from its premium offerings, Spotify has effectively addressed two critical concerns: firstly, it has alleviated the frustration of users who felt compelled to pay for a service they had no intention of using; secondly, it has potentially mitigated the risk of reduced royalty payments to artists and music publishers.
A Win-Win Scenario for Users and Artists?
This strategic move by Spotify appears to be a calculated effort to appease both its user base and the creative community. By offering a more affordable option for music streaming without the audiobook component, Spotify has effectively acknowledged the concerns of subscribers who felt shortchanged by the previous pricing structure.
Moreover, by separating audiobooks from its core music streaming service, Spotify has potentially averted a substantial reduction in royalty payments to artists and music publishers. This decision could be viewed as a olive branch extended to the creative community, acknowledging their legitimate concerns over fair compensation for their work.
Spotify’s Evolving Business Strategy: Adapting to Market Demands
Spotify’s recent actions underscore the company’s willingness to adapt its business strategy in response to market demands and user feedback. By introducing the Basic Individual plan, Spotify has demonstrated its ability to course-correct and address the concerns of its stakeholders, be they subscribers or content creators.
This agility and responsiveness could prove to be a significant competitive advantage for Spotify in the highly saturated and fiercely competitive music streaming market. By actively listening to its user base and addressing their pain points, Spotify has the potential to foster greater brand loyalty and customer retention.
The Balancing Act: Satisfying Users and Artists Simultaneously
While Spotify’s latest move appears to be a positive step towards reconciling the interests of its users and the creative community, the company must tread carefully to maintain this delicate balance. As a platform that relies heavily on both its subscriber base and the content provided by artists, Spotify must continually strive to satisfy the needs and expectations of both parties.
One potential challenge lies in the realm of pricing and revenue generation. While the introduction of the Basic Individual plan may appease users seeking a more affordable option, Spotify must ensure that its revenue streams remain robust enough to sustain its operations and fairly compensate artists for their work.
Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams: Advertising and Partnerships
To address this challenge, Spotify may need to explore alternative revenue streams beyond subscription fees. One potential avenue could be the strategic integration of advertising within its platform, a model that has proven successful for many digital content providers.
Additionally, Spotify could pursue strategic partnerships and collaborations with various industries, such as fitness, gaming, or even the automotive sector. By leveraging its vast user base and data insights, Spotify could potentially unlock new revenue opportunities while enhancing the overall user experience.
The Audiobook Conundrum: A Separate Service or Integration?
While Spotify’s decision to unbundle audiobooks from its premium subscriptions has addressed immediate concerns, the company must carefully consider its long-term strategy for this segment. Audiobooks represent a rapidly growing market, and Spotify’s foray into this domain could potentially open up new revenue streams and expand its user base.
One approach could be to offer audiobooks as a separate, standalone service, allowing users to subscribe specifically to this offering without being tied to the music streaming plans. Alternatively, Spotify could explore innovative ways to integrate audiobooks seamlessly into its existing platform, perhaps through curated playlists or personalized recommendations.
Exploring Global Expansion: Tailoring Strategies for International Markets
As Spotify continues to expand its global footprint, it must also consider the nuances and preferences of diverse international markets. While the Basic Individual plan may resonate with users in certain regions, other markets may have different pricing sensitivities and content preferences.
To effectively cater to these varying demands, Spotify may need to tailor its pricing strategies, content offerings, and marketing approaches to align with the unique cultural and economic landscapes of each region. This could involve forging strategic partnerships with local content providers, leveraging localized marketing campaigns, and potentially offering region-specific subscription tiers or bundled offerings.
The Role of Data Analytics: Driving Personalization and Targeted Offerings
In today’s data-driven landscape, Spotify’s ability to leverage its vast trove of user data could prove to be a significant competitive advantage. By harnessing the power of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, Spotify can gain deep insights into user preferences, listening habits, and content consumption patterns.
