#Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

[beatverse1]

Handling Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

Navigating Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music can be challenging for both artists and labels. Issues like misattributed tracks, incorrect metadata, royalty discrepancies, and content takedowns can impact revenue and reputation. This guide offers insights into common types of disputes, steps to resolve them, and preventive measures to reduce future issues.

Understanding Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

To effectively manage disputes, it’s essential to understand the types of Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music. Common issues include:

Metadata Errors: Incorrect or incomplete details such as song titles or artist names.

Misattribution: Tracks or albums mistakenly credited to the wrong artist.

Royalty Discrepancies: Differences between expected and received royalty payments.

Content Removal or Takedowns: Content removed without warning, often due to copyright or guideline issues.

Duplicate Releases: Multiple versions of the same track or album, causing confusion for listeners.

Common Causes of Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

Metadata Errors

Cause: Incorrect or incomplete track or album information.

Solution: Review metadata thoroughly before submission. Using a professional distribution service can help reduce metadata errors.

Misattribution

Cause: Tracks appearing under the wrong artist’s profile.

Solution: Contact Apple Music Support with detailed information, including links and screenshots of both the correct and incorrect profiles. Notify your distributor for additional support if needed.

Royalty Discrepancies

Cause: Inconsistencies in royalty payments or missing details.

Solution: Compare royalty statements with streaming data and report issues to Apple Music Support or your distributor, providing all relevant details.

Content Removal or Takedowns

Cause: Often due to copyright claims or guideline violations.

Solution: Contact Apple Music Support to understand the reason for removal, and provide copyright ownership proof if required.

Duplicate Releases

Cause: Multiple releases of the same track.

Solution: Request duplicate removals through Apple Music Support or your distributor.

Steps to Resolve Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

1. Identify the Issue

Identify the specific problem by reviewing your catalog, metadata, and royalty statements.

2. Contact Apple Music Support

Use the Apple Music for Artists platform to reach Apple Music Support. Provide detailed information such as ISRC codes, track titles, and any relevant screenshots.

3. Involve Your Distributor

If you use a distributor, share all relevant details and ask for their assistance. Distributors often have direct contacts within Apple Music, which can expedite resolutions.

4. Document Everything

Maintain thorough records of all communications, including emails, dates, times, contact information, and any case numbers provided by Apple Music Support.

Solutions for Specific Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

Metadata Errors

Solution: Ensure accurate metadata submission and inform your distributor if corrections are necessary.

Prevention: Use metadata templates and conduct periodic audits of your catalog.

Misattribution

Solution: Report misattributions to Apple Music Support with supporting documentation.

Prevention: Verify your artist profile on Apple Music and maintain consistent branding.

Royalty Discrepancies

Solution: Compare royalty statements to sales data, then contact Apple Music or your distributor to report discrepancies.

Prevention: Establish clear agreements on royalty splits and monitor statements regularly.

Content Removal or Takedowns

Solution: Contact Apple Music Support to clarify the reason for removal and provide necessary copyright documents if applicable.

Prevention: Ensure all permissions are in place and adhere to Apple Music’s guidelines.

Duplicate Releases

Solution: Request duplicate removals through Apple Music Support or your distributor.

Prevention: Use a single, reliable distributor and coordinate your release strategy.

Preventing Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

1. Verify Metadata

Double-check metadata before submitting to a distributor to ensure accuracy and completeness.

2. Regular Monitoring

Regularly monitor your releases on Apple Music to catch and address issues early.

3. Clear Communication with Distributors

Maintain open communication with your distributor to ensure alignment on release expectations.

4. Keep Detailed Records

Document all submissions, communications, and transactions to assist in resolving disputes if they arise.

Tips for Artists and Labels

1. Stay Updated

Familiarize yourself with Apple Music’s distribution policies, which can help in resolving disputes.

2. Use Professional Services

Opt for professional distribution services with metadata management to reduce errors.

3. Use Technology

Automate distribution processes where possible to minimize human error.

Additional Resources for Handling Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

1. Apple Music for Artists Support

Website: Apple Music for Artists Support

Features: Offers guides and support for managing your music catalog on Apple Music.

2. Professional Music Distribution Services

Consider reputable services with dedicated support teams for dispute handling, including:

CD Baby

Deliver My Tune

DistroKid

Ditto Music

3. Music Industry Associations

Consider joining associations that offer resources and support for handling disputes:

The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs)

American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)

Best Practices for Preventing Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music

1. Quality Control

Ensure high standards for all submissions, covering:

Audio Quality: Tracks should be professionally mixed and mastered.

Metadata Accuracy: Double-check metadata details.

Artwork Standards: Follow Apple Music’s artwork guidelines.

2. Regular Monitoring

Regularly check your releases on Apple Music to identify potential issues, including:

Track Listings: Verify that listings are accurate.

Profile Information: Keep artist profiles updated.

Royalty Statements: Review statements regularly for discrepancies.

3. Strong Communication

Build solid relationships with distributors and maintain direct communication where possible.

4. Legal Preparedness

Keep all necessary documentation organized, including:

Copyright Clearances: Ensure clearances for any copyrighted materials.

Licensing Agreements: Retain copies of all agreements.

Conclusion

While Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music can be challenging, they are manageable with the right approach. By identifying common issues, following recommended steps, and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of disputes on your music career. Take a proactive approach, communicate with your distributor, and monitor releases to ensure smooth distribution.

This guide equips you to handle Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music effectively, ensuring your music reaches audiences as intended and that you receive your rightful royalties.

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.

[iwanthermidnightz]

*parts of this article was written previously and then recently updated*

Taylor Swift isn't just a pop icon anymore; she's the next great American dynasty, singlehandedly steering some of the country's most vaunted brands and institutions.

Why it matters: She already fueled the nation's economy for much of the summer and drove thousands to register to vote. Now, she's a beacon of opportunity — and cash — for both the NFL and Hollywood.

The NFL: Swift was spotted cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs alongside Donna Kelce, mother of Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, during last Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Throughout the broadcast, Fox panned over to Swift nine times throughout the game and social media was abuzz over her attendance.

The NFL flashed images of Swift in their game day graphics throughout the game, released 10 TikToks on the official NFL account — which changed its bio to read "9/24/23. Taylor was here' — and NFL on Fox even ran an ad capitalizing on her romantic link to Kelce.

Kelce is also a recipient of the halo effect. In the 24 hours following the game, he gained over 300,000 new social media followers, saw a 400% increase in merchandise sales and his podcast ranked #1 on the Apple charts.

By the numbers: Her attendance did in fact drive ratings, particularly among young, female viewers

The Chiefs vs. Bears game drew 24.3 million viewers, making it the most-viewed telecast of the week, and female viewership in the key 18-49 demo saw a 63% increase.

What they're saying: "This buzz around Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift isn't just about speculation about their relationship, it's about the Halo Effect at work - where one person's influence boosts the appeal of others around them. Suddenly, football is more than a game; it's a stage for pop culture," said communication expert Molly McPherson.

"It isn't just an academic theory; it's a savvy marketing move. When an All-Pro tight end like Travis Kelce invites Taylor Swift to a game, he's essentially inviting her entire fan base to tune in as well. Swift, Kelce, the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs all come out ahead. There was only one loser in Sunday's game, and it was the Chicago Bears."

Box office: With Hollywood mired in the depths of dual labor disputes, this fall's movie slate was looking pretty bare for theaters — until Swift delivered an unexpected jolt with the surprise announcement of her "Eras Tour" film, set for release this month.

Swift and her family directly negotiated a distribution deal with theater chain AMC, leaving out the traditional studio middlemen via an agreement that could upend how concert films are released in the future, per Puck's Matthew Belloni.

The concert film is tracking toward a $100 million opening weekend domestically — and likely much higher, according to Deadline, with one analyst calling it a "unicorn."

Its announcement also forced a last-minute jolt of Hollywood's release calendar, as Blumhouse head Jason Blum moved up the release of the forthcoming "Exorcist" sequel by a week, declaring "#TaylorWins."

The big picture: Swift has so much influence, clout and engagement for a reason.

She has won over the trust of her fandom — referred to as Swifties — through authentic and direct communication across social media and through fan experiences.

Her penchant for hiding clues and Easter eggs throughout her communiques is so well-known that she took over Google Search to reveal new song titles last month.

Music accolades aside, Swift gained even more respect from her fellow musicians by challenging the way artists were compensated across streaming platforms.

What's next: Swift is expected to attend this week's Chiefs vs Jets game, which could continue to bring more eyeballs, more chatter and more money to the NFL.

The bottom line: When Taylor Swift gets involved, the only blank space that matters is on the checks that'll inevitably be cashed.

[officevalle]

Master the Art of Quick Music Distribution on iTunes

The music industry is fast-paced, and staying ahead requires efficient strategies. For artists, releasing a single on iTunes can be a game-changer, connecting their music to millions of listeners worldwide. However, navigating the process efficiently is crucial to ensuring a smooth launch. If you're eager to release your single on iTunes quickly, this guide will help you master the art of swift music distribution while avoiding common pitfalls.

Why iTunes Remains a Key Platform for Artists

As streaming platforms grow, iTunes continues to play a vital role in music distribution. Here’s why it matters:

1. Global Reach and Accessibility iTunes connects you to an audience in over 100 countries. With just one click, fans can purchase or download your single, making it a valuable platform for monetizing your music.

2. Visibility and Branding Having your single listed on iTunes boosts your credibility as an artist. It’s a trusted platform where listeners expect high-quality music, allowing you to establish yourself alongside renowned musicians.

3. Easy Integration with Apple Music iTunes works seamlessly with Apple Music, expanding your reach to an even broader audience. Songs released on iTunes often appear in Apple Music’s recommendations, increasing your exposure.

Planning Your Release for Maximum Impact

Releasing your single on iTunes quickly requires more than just uploading a file. Planning ahead ensures your music meets all requirements and gains traction.

1. Set a Clear Timeline Establish a release date well in advance. Most distributors recommend submitting your music 2–4 weeks before your desired launch date to account for potential delays.

2. Organize Your Assets Before you begin, gather everything you need, including:

High-quality audio files in WAV or FLAC format.

Artwork that meets iTunes specifications (at least 3000x3000 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format).

