Spotify continues making new deals ahead of their IPO, and Wixen and Kobalt vow to pay songwriters their fair share.
Here’s the latest brouhaha in the business…
Three Japanese independent music trade bodies have formed a new global coalition: The Independent Music Coalition of Japan (IMCJ). Global digital rights agency Merlin Network has backed the coalition. The Independent Records and Musicians Association, the Independent Label Council Japan, and the Japan Net Creators Association will represent the Japanese music community.
Hip-hop YouTuber Adam Grandmaison has launched No Jumper Records with Atlantic Records. Better known as Adam22, the popular web entertainer first hinted at the deal last year. No Jumper Records is a spinoff of his YouTube Channel, No Jumper.
The government of British Columbia has announced the creation of a new $7.5 million music fund, Amplify BC. Music BC and Music Canada applauded the government’s announcement. Both organizations stated that the fund will provide much-needed support for the development of BC artists and musicians. It will also help music companies, skills development, and live music production, as well as stimulate economic growth and activity.
Wixen and Kobalt have recently agreed to licensing deals with Facebook. Speaking with Music Business Worldwide, both publishing companies vowed to fairly distribute royalties to songwriters. The agreement will cover 180 territories on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Oculus.
Sony Hall, a new entertainment venue, will open its doors this month in Manhattan’s famous Theater District. It has revealed upcoming performances from Wale, Mura Mura, Gregory Porter, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Revolution. The venue is a partnership between Blue Note Entertainment and Sony Corp.
Spotify has partnered with music discovery app 8tracks to bring a new feature to the latter’s mobile iOS app. 8tracks will now deliver music based on listeners’ tastes “in a more organized manner.” They can now automatically save favorited 8tracks songs and transfer them to Spotify on a special playlist: ‘8tracks Discoveries.’
Featured image by Spotify