Armed with these insights, Spotify can deliver highly personalized content recommendations, curated playlists, and targeted promotional offers, enhancing the overall user experience and driving engagement. Additionally, this data-driven approach could inform Spotify’s content acquisition strategies, allowing the company to invest in the genres, artists, and content formats that resonate most with its user base.
Embracing Innovation: Exploring Emerging Technologies and Trends
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Spotify must remain at the forefront of innovation, continuously exploring emerging technologies and trends that could shape the future of music streaming and content consumption.
This could involve leveraging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) to create immersive music experiences, or exploring the integration of voice-enabled assistants for seamless music discovery and playback. Additionally, Spotify could investigate the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize the way artists are compensated for their work, fostering greater transparency and fairness in the music industry.
Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem: Empowering Artists and Content Creators
Ultimately, Spotify’s success is inextricably linked to the success of the artists and content creators whose work forms the foundation of its platform. To foster a thriving and sustainable ecosystem, Spotify must actively engage with and empower these creative individuals.
This could involve initiatives such as providing artists with robust analytics and insights into their audience engagement, facilitating direct fan-artist interactions, or offering educational resources and tools to help artists navigate the complexities of the music industry. By positioning itself as a true partner to the creative community, Spotify can cultivate a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship, driving innovation and fostering a vibrant music culture.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Music Streaming
Spotify’s recent moves underscore the company’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of its users and content creators. By introducing the Basic Individual plan and addressing concerns over audiobook bundling, Spotify has demonstrated its willingness to listen and respond to feedback.
However, this is merely the beginning of a longer journey. As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, Spotify must remain agile, innovative, and responsive to emerging trends and technologies. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, embracing data-driven insights, and exploring alternative revenue streams, Spotify can navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, solidifying its position as a leading force in the music streaming industry.
by Tanyette McCoy Davis | Aug 24, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
It is a well-known fact that although platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music enjoy millions of listeners, they are not as generous with their payments to artists. However, recent research has uncovered an unexpected and shocking fact, which further explores how terrible the situation is. When it comes to payments per stream, Peloton managed to beat every other platform.
Recently, it was revealed by The Trichordist in “Streaming Price Bible” that according to the numbers from 2019, music rights holders were offered just 0.35 cents per stream by Spotify. On the other hand, Apple Music offered 0.68 cents per stream and Tidal paid 0.88 cents per stream. Finally, the least amount was paid by YouTube- 0.15 cents per stream. Interestingly, the amount paid by Peloton is much higher, at 3.1 cents per stream.
It is undoubtedly surprising that a fitness company is offering better compensation for artists when compared to streaming services. This disparity is better explained by Slate. The higher compensation rate of Peloton can be attributed to the fact that songs are played consistently during classes, and thus, the company needed to seek public performance rights coupled with publishing rights.
In essence, when specific units of music, such as vinyl or digital files are produced, mechanical royalties must be paid. Any third-party entity that records, manufactures, and distributes copyrighted music is paid, and the artists receive funds eventually. In simple terms, performance royalties are paid when artists perform live, either in movies, TV shows, or when streamed in a public setting. When it comes to Spotify and other on-demand streaming services, wherein users who don’t possess specific recording copies of a song, still can play the song when desired, and make both mechanical royalty payments and performance royalty payments to the artists. Peloton pays performance royalties for the songs it streams, and thus, it broadcasts itself as a music broadcaster resembling a radio. It’s possible for users to search for songs or playlists featuring a certain artist, but the entire experience is determined by the instructors – not you.
Yet, the fact that streaming services are able to pay artists fractions of pennies per stream remains a sore point; let’s hope they follow Peloton’s lead and offer better rates soon.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Fabiola Noel | Jun 5, 2021 | Business News, Latest, Music News |
Consequently, artists whose rights were lost as youth could enjoy the fruits of their own labor later in life.
Canadian copyright laws should be amended, according to Drake.
Canadian artists Drake and Shania Twain sound the alarm as they join the Songwriters Association of Canada in calling for a change in Canada’s copyright law to give greater power to artists and songwriters.