Accurate metadata, such as song title, artist name, and contributors.

3. Choose a Reliable Distributor Digital distributors like TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid streamline the process, ensuring your music is delivered to iTunes quickly and efficiently. Compare their pricing, features, and timelines to find the best fit for your needs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes That Cause Delays

While the process may seem straightforward, certain missteps can slow down your release. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Double-Check Your Metadata Errors in metadata, such as typos or incorrect song titles, can lead to rejections. Take the time to review every detail before submission.

2. Ensure Compliance with iTunes Guidelines iTunes has strict requirements for audio quality, artwork, and song content. Non-compliance can result in your submission being delayed or rejected.

3. Plan Ahead for Licensing If your single includes samples or covers, ensure you have the necessary permissions. Proper licensing avoids copyright disputes that can derail your release.

Submitting Your Single: Step-by-Step Guide

To release your single on iTunes quickly, follow this streamlined process:

1. Sign Up with a Distributor Select a trusted distributor and create an account. Upload your audio file, artwork, and metadata to their platform.

2. Verify Your Information Check all details carefully before submission. Errors at this stage can lead to delays during iTunes’ review process.

3. Choose Your Release Date Set your release date at least 2–4 weeks in the future to allow time for review and distribution. Many distributors offer the option to schedule releases in advance.

4. Submit Your Single Once everything is ready, hit submit! Your distributor will handle the rest, delivering your music to iTunes and other digital stores.

Promoting Your Single for Maximum Reach

Getting your music on iTunes is just the beginning. Effective promotion ensures your single gets the attention it deserves.

1. Build Buzz Before the Release Create anticipation with teasers and announcements on social media. Share snippets of your song, behind-the-scenes content, and the official release date to engage your audience.

2. Create a Pre-Save Link Some distributors offer pre-save options, allowing fans to save your single before its official release. This can boost initial downloads and increase visibility on iTunes charts.

3. Leverage Influencers and Media Reach out to music bloggers, influencers, and playlist curators to feature your single. Their support can help amplify your reach.

4. Encourage Fans to Leave Reviews Positive reviews on iTunes can improve your single’s visibility and encourage more people to check it out. Ask your fans to rate and review your music after they listen.

Post-Release Strategies for Sustained Success

Releasing your single on iTunes quickly is just one step. Here’s how to keep the momentum going:

1. Monitor Performance Track your single’s performance using analytics provided by your distributor. Identify trends and adapt your promotion strategy accordingly.

2. Engage with Your Audience Stay active on social media, responding to comments and sharing updates about your music. Building a strong connection with fans can lead to long-term support.

3. Plan Your Next Release Use the insights gained from this release to refine your approach for future singles. Consistency is key to growing your presence on iTunes.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of quick music distribution on iTunes is all about preparation, attention to detail, and effective promotion. By understanding the platform’s requirements, avoiding common mistakes, and leveraging promotional strategies, you can release your single on iTunes quickly and reach a global audience.

Are you ready to share your music with the world? Start planning your next release today and let your artistry shine on iTunes. What strategies have worked for you? Share your tips and experiences in the comments!

Related Articles:

For further reading, explore these related articles:

How to Release Your Single on iTunes and Earn 100% Royalties

How to Release Your Single on iTunes Without Paying Fees

How to Release Your Single on iTunes and Multiple Platforms with Ease

How to Release Your Single on iTunes and Get Paid

For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Private Limited.

[music-dmt]

Leveraging Editorial Opportunities: A Guide for Emerging Artists on Apple Music

In the competitive world of music streaming, artists must leverage every available tool to enhance their visibility and engagement. Among these tools, Apple Music’s Editorial Opportunities offer a significant avenue for artists to connect with broader audiences. This guide explores how emerging artists can utilize these opportunities effectively, alongside other crucial aspects like Apple iTunes Connect, high-quality cover art, and engagement strategies on platforms like YouTube.

Understanding Apple Music’s Editorial Opportunities

Apple Music’s editorial team curates playlists and features that can dramatically increase an artist's exposure. Getting featured can lead to increased streams, followers, and ultimately, revenue. However, landing a spot on these coveted lists requires understanding what the editorial team is looking for. Artists should focus on originality, quality, and current trends in the music industry. Regular updates and engagement through Apple iTunes Connect can help artists stay on top of their release strategies and ensure their music aligns with what editors are seeking.

The Role of Apple iTunes Connect

Apple iTunes Connect serves as a vital tool for artists distributing music on Apple Music and iTunes. It allows artists to upload their tracks, manage albums, view analytics, and more. A robust presence here is essential for artists aiming to take full advantage of editorial opportunities on Apple Music. By maintaining updated and complete profiles, artists enhance their chances of being noticed by the editorial team.

The Impact of High-Quality Cover Art

Visuals are often the first point of contact between your music and potential listeners. High-quality Cover Art on Apple Music not only attracts attention but also conveys the artist's brand and the music's mood. Investing in professional cover art can make a significant difference in how your music is perceived, which in turn can influence editorial decisions. Editors are more likely to feature music that presents itself professionally, both audibly and visually.

Navigating Music Distribution Disputes

Disputes over music rights can be a major hindrance for artists. Such issues can lead to delays in music availability, which affects editorial opportunities. Understanding how to manage and resolve Music Distribution Disputes on Apple Music can save artists from potential setbacks. Proactively managing music rights and ensuring all distribution channels are clear of disputes is crucial for maintaining a smooth relationship with streaming platforms.

Enhancing Engagement on YouTube

While focusing on Apple Music, artists should not overlook the importance of other platforms like YouTube. The Role of Engagement in YouTube algorithms plays a crucial role in how content is promoted and seen by audiences. Engagement through likes, comments, and shares can drive your music to trend on YouTube, creating an additional stream of listeners and potential fans. This engagement also complements your efforts on Apple Music, as a strong presence on multiple platforms can enhance your appeal to Apple’s editors.

Conclusion

For emerging artists, understanding and utilizing the array of tools available on streaming platforms can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. From mastering Apple iTunes Connect to creating striking cover art and engaging with audiences on YouTube, every aspect counts towards building a successful music career. By strategically aiming for editorial features on Apple Music, artists can significantly boost their visibility and career trajectory.

[delivermytuneo6]

Top 5 Skills Every Business Manager in the Music Industry Needs

The music industry is one of the most dynamic and unpredictable fields, requiring professionals to be not only skilled but also adaptable. Among these professionals, a business manager in the music industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring an artist's career is financially sustainable and their business affairs run smoothly. While the job title suggests a focus on finances, the reality is that the role demands a wide array of skills. This article explores the top five skills every business manager in the music industry needs to excel.

1. Financial Expertise

At the core of a business manager's responsibilities is the ability to manage and optimize finances. This includes creating budgets, tracking expenses, preparing taxes, and planning for long-term financial goals. Unlike in other industries, a business manager in the music industry must deal with unpredictable income streams, including royalties, live performance earnings, merchandise sales, and streaming revenue.

Understanding these varied income sources requires a specialized knowledge of accounting principles tailored to the music business. Business managers must also be adept at tax planning, ensuring artists maximize their earnings while staying compliant with tax laws. Managing investments, negotiating contracts, and navigating financial risks are equally essential. Without financial expertise, even the most talented artists risk losing their wealth due to mismanagement.

2. Industry Knowledge

The music industry operates under unique rules, and a successful business manager must thoroughly understand its intricacies. From intellectual property rights and royalty structures to touring logistics and merchandise distribution, the landscape is complex. Familiarity with these aspects allows a business manager in the music industry to protect their clients’ interests and make informed decisions.

For example, knowing how royalties work and ensuring that artists receive their fair share from digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is a critical aspect of the role. Similarly, understanding performance rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC is essential for ensuring artists are paid for public performances of their music.

Having strong connections within the industry also plays a significant role. Business managers with extensive networks can negotiate better deals, secure partnerships, and provide valuable opportunities for their clients. This combination of knowledge and connections gives business managers a strategic advantage.

3. Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication is vital for a business manager in the music industry. Artists often rely on their managers to translate complicated financial and legal jargon into understandable terms. Whether negotiating contracts, explaining budgets, or addressing disputes, the ability to communicate clearly ensures that all parties are on the same page.

Additionally, a business manager must serve as a bridge between the artist and other stakeholders, such as record labels, promoters, and lawyers. They often handle delicate conversations about money and contracts, which require both tact and assertiveness. Miscommunication in these scenarios can lead to financial losses, strained relationships, or missed opportunities.

Furthermore, communication is not just about speaking—it’s also about listening. A business manager must understand their client’s goals and priorities to make decisions that align with their vision. Building trust through transparent and empathetic communication is key to maintaining a successful partnership.

4. Problem-Solving and Adaptability

The music industry is notoriously unpredictable. Tours get canceled, contracts fall through, and unexpected expenses arise. A business manager in the music industry must be able to think on their feet and find creative solutions to these challenges.

For instance, if an artist faces sudden financial difficulties due to a canceled tour, the business manager might explore alternative revenue streams, such as virtual concerts or exclusive merchandise drops. Similarly, when dealing with legal disputes over royalties, they need to work closely with lawyers to resolve the issue efficiently.

Adaptability is equally important in an industry that’s constantly evolving. With the rise of digital platforms, for example, business managers must stay informed about new revenue models, such as NFT (non-fungible token) sales and blockchain-based royalty tracking. Being flexible and proactive allows business managers to anticipate changes and help their clients stay ahead of the curve.

5. Leadership and Team Management

A business manager in the music industry often leads a team of professionals, including accountants, lawyers, tour managers, and publicists. Coordinating these various parties requires strong leadership skills and the ability to delegate effectively.

Leadership is particularly important during high-pressure situations, such as planning a global tour or handling a PR crisis. A business manager must keep the team focused and ensure everyone is working toward the same goals. They also need to motivate and inspire their team to deliver the best results for the artist.

Good leadership extends to the relationship with the artist as well. Many artists view their business manager as a trusted advisor who helps guide their career. Building this trust requires integrity, reliability, and the ability to make difficult decisions in the artist’s best interest.

