The Livestream Is Over. That May Be the Point
a-nation’s replay-free festival broadcast shows how a livestream can widen access while still creating a shared, fleeting music moment.
When a Mixtape Becomes a Proper Streaming Release
A new continuous DMV mix shows how careful curation and track-level metadata can bring mixtape culture into formal streaming without losing its flow.
Why Independent Labels Still Need Human Ears
Steve Lamacq’s new role at Chrysalis and Blue Raincoat shows why trusted listening still matters when independent labels discover and develop artists.
What Fake Streams Take From Music Discovery
Fake play counts can distort what popularity appears to mean. A new industry initiative offers a chance to make music discovery more trustworthy.
Direct-to-Fan Is a Relationship, Not a Checkout Button
IMPALA’s new primer highlights direct-to-fan strategy. The real opportunity is not another store, but a relationship artists can sustain over time.
When the Stage Becomes the Recording Studio
Apple Music Hall can turn one concert into immersive audio, video and livestreams. What changes when the stage becomes part of the release workflow?
A Song Can Travel Further Than Its Royalties
A new US–UAE neighbouring-rights agreement shows why global reach does not automatically produce global royalty payments for artists and labels.
When a Music Archive Becomes a Living Release
Seventy-seven restored American Patchwork performances are reaching streaming for the first time, showing how preservation can become living music culture.
What Happens After an Independent Artist Gets Discovered?
Spotify’s Fresh Finds Forward will support thousands of emerging independent artists after playlist discovery. The real test is whether attention becomes lasting growth.
Your Listening History Is Not the Same as Your Taste
Spotify now lets parents exclude children’s music from recommendations and Wrapped. The change reveals why listening history does not always represent personal taste.