To be able to regain ownership of their copyrights, they propose creators and their families be allowed to do so 25 years after the transfer, rather than after the creator’s death, as stipulated in the country’s copyright law.
Artists and songwriters are pressed into signing away their rights early in their careers. By doing so, they deny themselves, their families, and their children the chance to reap fair rewards later in life for their creative pursuits.
Moreover, the report reports that copyright laws in the U.S. have been revised to allow creators to terminate and re-claim their rights once 35 years has passed since the transfer, while the European Union is currently considering rules to ensure similar fairness.
To ensure fair protection of Canadian creators, Canada should follow the example of Europe and the United States, the letter says. Creators are better able to contribute to the revitalization of cultural and economic development in Canada with rights reversion.
Furthermore, the letter highlights recent amendments to US and several European countries’ copyright laws that have ensured fairness between creators and labels. Canada should “follow European and American models for protecting Canadian artists and creators,” the letter states.
Keeping with the latest reports of Lil Wayne‘s sale of Young Money’s entire catalog to Universal Music Group, the court documents cite the deal as worth more than $100 million. All of Drake’s albums released before 2018 – Thank Me Later, Take Care, Nothing Was The Same, Views, and Scorpio – were released under Wayne’s record label. Recent projects of his have appeared under October’s Very Own.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Waqar | Apr 3, 2025 | Black Girl Magic, Black Owned Business, Digital Mogul, Latest |
Photo by Zuzanna Adamczyk on Unsplash
SZA has firmly established herself as one of 2025’s most influential and versatile artists, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year. Not only has she made history by being the first artist to simultaneously hold the top spots with a No. 1 movie and No. 1 album, but she also captivated millions with her Super Bowl performance alongside Kendrick Lamar. And now, as if dominating the music scene wasn’t enough, SZA is taking her talents to the entrepreneurial world with the launch of her own beauty brand, Not Beauty. This new venture marks a fresh chapter in the career of this Grammy-winning artist, as she shifts from music to business in a way that’s as dynamic and ambitious as her previous accomplishments.
In a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Friday, March 21, SZA shared how this exciting new chapter came to life. Speaking with host Jennifer Hudson, SZA revealed the inspiration behind the makeup line, saying, “People ask about my lip combo all the time. And I am a yapper, right? I’m like a certified yapper, I’m always talking, I’m always singing, and I felt like I needed something that lasted so long.” She went on to explain that her need for long-lasting makeup products was the driving force behind creating the line. “It all came out of necessity,” she continued. “So I pretty much just designed my own formula.”
The Not Beauty lineup includes a range of products designed for all your lip needs, from glosses and creams to liners, stains, and more. However, this isn’t your typical beauty brand. SZA has made it clear that Not Beauty is far from being just another makeup line. Unlike many beauty moguls who set out to become beauty experts, SZA doesn’t consider herself one. Instead, she sees herself as an innovator and creator, aiming to provide functional, reliable, and high-performance products that actually work. The concept behind Not Beauty, she explains, isn’t about glamming up the world; it’s about fulfilling practical needs with products that fit seamlessly into everyday life.
The big surprise? Not Beauty will not be available in stores or online. So, if you’re hoping to get your hands on the products, you’ll need to do so exclusively at SZA’s “Grand National Tour” pop-up activations. Yes, that’s right – these unique products will only be available at the tour, making them a coveted item for fans who are eager to experience both the music and the beauty brand firsthand. For many, this exclusivity factor will only add to the excitement, with a sense of urgency growing as fans scramble to secure their products during the tour.
But SZA’s ambitions don’t end with beauty. In fact, she made it clear that Not Beauty is just the beginning of her larger entrepreneurial vision. “It’ll also branch into maybe Not Farming, Not Furniture, whatever need I see. If I see an armchair that I feel like I can design this better, I’m going to make an armchair,” she explained, giving fans a glimpse into the future of her growing empire. Whether it’s creating functional beauty products, innovative furniture, or even venturing into unexpected industries, SZA’s approach is guided by her creativity and a passion for solving real-world problems. She’s not just interested in making beauty products – she’s on a mission to redefine what it means to be a multifaceted entrepreneur.