Conclusion

A business manager in the music industry wears many hats, balancing financial expertise, industry knowledge, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership. Mastering these skills is essential for navigating the complexities of the music world and ensuring an artist's success.

In an industry where one wrong decision can lead to financial disaster, the role of the business manager is more crucial than ever. By combining these five skills, a business manager can provide the stability, guidance, and foresight that artists need to thrive in their careers. For anyone aspiring to take on this challenging yet rewarding role, developing these skills is the first step toward becoming a trusted and effective professional in the music business.

[musicindustry1111]

Music Distribution for Labels in India: Overcoming Common Challenges

The Indian music industry has become a hotbed for creativity and innovation, producing content that appeals to a global audience. Yet, behind the success of every hit song lies an intricate process of ensuring that music reaches its intended listeners. This is where music distribution for labels in India plays a pivotal role. While distribution opens doors to opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges that can impact a label’s growth and revenue.

From navigating technical hurdles to ensuring timely royalties, Indian labels often find themselves grappling with complex issues. Addressing these challenges is essential to thrive in the competitive landscape. This article explores common obstacles in the distribution process and provides actionable solutions to help labels succeed. Additionally, platforms like Deliver My Tune have simplified many of these processes, offering tailored solutions to Indian labels.

1. Common Challenges in Music Distribution

a. Delayed Royalties

One of the most significant challenges for Indian labels is dealing with delayed royalty payments. When music is distributed across multiple platforms, the tracking and disbursement of royalties can become a tedious process.

b. Copyright Issues

Copyright management is another area where labels struggle. Unauthorized usage of tracks, disputes over ownership, and incomplete metadata often lead to lost revenue and legal complications.

c. Metadata Errors

Accurate metadata is critical for discoverability on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. However, many labels overlook this aspect, leading to reduced visibility and misplaced credits.

d. Regional Language Barriers

India's diversity is both its strength and its challenge. Labels must cater to regional audiences while navigating the technicalities of distributing music in multiple languages.

e. Insufficient Marketing Integration

Even with effective distribution, a lack of promotion can render a song invisible. Many platforms do not offer integrated marketing tools, leaving labels to manage this aspect independently.

2. Solutions to Overcome Distribution Challenges

a. Streamline Royalties with Transparent Platforms

Using platforms like TuneCore or Deliver My Tune that prioritize transparent royalty management can alleviate delays. These platforms provide detailed reports and quick payouts, ensuring labels have access to their earnings promptly.

b. Invest in Copyright Management Tools

Labels should implement robust copyright management tools to safeguard their content. Services like YouTube Content ID and blockchain-based DRM systems are excellent options.

c. Prioritize Metadata Accuracy

Invest time in creating detailed and accurate metadata. Use standardized naming conventions, ensure consistency across platforms, and include relevant keywords to enhance discoverability.

d. Choose Platforms with Regional Support

Platforms like Gaana, JioSaavn, and Deliver My Tune excel in supporting regional content. Opting for platforms that understand India’s linguistic diversity can significantly improve a label’s reach.

e. Leverage Data and Marketing Insights

Analytics tools provided by platforms such as Spotify for Artists help labels understand audience behavior. This data can guide marketing efforts, such as targeted advertising or playlist pitching.

3. The Role of Technology in Addressing Challenges

a. Artificial Intelligence in Distribution

AI is revolutionizing music distribution by automating tasks such as playlist placement, metadata management, and audience targeting.

b. Blockchain for Transparency

Blockchain technology is gaining traction for ensuring transparency in royalty payments. By recording transactions in an immutable ledger, labels can track earnings accurately.

c. Mobile-First Solutions

Platforms like Amuse.io provide mobile-friendly solutions, making it easier for labels to manage distribution on the go.

4. Case Studies: Overcoming Challenges Successfully

Example 1: Indie Label Expanding Regional Reach

An independent Indian label struggled with reaching regional audiences. By partnering with Deliver My Tune, the label distributed its music across regional platforms, resulting in a 50% increase in streams within three months.

Example 2: Resolving Metadata Errors

A mid-sized label faced discoverability issues due to incomplete metadata. After investing in metadata standardization tools, the label saw a 30% increase in playlist placements.

5. Emerging Trends in Indian Music Distribution

AI-Powered Playlists: Helping labels find new audiences based on listening habits.

Hyper-Localization: Catering to specific regional audiences with customized content strategies.

Collaborations for Visibility: Partnering with influencers and content creators to amplify reach.

Conclusion

Navigating the challenges of music distribution for labels in India requires a combination of strategic planning, technological adoption, and careful platform selection. While delayed royalties, copyright issues, and metadata errors can be daunting, labels that address these obstacles head-on are better positioned for success.

Platforms like Deliver My Tune are making strides in simplifying these processes for Indian labels, offering solutions that cater to the country’s unique music ecosystem. By embracing these tools and implementing best practices, labels can ensure that their music reaches audiences seamlessly while maximizing revenue potential.

Success in music distribution is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s about turning them into opportunities. With the right approach, Indian labels can thrive in an ever-evolving industry, delivering exceptional music to listeners worldwide.

[songvalle]

 "The Role of Distributors in Resolving Apple Music Disputes"

Introduction: Music distribution disputes can be frustrating for any artist, impacting revenue, brand reputation, and audience reach. While Apple Music provides a platform for artists to reach a global audience, it also comes with certain challenges, including errors in metadata, royalty misallocation, and unexpected content takedowns. In these instances, distributors often serve as the first line of defense, acting as a mediator between the artist and the streaming service. In this article, we'll explore the critical role distributors play in resolving disputes on Apple Music, how they handle common issues, and why choosing the right distributor can make all the difference for an artist’s career.

Understanding the Relationship Between Distributors and Streaming Platforms: Distributors are the bridge between artists and streaming services like Apple Music. They handle the delivery of music files, metadata, and other relevant details that streaming platforms use to identify and categorize tracks. Since Apple Music relies on this data to process payments, manage artist profiles, and curate recommendations, even small errors can lead to issues. Distributors are therefore integral in ensuring the accuracy and quality of the information provided to platforms like Apple Music.

Common Distribution Disputes on Apple Music: Several types of disputes can arise in the music distribution process on Apple Music. These include:

Metadata Errors – Metadata includes details like song titles, artist names, album artwork, genre classifications, and release dates. Inaccurate or incomplete metadata can result in misattribution, where music gets credited to the wrong artist, or duplication, where a track appears multiple times under different profiles. Such errors can impact listener experience and reduce an artist's earnings, making metadata accuracy crucial.

Royalty Discrepancies – Royalty distribution on Apple Music is calculated based on streaming numbers, territory, and subscription type. Distributors receive these royalties and pass them on to artists. However, disputes can arise when artists feel their royalties do not align with the streaming data they observe, suspecting issues in either reporting or data accuracy.

Content Takedowns – Occasionally, songs or albums may be removed from Apple Music due to copyright issues, policy violations, or technical errors. Distributors are typically responsible for identifying and resolving such issues, advocating for the artist's rights, and ensuring the content is restored as quickly as possible.

Territorial Restrictions – Artists may find their music unavailable in specific regions even though they have chosen global distribution. This restriction could be due to regional policies or data input errors by the distributor, which can lead to lost revenue and hindered exposure.

The Role of Distributors in Resolving Disputes: When these issues arise, distributors can help artists by directly addressing problems with Apple Music’s support teams, leveraging their industry contacts, and using specialized tools to correct data. Let’s examine how they tackle each common dispute type.

Fixing Metadata Errors: Distributors often have direct access to backend tools and support channels that artists might not. In cases of metadata misattribution, they can quickly update or correct data fields to ensure songs are correctly associated with the artist's profile. Many distributors also implement quality control checks before submitting metadata to Apple Music, which helps prevent these issues from arising in the first place. Additionally, distributors maintain relationships with Apple Music, which means they can expedite the resolution of metadata issues compared to an independent artist trying to manage it alone.

Addressing Royalty Discrepancies: When artists suspect errors in royalty reporting, distributors conduct audits by cross-referencing Apple Music’s reports with their internal records. They can request detailed breakdowns of streams and payments from Apple Music, providing transparency and clarity for artists. By pinpointing specific discrepancies, distributors can ensure artists receive fair compensation. Some larger distributors even have dedicated royalty management teams to handle these concerns, adding another layer of support for artists.

Managing Content Takedowns: Takedowns can be especially frustrating for artists, particularly if the removal was an error or a false copyright claim. Distributors handle these disputes by investigating the reason for the takedown, liaising with Apple Music’s legal or technical teams, and presenting necessary ownership documentation. This process can sometimes involve appealing copyright claims or negotiating directly with Apple Music’s legal department. Distributors with strong relationships and established reputations are often more successful in resolving these issues quickly, minimizing disruptions for artists.

Resolving Territorial Restrictions: Global availability is vital for many artists, especially for those with fan bases in multiple countries. When music is restricted in certain regions, distributors can identify whether the issue stems from input errors or regional licensing restrictions and address it accordingly. They may also help artists navigate the complex web of international licensing agreements, ensuring broader access to their music globally.

Why Choosing the Right Distributor Matters: Not all distributors offer the same level of support, particularly when it comes to dispute resolution. Some distributors, particularly those serving independent or emerging artists, offer minimal services, requiring artists to take on the responsibility of managing disputes. Others provide extensive support, including royalty audits, metadata quality checks, and expedited communication channels with streaming platforms.

Here are factors to consider when selecting a distributor:

Customer Support Quality – Distributors with dedicated support teams are better equipped to handle issues swiftly, which is essential for artists with time-sensitive concerns.

Industry Connections – Distributors with established relationships with Apple Music and other platforms can expedite dispute resolutions.

Transparent Royalty Reporting – A good distributor should provide transparent and regular royalty reports, allowing artists to verify their income accurately.

Comprehensive Metadata Management – Distributors that offer robust metadata management services can help prevent common errors that lead to disputes.

Case Study: The Difference a Reliable Distributor Can Make Consider the case of an independent artist who faced a significant royalty dispute due to a metadata error. Working with a reputable distributor, the artist’s issue was resolved within a week, as the distributor was able to contact Apple Music support directly, fix the error, and recalculate royalties. In contrast, another artist who used a less responsive distributor experienced a months-long delay in resolving a similar issue, impacting both income and fan engagement.

