Friends

Photo: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

News

What Are College Students' Top Music Influencers?

Facebook Twitter Email
The Orchard investigates college listening and discovers personal connections still rule
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Sep 11, 2017 - 3:13 pm

It can seem like digital screens are replacing real people with online "friends," but when the Orchard asked their campus reps about students' listening habits, they learned the opposite — real friends are students' top influencers for new music discovery and 18–21 year-olds "are primarily sharing their favorite music in-person."

There seem to be no limits to what types of music students listen to while studying or how many digital platforms they might explore for discovery and sharing. But while students' digital explorations take them all over, personal connections, activities and concert attendance still dominate. There is something heartening that "kids today" know how to value what's personal — an important truth for young artists trying to nurture their fan base.

Sure, Spotify's discovery and sharing tools are common, and college kids also engage with their favorite artists on  Instagram and YouTube and Reddit (Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter were about equally influential). But these global sharing platforms have not replaced real word-of-mouth among college consumers as the most digitally savvy generation of all time keeps it personal.

Students, jump-start your music career! Learn more about GRAMMY U

GRAMMYs

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Apple/Getty Images

News

Apple Music Announces Distribution Program That Will Benefit Indie Artists

Facebook Twitter Email
Apple Music has introduced its Preferred Distribution Program that will help indie artists at CD Baby and The Orchard
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Nov 8, 2018 - 6:01 pm

Apple Music is launching a Preferred Distribution Program that will feature partnerships with artists who distribute through CD Baby, Kontor New Media and The Orchard.

Details of the program surfaced on Nov. 6, with Hypebot being the first to report on it. CD Baby revealed more details for its members, including the Apple program's access to analytics, trends, advanced customer features and early access to new product features from Apple Music and iTunes. Beyond giving indie artists more resources, the program seems like a sign that today's digital music ecosystem is creating new virtuous circles to make online commerce easier.

Billboard called attention to Spotify's recent inclusion of CD Baby and The Orchard among its own previously announced preferred partners. While speculation may seem inevitable that leading streaming services might head toward allowing artists to upload their own music directly, from a practical standpoint both deals are big steps forward, as is. For example, The Orchard is among Sony Music Entertainment's friendly options for indies so even the major labels see the value of tapping into what makes indies special.

Giving indies' distribution greater reach evens up the playing field, helping today's little-known artists to trend, and helping them to make their mark their way with the fans who appreciate them the most.

Can Facebook's New Portal Device Help Musicians Connect?

Jann Wenner photographed in 2006

Jann Wenner
 

Photo: Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic

News

Penske Media Acquires 'Rolling Stone' Magazine Majority Stake

Facebook Twitter Email
The 50-year rock culture classic, reporting on music and important news, sells majority stake to Penske Media Corporation
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 21, 2017 - 12:12 pm

Following music and culture in the U.S. has often included reading Rolling Stone magazine over the past 50 years, thanks to the publishing success of Jann Wenner. So it came as a surprise last September when Wenner announced he would sell the magazine. Now, it has been announced Penske Media Corporation has acquired 51 percent of the magazine for an estimated $100 million. Wenner will remain on as editorial director.

Jay Penske, who also owns entertainment business magazine Variety, and PMC look forward to being a big part of what happens next.

"Our interest in Rolling Stone is driven by its people, its cultural significance and the globally recognized brand that has no peer in its areas of influence," Penske said. "We believe that Penske Media is uniquely qualified to partner with the Wenners to ensure the brand continues to ascend for decades across multiple media platforms."

The remaining 49 percent of Rolling Stone parent Wenner Media remains held by Singapore's BandLab.

Apple Acquires Music Recognition Service Shazam

firefighter fights the Thomas Fire

the Thomas Fire

Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

News

Apple Pledges $1 Million For Southern California Fire Relief

Facebook Twitter Email
In both Northern and Southern California, Apple's welcome generosity benefits victims of 2017 wildfires who need it the most
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 12, 2017 - 4:08 pm

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple pledged $1 million on Dec. 12 for relief and rebuilding efforts in response to the devastation caused by the Southern California wildfires. These have consumed areas equivalent in size to entire cities and are not yet entirely contained.

This is the company's second gift this year to fight fire devastation in California. In October Apple also donated $1 million, at that time to fight fires raging in Northern California.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by the fires in Southern California, including our colleagues, friends and their families," Apple said. "Apple is donating $1 million to aid in the rebuilding and recovery efforts of the communities that have been impacted." The company also expects to make digital media fundraising solicitations across its digital platforms.

Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio Band To Perform Hurricane Relief Concert

Apple

Photo: Stephen Lam/Getty Images

News

Apple Acquires Music Recognition Service Shazam

Facebook Twitter Email
A timely and major acquisition of Shazam by Apple heralds greater integration for music listening ahead
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Dec 11, 2017 - 12:15 pm

Apple is one of the top global companies and pioneers legal music online. While it builds marketshare for its Apple Music streaming service music recognition platform Shazam looks like a perfect match.

Tipped to TechCrunch on Dec. 8 and confirmed by Apple on Dec. 11, the deal is estimated in the $400 million range. Apple used the word "thrilled" to describe merging Shazam's corporate vision and trajectory into the Apple Music experience.

"Today, [Shazam is] used by hundreds of millions of people around the world across multiple platforms," Apple said in a statement provided to Billboard. "Apple Music and Shazam are a natural fit, sharing a passion for music discovery and delivering great music experiences to our users."

This acquisition has a nice glow because Shazam has been such a must-have app for years, and like many other services, has struggled to survive. It remains to be seen what Apple does with its "hundreds of millions" Shazam users.

SoundCloud's "Creator-Focused" Path To Survival