While many celebrities have ventured into the beauty space, SZA’s approach stands out because of her authenticity and focus on utility rather than following trends. Her personal style and music resonate with her fans, and now, with Not Beauty, she is able to take her influence and apply it to an entirely different industry. Her products will appeal to those who admire her for more than just her musical talents but also for her creativity and unique sense of style. By releasing a line based on necessity and practicality, rather than pure vanity, SZA sets herself apart from other beauty moguls who often lean into heavily polished, aspirational marketing.
Fans of SZA will also appreciate the thought and attention she’s put into the design of the products themselves. She has always been someone who values authenticity in every aspect of her life, and with Not Beauty, she is continuing that philosophy by providing beauty products that are made for real people, not just those with perfect social media personas. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or anyone in between, SZA’s beauty line is crafted with the everyday user in mind. This no-nonsense, practical approach to makeup ensures that each product is not only functional but also durable, meeting the high demands of a fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle.
In a world where many new brands are quick to disappear as trends shift, SZA’s vision for Not Beauty promises longevity. She has already proven time and again that she knows how to build something that lasts, whether it’s her career in music or now, with her burgeoning business empire. Her attention to detail, commitment to quality, and genuine passion for creating useful products that make life easier are all factors that suggest Not Beauty is here to stay.
And the exclusive pop-up activations at the Grand National Tour are bound to be a major draw for fans. As the tour progresses, there will undoubtedly be a buzz around each city she visits, with fans eager to get their hands on the limited-edition products. This strategy not only makes the products even more desirable but also adds an element of exclusivity that will only amplify the excitement surrounding SZA’s brand.
But the entrepreneurial side of SZA isn’t just about capitalizing on her fame – it’s about creating something that resonates with her fans and brings value to their lives. She’s not interested in creating just another makeup line for the sake of it; she’s passionate about designing products that work for the real world, not just the beauty industry’s glossy image. SZA’s focus on practicality, combined with her immense talent, sets the stage for an exciting future in both the beauty industry and beyond.
For those eager to try the Not Beauty makeup line, the clock is ticking. The “Grand National Tour” is your only chance to snag the exclusive products that are already creating buzz. As SZA continues to build her empire and redefine the boundaries of what it means to be an artist and entrepreneur, one thing is clear – she’s not just creating a beauty brand; she’s creating a movement.
If you want to be part of SZA’s next big step, now’s the time to secure your tickets to the “Grand National Tour” and experience firsthand the power of Not Beauty. And who knows? The future of this multifaceted mogul might just surprise us all as she continues to push the envelope and redefine what it means to be an artist in the modern world. Don’t miss out on the chance to get a glimpse into the future of SZA’s entrepreneurial era – it’s only just beginning, and the possibilities are endless.
by Waqar | Apr 3, 2025 | Black Girl Magic, Digital Mogul, Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Photo by Stephen Bellocillo on Unsplash
For fans of Keri Hilson, the wait is finally over. The acclaimed singer-songwriter is making a highly anticipated return to the music scene with the first installment of her new album We Need to Talk, set to drop on April 18. After years of speculation about her next move, Hilson is ready to reintroduce herself, proving that her voice and storytelling are just as powerful as ever. The first single from the album, “Bae,” released on March 27, sets the tone for what promises to be a captivating musical era.
The Grammy-nominated songstress, who hails from Decatur, Georgia, has been a staple in the R&B world since her breakout in the late 2000s. With an impressive catalog of hits, including “Knock You Down” featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo, “Turnin Me On” with Lil Wayne, and the self-empowering anthem “Pretty Girl Rock,” Hilson has solidified her place in contemporary R&B. However, after her last studio album, No Boys Allowed (2010), she stepped away from the limelight, leaving fans wondering when she would make her grand return. Now, with We Need to Talk, Hilson is not only reclaiming her spot but also sharing the deeply personal journey that led her back to music.