Conclusion: Distributors play an indispensable role in preventing and resolving music distribution disputes on Apple Music. Their ability to manage metadata accurately, oversee royalty distribution, and provide artists with a reliable channel for communication with Apple Music can make a substantial difference in an artist's career. By choosing the right distributor, artists can focus on what they do best—creating music—while leaving the complexities of distribution management to professionals.

Call to Action: If you’re an artist experiencing distribution issues on Apple Music, or if you’re considering switching distributors, research distributors that prioritize customer support and dispute resolution. The right partnership can make all the difference in ensuring your music reaches the world without unnecessary setbacks.

[musicindustry123]

7 Steps to Effective Music Distribution for Record Labels

For record labels, an effective distribution strategy is vital to getting music into the hands—and ears—of listeners worldwide. In today’s digital-first landscape, music distribution is no longer just about delivering physical copies to stores; it’s about ensuring tracks are available across a multitude of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more. However, many labels still struggle to navigate the complex process of digital distribution.

Mastering music distribution for labels can make the difference between a release that fades into obscurity and one that achieves widespread success. This step-by-step guide breaks down the critical elements of music distribution, from preparation to promotion, to help record labels amplify their reach and revenue.

Step 1: Setting Up Contracts and Revenue-Sharing Models

Before diving into distribution, it’s essential to establish clear agreements with artists. Transparent contracts help avoid disputes and ensure fair revenue sharing.

Key components: Include clauses covering royalty splits, rights ownership, and revenue from sync licensing opportunities.

Why it matters: Proper agreements build trust between labels and artists, setting the stage for long-term partnerships.

Tools to use: Platforms like Songtrust can simplify royalty collection and management for labels and artists.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Distribution Platform

Not all distribution platforms are created equal, and the choice depends on your label’s goals.

Major options:

TuneCore: Ideal for wide reach and advanced analytics.

DistroKid: Popular for its simplicity and affordability.

Amuse: Great for independent labels, offering free basic distribution.

Factors to consider: Pricing models, global reach, and additional features like playlist pitching.

Pro tip: Research each platform’s customer support and payment timelines to avoid delays in revenue collection.

Step 3: Preparing Metadata and Assets

Metadata and assets play a crucial role in how your music is displayed and discovered across platforms.

What to include:

ISRC and UPC codes for tracking and royalty collection.

High-quality album artwork that adheres to platform specifications.

Accurate song titles, credits, and descriptions.

Common mistakes: Typos in metadata can lead to tracks being misplaced or removed from platforms.

Helpful tools: Services like Symphonic Distribution streamline metadata management for labels.

Step 4: Optimizing Tracks for Playlists

Playlists have become one of the most powerful tools for gaining visibility on streaming platforms. Securing a spot on popular playlists can significantly boost streams and reach.

Key strategies:

Submit tracks for playlist consideration through Spotify for Artists.

Target niche playlists with dedicated followings that match your artist’s genre.

Timing matters: Release tracks on days when curators are most active (typically Fridays).

Leverage relationships: Build connections with curators through email outreach and social media engagement.

Step 5: Monitoring Analytics and Adjusting Strategies

Analytics provide valuable insights into how your music is performing and where you can improve.

Data to track: Listener demographics, streaming numbers, playlist additions, and skip rates.

Platforms to use: Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, and third-party tools like Chartmetric.

Actionable insights:

Identify regions with high engagement and focus marketing efforts there.

Adjust release strategies based on listener behavior, such as time of day and preferred genres.

Step 6: Incorporating Sync Licensing

Sync licensing offers a lucrative revenue stream and a powerful way to expand your audience.

What it is: Licensing tracks for use in TV shows, movies, video games, and advertisements.

How to start: Partner with agencies that specialize in sync placements or leverage tools provided by distribution platforms.

Benefits for labels: Exposure to new audiences and significant financial rewards, especially for indie and niche labels.

Step 7: Promoting Post-Release

Music distribution doesn’t end when the tracks go live—it’s just the beginning. Post-release promotion is essential for driving streams and engagement.

Social media campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to promote releases. Short-form videos are particularly effective.

Email marketing: Build an email list of fans and industry contacts to share release updates.

Engage with fans: Host Q&A sessions, virtual listening parties, or behind-the-scenes videos to maintain excitement after the release.

Bonus Tips for Effective Music Distribution

Collaborate with influencers: Partnering with social media influencers can amplify your reach.

Build partnerships with local radio stations: While digital reigns supreme, radio still holds sway in certain regions and genres.

Release strategically: Avoid releasing during peak competition, such as during major industry events or high-profile artist launches.

Conclusion

Effective music distribution for labels involves more than just uploading tracks—it’s about mastering every step of the process, from preparation to promotion. By establishing clear contracts, choosing the right platforms, and leveraging analytics and sync licensing, labels can maximize their reach and revenue.

In a crowded and competitive music industry, these seven steps can help record labels stand out and connect with audiences globally. For labels ready to elevate their distribution strategies, platforms like Deliver My Tune offer valuable insights and tools tailored to their needs.

[music-industry-updates]

Ensuring Safe Music Distribution: How Deliver My Tune Helps Protect Your Work

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, musicians have access to a wide array of platforms for distributing their music globally. However, with this expanded reach comes the critical responsibility of ensuring that their intellectual property is safeguarded. Unauthorized usage, piracy, and theft are common concerns that artists face. Protecting one’s music across these platforms is no longer optional but a necessity. This is where Deliver My Tune steps in, providing comprehensive solutions that protect music across all platforms, ensuring that musicians can focus on creating without fear of exploitation.

In this article, we explore how Deliver My Tune ensures that your music is protected on every platform it reaches and what artists can do to further strengthen their security.

Understanding Digital Music Distribution:

Digital music distribution refers to the process of delivering music to various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, YouTube, and other streaming services or digital stores. In the past, physical copies such as CDs and vinyl records were the primary mediums of distribution. Now, the majority of music is streamed or downloaded digitally.

While this shift has revolutionized how we listen to music, it has also introduced new challenges in terms of protection. Digital files can be easily copied, shared, or used without the artist’s consent, which may result in revenue loss and creative control issues. Ensuring that these files are protected across all platforms is the first step toward maintaining artistic integrity and financial stability. Deliver My Tune specializes in managing this process by ensuring that distributed content is not only available globally but also secured from unauthorized usage.

How Deliver My Tune Protects Your Music on Streaming Platforms:

Deliver My Tune has a robust system in place that ensures your music is distributed securely across all digital platforms. When artists distribute music through Deliver My Tune, they benefit from a comprehensive digital rights management (DRM) system. DRM is a key technology that limits unauthorized usage, copying, and distribution of your music.

Through Deliver My Tune, your music is registered across various global platforms with all the necessary metadata. This metadata includes information about the track, the artist, and the rights associated with the song. Properly registered metadata is crucial in the fight against piracy and unauthorized use, as it ensures that platforms recognize the rightful owner of the music.

In addition to this, Deliver My Tune offers Content ID services, which is a system designed to detect unauthorized use of your music on platforms like YouTube. This means that if someone uploads a video using your music without permission, Deliver My Tune can identify the infringement, allowing you to take appropriate action or monetize the content.

The Importance of Metadata and Copyright Protection:

One of the most essential elements in protecting your music is ensuring that it is properly tagged with accurate metadata. Metadata is the digital information that accompanies a music file, including details like the artist’s name, album, release date, and, most importantly, the rights holder. Without accurate metadata, it becomes much harder to prove ownership of a track in cases of disputes or piracy.

Deliver My Tune ensures that every piece of music it distributes is accompanied by accurate and complete metadata. This data is used by streaming platforms and digital stores to manage royalties and ensure that the right parties are credited and compensated. When your music is protected with proper metadata, it acts as a digital fingerprint, allowing your work to be tracked and traced no matter where it is shared.

Additionally, Deliver My Tune encourages all artists to register their music with a performing rights organization (PRO) and copyright their music before distribution. Copyright registration provides legal documentation that proves you are the owner of your music. Should any legal disputes arise, this documentation is invaluable in protecting your rights.

Best Practices for Artists to Maximize Security:

While Deliver My Tune offers strong protection, artists can take additional steps to safeguard their music:

Register Your Copyright: Always ensure your music is registered with the appropriate authorities, such as a national copyright office or a performance rights organization. This legal protection is the foundation of any strategy to protect your music.

Use Watermarking: Consider adding a digital watermark to your tracks before distribution. Watermarks are nearly invisible to listeners but can help prove ownership in case of disputes.

Monitor Platforms Regularly: Even with automatic systems like Content ID, it’s wise for artists to regularly monitor platforms for unauthorized usage. Tools like Google Alerts can help you stay on top of where and how your music is being used.

Engage with Your Audience: A strong and engaged fan base is one of the best defenses against piracy. Loyal fans are more likely to report unauthorized use of your music and ensure that you receive proper credit.

Consult with Legal Experts: Having legal representation or consulting with a music lawyer can provide an added layer of protection. They can advise on contracts, licensing agreements, and steps to take if your music is used without permission.

How Deliver My Tune Assists with Infringement Detection and Prevention:

If your music is used without permission, Deliver My Tune offers tools that assist in detecting these infringements. Through their partnerships with global music platforms, they help monitor the internet for unauthorized uses of your tracks, allowing you to address the issue swiftly.

Platforms like YouTube often have advanced algorithms that can detect when copyrighted content is being used in videos. Deliver My Tune’s integration with these platforms ensures that your music is flagged if it is being used without your consent. You can then choose to take down the content or allow it to remain online and collect revenue through monetization.

Conclusion:

In an age where digital music distribution is dominant, protecting your music is more important than ever. Deliver My Tune offers artists a comprehensive suite of tools and services to ensure that their music is protected on all platforms, allowing them to focus on what matters most: creating.

From digital rights management to content ID services, Deliver My Tune provides artists with peace of mind, knowing their music is secure from unauthorized use. By combining these services with best practices for security, musicians can confidently distribute their work, ensuring their creative output remains protected for years to come.

