Next Big Sound (a/o June 18th):
The fallout is just beginning on Paul McCartney's decision to remove his catalog from streaming services, a process that started earlier this week. On Thursday morning, Rhapsody - easily the largest streaming subscription service in the US - expressed 'shock' over the teardown in this statement to Digital Music News:
"As has already been reported in the press, 
Rhapsody was recently instructed to remove all McCartney content from our on demand streaming catalog. Rhapsody members have enjoyed streaming Mr. McCartney's music for more than four years and are sure to be very disappointed to find that it has been restricted (such content is still available via our radio offering and for download). As the number-one premium subscription music service in the US with more than one million paying subscribers, Rhapsody has generated significant revenue for Mr. McCartney, his label and his publisher over the years, and has provided a compelling alternative to piracy. We have a great relationship with the label and Eastman Management, so this development was a shock."
Separately, Spotify reiterated to Digital Music News that its McCartney takedowns happened back in 2010, a move that suggests a more comprehensive streaming 'clean-up' involving competitors. Spotify also channeled that message to Billboard, whose Glenn Peoples unearthed earlier Spotify removals involving John Lennon's solo works. All of that leaves rivals like MOG and Rdio sweeping up the McCartney bits.
And Rdio? A separate source noted that Rdio is expected to be removing all content imminently, while metadata for all partners will soon reflect the unlicensed status. Most importantly, the takedown orders leaked to Digital Music News mention that all downloads remain licensed. Rdio declined to make any comment.
The teardown is perfect timing for an iTunes promotional blitz. Apple just staged an exclusive live-stream of a McCartney performance from Capitol Studios in Hollywood on Thursday evening, and has been actively promoting the broadcast front-and-center. Perhaps most importantly, that performance featured songs from McCartney's standards album, Kisses on the Bottom.
Which is available on - you guessed it - iTunes, though also on competing download stores like AmazonMP3.
Lynn Thursday, February 09, 2012
Yeah, but after the exclusive period is over, the stuff might return. I'm not too concerned about the new album being missing. It hasn't received particularly good reviews. Lucky for me, I already own Paul and John's greatest hits CDs.
Visitor Thursday, February 09, 2012
laaame Paul! I thought you were cool. I guess you're like Metallica.
Larry Thursday, February 09, 2012
Right Thursday, February 09, 2012
Because McCartney's catalog has so little to do with the Major label system.
BTW, the latest record? Do you know who put that out?
Starbucks.
Truth Friday, February 10, 2012
RIght Friday, February 10, 2012
That's strange,
Everywhere I look I see it's label as Hear Music,
Which granted is Starbucks and Concord for help with distro, though Universal looks to be handling the majority of the international distro duties..
The point is McCartney doesn't have the "little people problems" that the rest of the world has when it comes to streaming. In fact, he has fewer problems than 99.9999% of most humans.
Which leads me to believe this decision has nothing to do with him.
Visitor Thursday, February 09, 2012
the title of the record is Kisses On the Bottom not from.
I personally think it's kind of an f u from paul mccartney, like "kiss my..."
andrewmccluskey Friday, February 10, 2012
I think you’re right – I think there’s no way Paul didn’t have the idea of “Kiss my Arse” when he named the record. I’d say he’s just playing to his base and milking as much dough as can. For 99% of artists you actually want the accessibility that streaming brings you but Paul’s audience isn’t necessarily that young or tech savvy; if he pisses off the Gen Y / Millennial market I’m sure he’s not losing any sleep over it.
Visitor2 Thursday, February 09, 2012
onutz Thursday, February 09, 2012
The concert was AWESOME!!
cynic Friday, February 10, 2012
It's not called show friends, it's called show business.
Kiyomi Tuesday, February 14, 2012
thanks for the informative article!
http://kiyomimusic.com
Dennyse Sunday, February 26, 2012
Don't forget he is a senior citizen. I wonder if he draws his social security to which he is entitled. Maybe he could do a "Bill Gates" and donate a few songs.
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