Ultimate Chart (a/o May 20th):
It's not as cool as it sounds, but... SoundCloud has just implemented a one-click, more tightly-integrated global billing system, powered by Netherlands-based Adyen. This isn't an overhaul to enable sales of music by uploaders, however, it does upgrade existing billing platforms around premium subscription tiers.
Berklee College of Music has just named Michael Bierylo as chair of its Electronic Production and Design Department (EPD). Sounds like a pretty cool prof: "We look to both analog and digital systems, lo-fi and hi-fi," Bierylo described. "Our students design software for iPads and hack Speak and Spells. They create thumping dance tracks, interactive audio-visual installations, and inspired sonic landscapes for video games."
It's a pile of plastic in your basement, and a recurring nightmare for Viacom. After acquiring Rock Band from Harmonix in 2006, Viacom has just been saddled with more than $300 million in payments to the original founders, based on ill-conceived
earnout schedules. The game was acquired for $175 million, with a $150 million bonus payment in 2007. By 2008, Viacom moved for a refund, ultimately an unsuccessful demand.
And the solution to an arcane, overly-complex and expensive licensing structure for services like Pandora? The solution, according to Brookings Institution, is to radically slash royalty obligations on streaming recordings - that is, down to levels enjoyed by a small group that includes Sirius XM Radio, Muzak, and Music Choice. "Today, the playing field in American digital music broadcasting is anything but level. For example, Internet radio companies can be compelled to pay over 60 percent of their revenue in sound recording performance royalties," wrote Brookings fellow and UCLA professor John Villasenor. "By contrast, Sirius XM satellite radio currently pays only 8 percent of gross revenue."
Spotify has just layered thumbs up/down functionality into its desktop radio app, a feature previously limited to the mobile app.
And, Guns n' Roses, or what's left of it, is now sinking into Vegas. The 12-date, unfortunately-titled Appetite for Democracy residence starts October 31st at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino; more jointlasvegas.com.
Because age verification can get expensive... R. Kelly is now 'pulling out' of a dedicated cruise concert, apparently based on a financial dispute (or according the Kelly's camp, non-payment) from Concert Cruises LLC. The 'Love Letter Cruise' was slated to hit a number of Carribean spots.
And, Jennifer Lopez has now dumped United Talent Agency (UTA) and inked to Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the latest in a long line of agency switches.
Yohan Launay Monday, August 13, 2012
Nice Article, the licensing game is indeed very tricky, being online music or online radio streaming.
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