[mediamonarchy]

https://mediamonarchy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240216_MorningMonarchy.mp3 Download MP3 American conspiracy, Alicia off-Keys and get me Carlucci + this day in history w/Epstein document dump and our song of the day by Remy on your #MorningMonarchy for February 16, 2024. Notes/Links: “This Is Scary”: Soros Prepares Takeover Of 200 Radio Stations Ahead Of US Presidential Election https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/scary-soros-prepares-takeover-200-radio-stations-ahead-us-presidential-election Huma Abedin and George Soros’ son Alex reveal relationship in Valentine’s Day photo from Paris https://nypost.com/2024/02/14/us-news/huma-abedin-and-george-soros-son-alex-share-romantic-valentines-day-dinner-in-paris/ Video: Huma Abedin hooked up with George Soros’s soy boy son for cash? (Audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFu2NxFbAuc Image: @Hybrid’s Cover Art – ALEX’s ‘THE AUDACITY’ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/983208466481029191/1207901722727420006/20240216_MorningMonarchy.jpg?ex=65e15524&is=65cee024&hm=a8ff4c499151b8c2fd4bbcd25dc157a2369269c8f6045bf861a686d975f9ef86& #MorningMonarchy: June 12, 2023 – ALEX’s ‘MORE POLITICAL’ https://mediamonarchy.com/20230612morningmonarchy/ White to black-identifying transracial woman Rachel Dolezal has been fired from her teaching role in the Catalina Foothills Unified School District in AZ after they learned she was selling p—rn content on OnlyFans. She previously lost role at NAACP. https://vxtwitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1757965472975487125 Video: Former NAACP President Nkechi Diallo, formerly known as Rachel Dolezal, has been fired from her job as a teacher in Arizona. (Audio) https://vxtwitter.com/RealBrittain/status/1757879956204388498 Image: Dems Wish You A Very Happy Black History Month https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/414600236783239168/1207871522778255422/dems_blackface_black_history_month.jpg?ex=65e13904&is=65cec404&hm=9194f9c3d74545a817343c6f56af36eb4baa4e63663a0cffedb8683099bff304& American Conspiracy Trailer Previews Netflix’s Octopus Murders Docuseries https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/american-conspiracy-trailer-previews-netflix-204130206.html Video: American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders | Official Trailer | Netflix (Audio) https://youtu.be/mHcBh4EBudk ‘Octopus’ Radio Play (Digital Download) https://newworldnextweek.com/products/octopus Kanye West’s ‘Vultures 1’ Already Has a New Distributor; After a brief dalliance with FUGA, West’s new album moved back to Label Engine, which had distributed the lead singles. https://www.billboard.com/business/streaming/kanye-west-vultures-new-distributor-label-engine-1235608833/ Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘Vultures 1’ Album Returns to Apple Music After Brief Removal; The album and its songs were previously wiped from the streamer as well as iTunes on Thursday (Feb. 15). https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-album-removed-apple-music-1235608704/ Sinéad O’Connor nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68267253 Michael Jackson: Stake in catalogue sells for $600m https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68261217 Iowa’s Caitlin Clark breaks NCAA women’s basketball scoring record https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/15/sport/caitlin-clark-ncaa-scoring-record-spt-intl/index.html Fans fighting and beer sales stopped as PGA Tour golf event descends into chaos https://archive.is/eNTpX Arthur Blank on “Private Equity” in the NFL: ‘There Are Models That Can Work’ https://frontofficesports.com/arthur-blank-on-pe-in-the-nfl-there-are-models-that-can-work/ Shooting after Chiefs Super Bowl parade seemed to stem from dispute among several people, police say; Three detained https://archive.is/B73Pe More than 120 million viewers for Chiefs’ overtime Super Bowl win https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2024/02/super-bowl-record-audience-120-million-cbs-chiefs-49ers/ Super Bowl ratings breakdown: Biggest gains in young, female, demos https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2024/02/super-bowl-ratin...

[tomwugger]

Spotify Accusing Apple of "Anti-steering"

According to Music Business Worldwide, Spotify’s dispute with Apple has accentuated lately, with the former accusing Apple’s App store for conducting “anti-steering practices” through charging expensive commissions and placing restrictions on ‘in-app’ purchases for Spotify. Apple is currently charging third party app developers as much as 30% in fees on sales made through its App Store, and limiting apps like Spotify’s ability to inform Apple device users about services that ought to be purchased on external sites, further reducing competition for its own streaming service. 

With Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek hitting DC to lobby for legal sanctions on Apple’s anti-steering, it revealed that a similar law proposal called The Open App Markets Act has been floating around since last year but got opposed by Apple and Google, who each owns an app downloading platform that could prevent undesired apps from discussing new products and deals with their own users. In a statement given on April 19, Ek complains that “Apple promotes deals for Apple Music to Spotify customers, but denies us the same privilege…This leaves customers without the ability to make informed choices about the services and pricing options available to them.” 

As early as 2019, Spotify has filed an anti-trust complaint with the European Commission regarding Apple’s irrational ‘taxing’ on its app distributions, but Apple shot back by claiming that Spotify was underpaying its commissions and only paid half of the required 30% for less than 1% of their 100 million premium subscribers worldwide. However, regardless of the integrity of Apple’s taxing logic, organizations like the EU and The US Justice Department have already been investigating App Store’s potential anti-trust violations for years, and it is almost certain that Apple’s anti-steering practices are worth serious concerns. 

Tying everything back to the Lauren Vu lecture we had earlier this semester, Spotify’s new audiobook branch is still heavily reliant on in-site purchases for user selected contents. Therefore, without a proper introduction or in-app link that directs them to the designated payment page, it is going be difficult for Spotify to construct an optimal user experience, which hinders its ability to pull revenue and gain traction. The legal disputes could also exacerbate the situation and hurt Spotify’s revenue, with Apple starting to demand full commitment of Spotify’s ‘app tax’ and adopting other competitive strategies to impair their user interactions. 

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[beatverse1]

From Spotify to Apple Music: A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Music Distribution

The music industry has undergone a revolution with the advent of digital platforms. Gone are the days when artists needed a major label to share their music with the world. Today, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have democratized music distribution, giving independent artists the tools to reach global audiences. But with so many platforms available, navigating the digital music space can be challenging. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to establish your presence on these platforms and maximize your reach.

Why Digital Music Distribution Matters For modern musicians, digital distribution is the cornerstone of success. Platforms like Spotify have over 500 million active users worldwide, while Apple Music boasts a highly engaged listener base. As an artist, utilizing these platforms means reaching listeners in every corner of the globe. For instance, becoming one of the top Spotify artists allows you to tap into curated playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and a vast array of promotional tools.

Apple Music, on the other hand, is known for its robust integration with the Apple ecosystem, making it indispensable for artists looking to connect with dedicated music enthusiasts. Learning how to put music on Apple Music is a crucial step in diversifying your reach and ensuring your music is available across all major streaming platforms.

How to Get Started with Spotify For aspiring artists, getting started on Spotify is relatively straightforward. First, create a professional Spotify for Artists account. This platform provides valuable insights into your audience demographics, such as their location, age, and listening habits. Next, focus on crafting a compelling artist profile. Include a high-quality photo, a well-written bio, and links to your social media accounts.

Uploading music to Spotify involves partnering with a digital distributor. These distributors act as intermediaries, ensuring your tracks meet the platform's technical requirements and are listed correctly. Once your music is live, promotion is key. Independent Spotify artists often find success by pitching their songs to playlist curators and engaging with their audience through Spotify’s in-app features.

Expanding Your Reach with Apple Music While Spotify excels in audience discovery, Apple Music shines in providing an intimate listening experience. To succeed on this platform, understanding how to put music on Apple Music is essential. Similar to Spotify, you’ll need a digital distributor to upload your tracks. Additionally, Apple Music allows artists to create verified profiles, where they can share behind-the-scenes content and updates with fans.

Apple Music’s focus on human-curated playlists is an excellent opportunity for emerging artists. Unlike Spotify, where algorithms play a significant role, Apple Music emphasizes editorial selections. Getting your track featured on one of these playlists can significantly boost your visibility.

Sampling Music the Right Way In addition to creating original tracks, sampling music has become a popular trend among modern musicians. Sampling allows artists to incorporate elements of existing tracks into their own work, adding a unique touch to their music. However, it’s vital to understand how to sample music legally to avoid copyright disputes.

Legal sampling involves obtaining permission from the copyright owner or using tracks that are available under creative commons licenses. Platforms like Tracklib offer pre-cleared samples, making it easier for artists to experiment with their sound without legal risks.

The Importance of Branding for Artists In today’s competitive music industry, branding is as important as the music itself. Establishing a memorable identity helps artists stand out from the crowd. Many successful artists that go by one name exemplify the power of simplicity. Names like Adele, Prince, and Drake are not just easy to remember—they’ve become synonymous with excellence in their genres. When building your brand, focus on consistency across your social media, streaming profiles, and promotional materials.

Conclusion: Your Path to Digital Music Success The journey to becoming a successful musician in the digital era is filled with opportunities. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music offer unparalleled reach, but they require strategic effort and consistency. By learning the nuances of each platform—whether becoming a recognized Spotify artist or mastering how to put music on Apple Music—you can carve out a space for your music. Along the way, ensure your creativity is safeguarded by understanding how to sample music legally and focus on building a strong, memorable brand like iconic artists that go by one name. Now is the time to take control of your music career and share your passion with the world.