Keri Hilson Confronts Her Hiatus Through Introspective Skits
Before officially rolling out her new album, Hilson took an innovative approach to storytelling. She released a six-part skit series that delves into the complexities of her career break. Through these thought-provoking clips, fans are given an intimate look at the internal dialogue she has had with herself—one part of her hesitant and doubtful, while the other urges her to reclaim her passion.
“This is my way of being vulnerable, honest, and authentic,” Hilson explained in an interview with Rated R&B. “I wanted people to understand why I’ve been away, what I’ve been feeling, and how I got to the point where I’m ready to share my music again. It’s not just about making songs; it’s about rediscovering who I am as an artist.”
The skits provide an emotional backdrop to the album, allowing listeners to connect with Hilson’s struggles, fears, and ultimate triumph. This raw honesty sets the stage for We Need to Talk, which promises to be a body of work filled with themes of love, healing, and self-reflection.
“Bae” Sets the Mood for an Intoxicating Love Story
The first single, “Bae,” is an enchanting track that captures the all-consuming feeling of falling in love. Produced by Melvin Hough, the song delivers smooth, sultry R&B vibes that transport listeners into the rush of newfound passion. Hilson’s signature vocals effortlessly glide over the melody, creating an atmosphere of warmth and affection.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of infatuation and deep emotional connection:
“Maybe it’s your fragrance/ Wanna kiss you every mornin’ when you wake up/ It’s a vibration/ I don’t know what to call it right now/ But this s**t feelin’ amazin’/ Makes me wanna pull over the car, get acquainted/ Feelin’ elevated, yeah/ Gettin’ high off your love, I can’t take it.”
By the time the chorus hits, Hilson fully embraces the emotions of the song, crooning:
“D**n, I feel so lucky/ Love it when you call me bae/ Love it when you love me, hold me, touch me/ Come here, bae/ I’m gon’ always be your one and only/ You know that I’ll never change.”
With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Bae” is a testament to Hilson’s ability to craft music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. It’s a reminder of why she became a household name in the first place—her knack for blending passion with authenticity in every note.
A New Chapter in Keri Hilson’s Career
While the first installment of We Need to Talk will primarily focus on themes of love and vulnerability, Hilson has hinted that future releases will explore deeper narratives, including drama, self-discovery, and redemption. This multi-part album rollout suggests that she is taking a cinematic approach to her music, allowing fans to experience different facets of her journey in a gradual and meaningful way.
“I have music to last for a very long time,” Hilson revealed. “The hardest thing was figuring out what kind of projects I want to put out after this. I’m inspired by different stuff every couple of years, but I got plenty of music to work with in the near future. I expect to flood the market. That’s what I want to do.”
Hilson’s return signifies more than just a new album—it’s a statement of resilience. After years of stepping away from the spotlight, she has returned with a newfound confidence, ready to claim her space in the industry once again.
A Legacy of Songwriting and Influence
Beyond her own music, Keri Hilson’s contributions to the industry extend far and wide. She has been an integral force behind the scenes, penning hits for some of the biggest names in
music. From crafting songs for Ciara, Usher, and Ludacris to writing for international pop icons like Britney Spears, Hilson’s influence on modern R&B and pop cannot be overstated.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between writing for others and developing her own artistry is a rare gift. With We Need to Talk, she continues to showcase the depth of her talent, proving that she is not just a singer but a true storyteller.
The Road Ahead for Keri Hilson
With We Need to Talk, Hilson is poised to make a major impact in R&B once again. The album is not just about making music—it’s about reclaiming her voice, reconnecting with her audience, and setting the foundation for a new era in her career.
As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like Hilson remind us of the power of perseverance. She is living proof that taking time away does not mean fading into obscurity; rather, it can be an opportunity to grow, reflect, and return stronger than ever.
For fans who have been eagerly awaiting new music from Hilson, the wait has undoubtedly been worth it. With “Bae” serving as a captivating introduction to her next chapter, there’s no telling how far she will go. But one thing is certain—Keri Hilson is back, and she’s here to stay.
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