[sayedhusaini]

Democrats and Media Do Not Want to Weaken Facebook, Just Commandeer Its Power to Censor

by Moderator

📷(Stock Catalog / Flickr)By Glenn Greenwald / SubstackMuch is revealed by who is bestowed hero status by the corporate media. This week's anointed avatar of stunning courage is Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager being widely hailed as a "whistleblower” for providing internal corporate documents to the Wall Street Journal relating to the various harms which Facebook and its other platforms (Instagram and WhatsApp) are allegedly causing.The social media giant hurts America and the world, this narrative maintains, by permitting misinformation to spread (presumably more so than cable outlets and mainstream newspapers do virtually every week); fostering body image neurosis in young girls through Instagram (presumably more so than fashion magazines, Hollywood and the music industry do with their glorification of young and perfectly-sculpted bodies); promoting polarizing political content in order to keep the citizenry enraged, balkanized and resentful and therefore more eager to stay engaged (presumably in contrast to corporate media outlets, which would never do such a thing); and, worst of all, by failing to sufficiently censor political content that contradicts liberal orthodoxies and diverges from decreed liberal Truth. On Tuesday, Haugen's star turn took her to Washington, where she spent the day testifying before the Senate about Facebook's dangerous refusal to censor even more content and ban even more users than they already do.There is no doubt, at least to me, that Facebook and Google are both grave menaces. Through consolidation, mergers and purchases of any potential competitors, their power far exceeds what is compatible with a healthy democracy. A bipartisan consensus has emerged on the House Antitrust Committee that these two corporate giants — along with Amazon and Apple — are all classic monopolies in violation of long-standing but rarely enforced antitrust laws. Their control over multiple huge platforms that they purchased enables them to punish and even destroy competitors, as we saw when Apple, Google and Amazon united to remove Parler from the internet forty-eight hours after leading Democrats demanded that action, right as Parler became the most-downloaded app in the country, or as Google suppresses Rumble videos in its dominant search feature as punishment for competing with Google's YouTube platform. Facebook and Twitter both suppressed reporting on the authentic documents about Joe Biden's business activities reported by The New York Post just weeks before the 2020 election. These social media giants also united to effectively remove the sitting elected President of the United States from the internet, prompting grave warnings from leaders across the democratic world about how anti-democratic their consolidated censorship power has become.But none of the swooning over this new Facebook heroine nor any of the other media assaults on Facebook have anything remotely to do with a concern over those genuine dangers. Congress has taken no steps to curb the influence of these Silicon Valley giants because Facebook and Google drown the establishment wings of both parties with enormous amounts of cash and pay well-connected lobbyists who are friends and former colleagues of key lawmakers to use their D.C. influence to block reform. With the exception of a few stalwarts, neither party's ruling wing really has any objection to this monopolistic power as long as it is exercised to advance their own interests.And that is Facebook's only real political problem: not that they are too powerful but that they are not using that power to censor enough content from the internet that offends the sensibilities and beliefs of Democratic Party leaders and their liberal followers, who now control the White House, the entire executive branch and both houses of Congress. Haugen herself, now guided by long-time Obama operative Bill Burton, has made explicitly clear that her grievance with her former employer is its refusal to censor more of what she regards as “hate, violence and misinformation.” In a 60 Minutes

interview on Sunday night, Haugen summarized her complaint about CEO Mark Zuckerberg this way: he “has allowed choices to be made where the side effects of those choices are that hateful and polarizing content gets more distribution and more reach." Haugen, gushed The New York Times’ censorship-desperate tech unit as she testified on Tuesday, is “calling for regulation of the technology and business model that amplifies hate and she’s not shy about comparing Facebook to tobacco.”Agitating for more online censorship has been a leading priority for the Democratic Party ever since they blamed social media platforms (along with WikiLeaks, Russia, Jill Stein, James Comey, The New York Times, and Bernie Bros) for the 2016 defeat of the rightful heir to the White House throne, Hillary Clinton. And this craving for censorship has been elevated into an even more urgent priority for their corporate media allies, due to the same belief that Facebook helped elect Trump but also because free speech on social media prevents them from maintaining a stranglehold on the flow of information by allowing ordinary, uncredentialed serfs to challenge, question and dispute their decrees or build a large audience that they cannot control. Destroying alternatives to their failing platforms is thus a means of self-preservation: realizing that they cannot convince audiences to trust their work or pay attention to it, they seek instead to create captive audiences by destroying or at least controlling any competitors to their pieties.As I have been reporting for more than a year, Democrats do not make any secret of their intent to co-opt Silicon Valley power to police political discourse and silence their enemies. Congressional Democrats have summoned the CEO's of Google, Facebook and Twitter four times in the last year to demand they censor more political speech. At the last Congressional inquisition in March, one Democrat after the next explicitly threatened the companies with legal and regulatory reprisals if they did not immediately start censoring more.A Pew survey from August shows that Democrats now overwhelmingly support internet censorship not only by tech giants but also by the government which their party now controls. In the name of "restricting misinformation,” more than 3/4 of Democrats want tech companies "to restrict false info online, even if it limits freedom of information,” and just under 2/3 of Democrats want the U.S. Government to control that flow of information over the internet:

The prevailing pro-censorship mindset of the Democratic Party is reflected not only by that definitive polling data but also by the increasingly brash and explicit statements of their leaders. At the end of 2020, Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), newly elected after young leftist activists worked tirelessly on his behalf to fend off a primary challenge from the more centrist Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA), told Facebook's Zuckerberg exactly what the Democratic Party wanted. In sum, they demand more censorship:

This, and this alone, is the sole reason why there is so much adoration being constructed around the cult of this new disgruntled Facebook employee. What she provides, above all else, is a telegenic and seemingly informed “insider” face to tell Americans that Facebook is destroying their country and their world by allowing too much content to go uncensored, by permitting too many conversations among ordinary people that are, in the immortal worlds of the NYT's tech reporter Taylor Lorenz, “unfettered.”When Facebook, Google, Twitter and other Silicon Valley social media companies were created, they did not set out to become the nation's discourse police. Indeed, they affirmatively wanted not to do that. Their desire to avoid that role was due in part to the prevailing libertarian ideology of a free internet in that sub-culture. But it was also due to self-interest: the last thing social media companies wanted to be doing is looking for ways to remove and block people from using their product and, worse, inserting themselves into the middle of inflammatory political controversies. Corporations seek to avoid angering potential customers and users over political stances, not courting that anger.This censorship role was not one they so much sought as one that was foisted on them. It was not really until the 2016 election, when Democrats were obsessed with blaming social media giants (and pretty much everyone else except themselves) for their humiliating defeat, that pressure began escalating on these executives to start deleting content liberals deemed dangerous or false and banning their adversaries from using the platforms at all. As it always does, the censorship began by targeting widely disliked figures — Milo Yiannopoulos, Alex Jones and others deemed “dangerous” — so that few complained (and those who did could be vilified as sympathizers of the early offenders). Once entrenched, the censorship net then predictably and rapidly spread inward (as it invariably does) to encompass all sorts of anti-establishment dissidents on the right, the left, and everything in between. And no matter how much it widens, the complaints that it is not enough intensify. For those with the mentality of a censor, there can never be enough repression of dissent. And this plot to escalate censorship pressures found the perfect vessel in this stunningly brave and noble Facebook heretic who emerged this week from the shadows into the glaring spotlight. She became a cudgel that Washington politicians and their media allies could use to beat Facebook into submission to their censorship demands.In this dynamic we find what the tech and culture writer Curtis Yarvin calls "power leak.” This is a crucial concept for understanding how power is exercised in American oligarchy, and Yarvin's brilliant essay illuminates this reality as well as it can be described. Hyperbolically arguing that "Mark Zuckerberg has no power at all,” Yarvin points out that it may appear that the billionaire Facebook CEO is powerful because he can decide what will and will not be heard on the largest information distribution platform in the world. But in reality, Zuckerberg is no more powerful than the low-paid content moderators whom Facebook employs to hit the "delete” or "ban” button, since it is neither the Facebook moderators nor Zuckerberg himself who is truly making these decisions. They are just censoring as they are told, in obedience to rules handed down from on high. It is the corporate press and powerful Washington elites who are coercing Facebook and Google to censor in accordance with their wishes and ideology upon pain of punishment in the form of shame, stigma and even official legal and regulatory retaliation. Yarvin puts it this way:However, if Zuck is subject to some kind of oligarchic power, he is in exactly the same position as his own moderators. He exercises power, but it is not his power, because it is not his will. The power does not flow from him; it flows through him. This is why we can say honestly and seriously that he has no power. It is not his,

but someone else’s. . . .Zuck doesn’t want to do any of this. Nor do his users particularly want it. Rather, he is doing it because he is under pressure from the press. Duh. He cannot even admit that he is under duress—or his Vietcong guards might just snap, and shoot him like the Western running-dog capitalist he is….And what grants the press this terrifying power? The pure and beautiful power of the logos? What distinguishes a well-written poast, like this one, from an equally well-written Times op-ed? Nothing at all but prestige. In normal times, every sane CEO will comply unhesitatingly with the slightest whim of the legitimate press, just as they will comply unhesitatingly with a court order. That’s just how it is. To not call this power government is—just playing with words.As I have written before, this problem — whereby the government coerces private actors to censor for them — is not one that Yarvin was the first to recognize. The U.S. Supreme Court has held, since at least 1963, that the First Amendment's "free speech” clause is violated when state officials issue enough threats and other forms of pressure that essentially leave the private actor with no real choice but to censor in accordance with the demands of state officials. Whether we are legally at the point where that constitutional line has been crossed by the increasingly blunt bullying tactics of Democratic lawmakers and executive branch officials is a question likely to be resolved in the courts. But whatever else is true, this pressure is very real and stark and reveals that the real goal of Democrats is not to weaken Facebook but to capture its vast power for their own nefarious ends.There is another issue raised by this week's events that requires ample caution as well. The canonized Facebook whistleblower and her journalist supporters are claiming that what Facebook fears most is repeal or reform of Section 230, the legislative provision that provides immunity to social media companies for defamatory or other harmful material published by their users. That section means that if a Facebook user or YouTube host publishes legally actionable content, the social media companies themselves cannot be held liable. There may be ways to reform Section 230 that can reduce the incentive to impose censorship, such as denying that valuable protection to any platform that censors, instead making it available only to those who truly allow an unmoderated platform to thrive. But such a proposal has little support in Washington. What is far more likely is that Section 230 will be "modified” to impose greater content moderation obligations on all social media companies.Far from threatening Facebook and Google, such a legal change could be the greatest gift one can give them, which is why their executives are often seen calling on Congress to regulate the social media industry. Any legal scheme that requires every post and comment to be moderated would demand enormous resources — gigantic teams of paid experts and consultants to assess "misinformation” and "hate speech” and veritable armies of employees to carry out their decrees. Only the established giants such as Facebook and Google would be able to comply with such a regimen, while other competitors — including large but still-smaller ones such as Twitter — would drown in those requirements. And still-smaller challengers to the hegemony of Facebook and Google, such as Substack and Rumble, could never survive. In other words, any attempt by Congress to impose greater content moderation obligations — which is exactly what they are threatening — would destroy whatever possibility remains for competitors to arise and would, in particular, destroy any platforms seeking to protect free discourse. That would be the consequence by design, which is why one should be very wary of any attempt to pretend that Facebook and Google fear such legislative adjustments.There are real dangers posed by allowing companies such as Facebook and Google to amass the power they have now consolidated. But very little of the activism and

anger from the media and Washington toward these companies is designed to fracture or limit that power. It is designed, instead, to transfer that power to other authorities who can then wield it for their own interests. The only thing more alarming than Facebook and Google controlling and policing our political discourse is allowing elites from one of the political parties in Washington and their corporate media outlets to assume the role of overseer, as they are absolutely committed to doing. Far from being some noble whistleblower, Frances Haugen is just their latest tool to exploit for their scheme to use the power of social media giants to control political discourse in accordance with their own views and interests.

Correction, Oct. 5, 2021, 5:59 pm ET: This article was edited to reflect that just under 2/3 of Democrats favor U.S. Government censorship of the internet in the name of fighting misinformation, not just over.

[meteoradominic]

Pantheon of Influence

The fate that awaits Elizabeth as the daughter of a media entrepreneur turns out to be a heavy burden. Left with an Empire of «old fashioned» media, that is on the edge of abyss. (…) times change and the Empire is no longer what it was. [1] The newspaper of the day, fashion, both go out of fashion, the news quickly becomes outdated. [2] The heritage in danger, it requires an effort to adapt to the changing conditions. She (…)felt a thread of a sense of personal responsibility associated with the deep, deep fear of loss. [1]

The solution for preserving new media culture lies not in attempting to circumvent its variability with outdated notions of fixity, but rather in embracing the essential nature of the medium and transforming its greatest challenge into a defense against obsolescence. [3] While “old” media such as print, film, and television traffic in immaterial representations that can be reproduced endlessly for any number of viewers, the interactivity of “new” media draws it closer to live performance. [4] As the secular empire faded, a new idea of spiritual domination that had been growing quietly and slowly in seclusion slipped into the great house of the dying world giant. [5] Moreover, the motive behind the writing of history was not objective curiosity, but a desire to influence contemporaries, to stimulate and uplift them, or to hold a mirror up to them. [6]

The new Brand of Elizabeth Murdoch stands above the chaotic noise of information and

media. From the elevated platform vision is unobstructed. [7] At that height one could look into the top rooms from the elevated pathway. [8]

In all of these media we see a number of consistent patterns. [9]

That assemblage is the “ megamachine,” or the apparatus of capture, the archaic empire. [10] (…) Elizabeth always tried to talk as though there were lots of people in it with her. [1] Her new brand is not defined by its clear agenda but the appropriation of viral phenomenons. Consisting of Influencers, attracted by their striving for fame and recognition.

The gods have entered the “cultivated” world; they no longer speak through the moving figures of animals and natural elements but through those of a sedentary pantheon that takes charge of society and supports the activity of transforming the world. [11] The image (…) shifted from social crusader and aesthetic puritan to trendsetter and media star. [12] But they somehow function together in structuring the social life process, as complementary media, each with its own specific affordances and limitations. [13] The crowd, a compact mass, a locus of multiple exchanges, individualities merging together, a collective effect, is abolished and replaced by a collection of separated individualities. [14] The media become the messengers, rather than the message. [15] The type of frame used to present information dramatically affects how people make decisions and judgments, and is consequently a powerful influencer of behaviour. [16]

Therefore, this new type of Pantheon is created by Elizabeth. Gathering selected contemporary influencers under her roof.

Influencers such as: Owners of different Media outlets, Presidents like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, modern industrialist entrepreneur like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. [17] very bright people, like Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk. [18] CEO of Social media Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Search engines Sundai Pichai, Environmental activists like Greta Thunberg, Sport Stars like Roger Federer or Cristiano Ronaldo, Or trash media stars like the Kardashians.

The overall effect of the display (…) is create an exotic display; a sort of cabinet of curiosities. [19]Contradicting and supplementing each other. Her palace a place to collect them all.

The facade was well constructed, composed of bricks, glass walls and windows. [20] The field of glass bricks is ordered in a raster of a thin solid framework made of white granite with black frames and stripes indicating the main direction. [21]

Hall of Fame

The entrance was discreet, with a rounded metal railing. [22] Leading into the Hall of Fame. Inside, you confront a wall of glass bricks set in concrete in a black steel frame at the back of a standard Paris type courtyard, with two steel ladders flying up on either side, and some massive floodlamps carried on clever steel brackets. [23] Self reconfiguring building skins (…)filter both urban noise and airborne toxins.[24] Creating a place which was quiet, well lit (…). [25] Only selected and high-quality materials are used. The atmosphere was perfect, the moment sweet for something sacred. [26]

It’s is the Place Elizabeth welcomes her guests. Start with a house cocktail—say, L’Alsacien, in which the aperitif Belle de Brillet meets cognac, pear, and fresh lemon in a happy union. [27] Everyone shouts and has an alcoholic smile(…) A French aperitif is taken when you are seated around a table. There are two, three, four persons. You have chosen your companions. You drink slowly. [28]

Chamber of Feasts

In the dining room, meals were served family style at long tables that could seat 150 guests. [29] Only the finest dishes made by world class chefs are served. This dinner the place for debate and disputes. This performance, itself enough to win great fame,(…) [30]  It resembles a Sensation drama: play that intends to create strong effects. [31] Harmony and dissonance of ideas create a rough and interesting music. [32] The principal requirements of a summer dining room are water and greenery; of a winter one, the warmth of a hearth.[33] Both should preferably be spacious, cheery, and splendid. [33] For this reason, distribute more spacious intercolumniations around the performance space. [34] (…) the walls of the ceremonial chamber were covered with purple tapestries embroidered in gold, specially made for this feast. [5]

Oracle of Artificial Intelligent

In the middle, as in the center of a house, there is an Capsule, roofed, spacious, and majestic; (…) their lineaments taken from the Etruscan temple, as we have described it. [33] Enter the oracle. [35] Intensifying the color, lights, and excitement of Broadway by translating the commercial message into form and color, a wordless interpretation of New York. [33] The “Oracle (…)” presented a head that seemed to float in space. [36] Commercial constructions such as Apple’s Siri and more recently Microsoft’s Cortana are quite literal but archetypal examples of “the guide” or “concierge,” elsewhere manifested as the guide, oracle, or personal secretary. [37] There is no knowing how far a real image may lead: the importance of becoming visionary or seer. [38] Is it Illusionism, confusion, or manipulation? [39]

Paris

Paris. [40] Facing Notre Dame, a church for one god.   In close Proximity to the existing Panthéon, a symbol of glory and a burial place of famous French personalities.

Elizabeth's palace does not require the physical size of those buildings of past times. It is not dependent on its rigidity but flexibility to accomodate as much power as possible. In the digital age, power is no longer seen through its built image in stone, but through the power of those present. The once powerful institutions have lost their power. Today, the influence changes rapidly from person to person, from ideology to ideology, from institution to institution.

Elizabeth's pantheon is a machine to capture those all new and constantly changing influence.

Bibliography: [1]Asimov, Complete Robot Anthology.[2]Serres, Biogea.[3]Rinehart, ReCollection Art New Media and Social Memory.[4]Siemens, A Companion to Digital Literary Studies.[5]Semper, Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts or Practical Aesthetics.[6]Freud, The Uncanny.[7]Alexander, A Pattern Language.[8]Hollis, Cities Are Good For You.[9]Tuck, A History of Roman Art.[10]D. Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus.[11]Henaff, The Price of Truth.[12]Hays, Architecture Theory since 1968.[13]Schumacher, The Autopoiesis of Architecture Vol 2.[14]Foucault, Discipline and Punish.[15]H. Buehlmann, Quantum City.[16]Holden, Universal Principles of Design.[17]Heskett, Design and the Creation of Value.[18]Green, Architectural Robotics Ecosystems of Bits Bytes.[19]Tythacott, Collecting and Displaying Chinas Summer Palace in.[20]Bill, Form Function Beauty Gestalt.[21]L. Eisenschmidt, Twentieth Century Architecture.[22]Goldsmith, Capital New York Capital of the 20th Century.[23]Banham, Critic Writes.[24]Bureaud, MetaLife Biotechnologies Synthetic Biology ALi.[25]Jerram, Streetlife The Untold History of Europes Twentie.[26]Goldsmith, Capital New York Capital of the 20th Century.[27]F. Travel, Fodors New York City 2015.[28]L. Corbusier, When the Cathedrals Were White.[29]H. Lawson, Gastropolis Food and New York City.[30]Serres, History of Scientific Thought.[31]Gaudreault, A Companion to Early Cinema.[32]Alberti, The Family in Renaissance Florence.[33]Alberti, On the Art of Building in Ten Books 1988.[34]Vitruvius, Ten Books on Architecture 1999.[35]Serres, The Five Senses.[36] Gaudreault, A Companion to Early Cinema.[37]Clarke, Design Anthropology Object Culture in the 21st Ce.[38]Deleuze, Cinema 2 The Time Image.[39]Derrida, Signature.[40]Naginski, Sculpture and Enlightenment.

[is6621]

Battle of the Band’s... Music Streaming Services by Emily Gabree

This week, Spotify announced that the company has filed an antitrust complaint to the European Commission against Apple. Spotify makes some pretty substantial charges against Apple, alleging that their App Store policies are a way for the tech behemoth to stifle competition in the market, and that these policies are far and above just a cost of doing business on Apple’s platform.

Spotify Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Ek, states in a post on the company’s website that the complaint asks the European Commission to focus on three main areas: (1) Whether apps can compete fairly on Apple’s platform, (2) Whether consumers are "locked-in" to Apple’s platform and payment system, and (3) Whether app stores impose unfair limits on marketing, promotions and communication with users.

This is not the first time Apple has drawn criticism from app makers because it draws a fee of up to 30% of apps sold in the App Store. However, most developers have accepted this setup in order to leverage Apple’s secure platform and reach the millions of iPhone users globally. Therefore, this lawsuit is a pretty big deal - proving that companies are finally willing to step up to the fruit. Let’s break down both sides.

Spotify:

One of the biggest complaints that Spotify has against Apple’s App Store policies is the 30% revenue share that Apple requires apps to pay if digital goods or services are purchased in the app using Apple’s secure payment system. Spotify believes that this is a “tax” that they are incurring because their app competes with Apple Music. In fact, the company has gone so far to say that once Apple launched their music app and became a direct competitor, Apple had an incentive to disadvantage Spotify (and other rival services) through frequent and extreme restrictions and policy changes.

In his post, Daniel Ek claims, “What initially felt like a mutually beneficial partnership, increasingly felt very one-sided. Apple’s conduct stands apart from that of such rival app-store operators (i.e. Google) for being particularly exploitative and punitive, with the ultimate costs passed on to customers who may get stuck with less competition and choice.”

The key difference between Apple’s App store and others is not the revenue sharing itself – which based on what I could find seems to be fairly consistent across Google, Apple, and Android. Instead, it’s based on how users of the apps actually make purchases. Apple requires apps to use their payment system and bans apps from linking to outside payment sites. While Apple claims this is for user security, Spotify claims this is leading to systematic unfairness across their platform.

Spotify doubled down on their allegations, launching a website called “Time To Play Fair” on the same day they announced the lawsuit. This site outlines a timeline, as well as Spotify’s perspective on how Apple mistreats companies that compete with Apple products in the App Store.

App Store sales have become a crucial part of Apple’s revenue model. Yahoo finance estimates that roughly 12% of Apple’s 2019 fiscal year gross profits could come from their App Store. This is also a clear part of Apple’s strategy going forward, as customers are no longer upgrading their phones at the same annual pace as previously seen. Additionally, Bloomberg forecasts that the app economy is expected to grow from $82B in 2018 to $157B by 2022. Therefore, Spotify’s lawsuit is a direct shot at the company’s long term strategy.

Apple:

Yesterday, Apple fired back. The company posted an official statement on their website disputing not just Spotify’s accusation that Apple unfairly charges only apps that compete with their products, but also Spotify’s claim that Apple is blocking access to products and updates within Spotify’s app itself. Apple highlights that the company has approved and distributed over 200 app updates requested by Spotify. They also claim to have only requested adjustments when they felt that Spotify was trying to circumvent the rules that every other app follows.

Apple believes that Spotify’s motivations are not focused on the customer, but instead driven by financial motivations. Within their address, Apple states, “After using the App Store for years to dramatically grow their business, Spotify seeks to keep all the benefits of the App Store ecosystem, including the substantial revenue that they draw from the App Store’s customers, without making any contributions to that marketplace. At the same time, they distribute the music you love while making ever-smaller contributions to the artists, musicians and songwriters who create it – even going so far as to take these creators to court”

In Apple’s response, we learn that 84% of the apps in the Apple App store do not pay anything to Apple when users download or use the app. For those apps that do pay, the revenue share is 30% in the first year, and 15% in subsequent years. This was built by design, and the rules outlined in their reply apply to all – not just apps that compete with Apple products. Daniel Ek insists in his post that Spotify does not want “special treatment”, rather the company wants a “consistent set of fair rules and restrictions”. While it appears that Spotify is getting the same treatment as other apps that meet certain rules laid out by Apple, the focus here will likely be on the word “fair”.

Apple claims that it’s revenue share is in exchange for connecting a third-party’s services to its users, using the App Store billing system, and its developer tools that allow Spotify to build its iPhone and iPad applications. However, what is actually fair in this scenario? Should Apple require apps to use their payment system? How does that requirement impact customers either positively or negatively? These are all questions that EU regulators will be faced with then going through the anti-trust lawsuit. All of this could also become intensified at the end of March when Apple is expected to announce new content services.

Regulators:

This comes at a time when agencies and politicians in the US and UK are also taking a microscope to antitrust laws and the tech industry. EU regulators have continuously showed concern about how much technology platforms control online, and how they may rig the game to their own advantage. Though the cases are slightly different, regulators in Europe recently ruled that Google’s inclusion of the Chrome browser pre-installed on Android devices gave it an unfair advantage. This could pose a significant risk to Apple’s App Store future if similar issues are deemed to be taking place by the EU Commission.

Regulators within the US have also called on Apple to level the playing field. Though Apple has been a minor point of Senator Elizabeth Warren’s focus to break up big tech, she did point directly to how Apple products compete in their iOS store. "Apple, you’ve got to break it apart from their App Store. It’s got to be one or the other. Either they run the platform or they play in the store. They don’t get to do both at the same time," Warren told The Verge in a recent interview.

What does IS6621 think? Which company has the best legal and ethical case? Is Apple not playing by the rules? Or does Spotify just not like the rules?

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-13/apple-faces-spotify-antitrust-complaint-to-eu-over-app-store

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spotify-apple-app-store-164634805.html

https://9to5mac.com/2019/03/13/its-time-to-play-fair/

https://timetoplayfair.com/the-case/

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/03/addressing-spotifys-claims/

[rajuthangella-blog]

Tough Love: Rift Between Spotify, Music Industry Growing

A contentious relationship from the beginning, the streaming industry and the rest of the music business have been increasingly at odds of late. Even as recorded revenues continue to rise, artists and publishers have grown increasingly frustrated with streamers like Spotify and Apple, creating a rift that shows no signs of healing.  Spotify Premium APK is one online music streaming application where you can easily interact with all the songs that are existing in the music industry.

Guest post by Sergey Bludov, SVP, Media & Entertainment of global technology consultancy DataArt

As the way in which music is consumed evolves, the rift between streaming platforms and the music industry seems to increase every year. you can simply download the Spotify Premium APK application on your mobile phone and enjoy the music you want.

In 2018, revenues from recorded music in the U.S. rose by 12% to $9.8 billion in estimated retail value. According to the RIAA,  this growth was driven primarily by revenue from paid subscription services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and others. These services had over 50 million subscribers in 2018. It's hard not to argue that streaming platforms have revolutionized the way in which the public listens to music and have had a demonstrably positive impact on music industry profits.

So with revenues up, this must be good news for everyone, including platforms, labels, and artists, right?

Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. While the music industry is trying to fix the value gap, there's a complicated and growing schism between streaming platforms like Spotify and publishers and artists.  It doesn’t appear likely that the problem will be solved any time soon.

Labels, streaming services, and artists are all struggling to determine royalties in this new landscape. It's the creators and their support system versus the distributors. The creators want to figure out what kind of data the distributors are using. The main issue is that the distributors may also be struggling with that same question. From a technical perspective, these streaming platforms are capable of providing more advanced analytics and metrics than musicians have ever enjoyed access to in the past. That gives artists and copyright owners more information than ever with which to claim they should be receiving a larger piece of the royalty pie. As the industry catches up to the technology, however, it can be difficult for both the platforms and publishers to accurately analyze this data. At the same time, increasing dependency on streaming services gives more power to platforms, which could be a cause of concern for both labels and artists.

Legislative developments in the industry have led to more disagreements over royalties. In October 2018, Congress passed the Music Modernization Act. The MMA's goal was to bring copyright rules into the 21st century, paving the way for artists to received more royalties. This led to a proposal for creating a group known as the mechanical licensing collective that will grant a blanket mechanical license for all digital on-demand services. This group will also be tasked with determining how the streaming services can organize the metadata collected from various touchpoints in which songs are downloaded or accessed.

Across the pond, the European Union has proposed a Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (more commonly known as Article 13) which "requires the likes of YouTube, Facebook,and Twitter to take more responsibility for copyrighted material being shared illegally on their platforms." This is meant to protect artists whose work is being accessed online without compensation.

While every member of the music industry has not individually marched in lockstep behind both of these pieces of legislation, they have both received fairly broad support from industry coalitions. This is clearly representative of how the industry is beginning to unite in the name of concrete, actionable legislation holding the streaming platforms accountable for figuring out how streaming data is used and how that translates to royalties.

A recent ruling by the U.S. Copyright Board  will see songwriter payouts rise by 44%. In another example of platform and industry discord, Spotify, along with Amazon, Pandora, and Google, has appealed the ruling. Apple Music is the only major online music distributor not to participate in the appeal.

The music industry has not taken this appeal lying down. David Israelite, head of the National Music Publishers Association, declared this a "war on the songwriting community." That statement is representative of how heated this ongoing feud has become. With this level of intensity and rhetoric shared on both sides, it doesn't appear that it will subside any time soon.

In fact, legal action seems to have grown in both intensity and magnitude. Take, for example, the recent case of Spotify's attempt to branch out to India. Warner Music Group challenged Spotify's legal right to play their music on its platform as the two bodies had not yet struck a licensing agreement. After the two were unable to strike a deal, Spotify attempted to circumvent Warner's participation by relying on an old Indian copyright law provision stating that “broadcasters can obtain a license for copyrighted works even if the copyright owner denies use."

While Bombay's high court allowed Spotify to launch, they still do not have the rights to music from Warner's catalog. While the matter is far from resolved, the issue itself represents something even bigger than whether Spotify or Warner wins the dispute: both the industry and the platforms are willing to get involved in messy legal battles to gain an advantage over the other. The India case could set a dangerous precedent the industry may see repeated in other markets.

The final consideration is this: how far can this rift between platforms and the industry go? How will this impact the way in which streaming platforms distribute music? Will they adapt in ways that are less than favorable for the creators? What role will the publishers play in all this? So far, they've been defensive of the songwriters and artists, and more than willing to fight in court.

These are tough questions, and the industry is certainly in for a bumpy ride as they navigate these issues. But on a larger scale, both sides remain at an impasse. Neither one can operate without the other. Streaming services have little to offer without the songwriters and musicians, but the platforms have become integral for those artists to distribute and amplify their work in the most efficient way possible. If these type of legal battles continue, which side will blink first?

Source: https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2019/05/tough-love-rift-between-spotify-music-industry-growing.html