#music industry total revenue

[anbuselvi1]

8 Best Music Streaming Services (2023 Comparison)

8 Best Music Streaming Services (2023 Comparison)

#1 – Spotify Spotify is the most popular streaming service in the world—and for good reason. It might not cater to true audiophiles who demand the best possible quality, but for casual listeners, there’s still no better option. Listen, I know Spotify has taken some heat recently. But despite some well-founded criticisms (which we’ll get to), it’s still, in my opinion, the overall best music…

[randombush3]

labor omnia vincit

alexia putellas x reader

words: 7538

summary: well, it’s how you meet your wife (posh + becks style)

content warnings: a little bit of drugs and alcohol

notes: HEY HEY HEYY. this is a TRILOGY and here’s the first part. enjoy the build up x

2015. London. 

You groan at the thought of singing another word. The mug set haphazardly on the ledge reserved more for instruments than crockery, half in the air after the last time you returned it to its place, is now empty. There is no hot water left to soothe your burning throat, and there is no patience remaining in your finite store. 

The girls, on the other hand, seem to soldier on. A harmony is incorrect? They sing it again. The producer, a fat old man called Dave whose taste in music might rely on his taste in women, isn’t a fan of a certain beat? They are thinking of ways to change it. 

Ever since your single was released two years ago, this has been your life. Or, at least, the less glamorous side of it. The other side, consisting of sold-out arenas, exclusive clubs, and a world tour that only increased your total domination over the music industry, has been paused while you and the girls slave away on the second album. Apparently, you’re being uncooperative. You would call it boredom. 

“It’s four in the morning, Dave,” Anya states, jabbing out her index finger towards his Rolex, paid for with the revenue from the last single you released. It topped the charts for days. Dave glances down at the clock face with a grunt. “Look, Y/n’s already left us and gone to bed.” 

“Still here,” you murmur, rather unconvincingly, from your spot on the far-too-comfortable sofa behind the mixing desk. Sprawling out even further, you wrap your legs around the third member of your group, Gio. She squeals as you pull her on top of you. “I want to go home, though.” 

“Don’t we all know it,” Gio giggles. She’s had at least six cups of coffee since you arrived at the studio for the second recording session of the day – a solid nine hours ago. That was only after a break for a late lunch or early dinner (whichever your dietician preferred to call it). 

“We need to finish.” 

“I need to sleep,” you reply. Gio scrambles off you in time to avoid the glare you are sent by your producer. “And I’m not sleeping here again. Last time it gave me a crick in my neck and I’m fairly sure the cleaner felt me up.” 

“The sexy cleaner is mine,” Anya declares, jerking you upright. Your stomach lurches with emptiness. “Otherwise, I agree. Let us fuck off home. Please, Dave.” 

He looks at the three of you, bags under your eyes, making long rubbed off (or cried away, in Gio’s earlier over-emotional state). You have changed out of the outfit the paparazzi pictured you in earlier, opting for the stained, grey joggers you folded away in your Birkin. Anya and Gio snuck in so that they weren’t caught in their pyjamas. 

Dave sighs. 

“Tomorrow, don’t go for lunch with any of your silly boyfriends. Come here for noon, and we’ll finish when we finish. We’re getting this album done, and you can’t fire me until it’s out.” 

His sense of humour is appreciated, even if his work ethic is not, and you practically bolt out of the studio, friends in tow. 

Anya grabs your hand as you rush down the corridor, making your way to the exit. “No lunch with your boyfriend,” she repeats Dave’s words, mocking his gristly voice. You roll your eyes, snatching your hand away from your friend before pushing open the back door of the studio, heading towards your new BMW i8. 

You have been friends with Anya Kazi and Giovanna Bartoli since the age of two, meeting them on the first day of nursery, specifically after cutting one of Gio’s ringlets off with safety scissors. Though Anya happily clapped along, she did not defend you, and so you went for her hair as well. Your teacher, hoping to quell the budding animosity, placed all three of you in time-out, where a united front was formed. It hasn’t been broken since that moment, though a few years ago, you were terrified it would be. You, with a well-concealed preference for women, however, have managed to keep your friends. They assured you that they 1) already knew and 2) could not care less. 

“You don’t even like cars,” Gio scoffs at the sight of your latest purchase, your last name printed proudly on the number plate. “Was this an ‘I’m famous’ buy or did your daddy get it for you?” 

“He emailed me a few recommendations,” you answer off-handedly, sliding into the driver’s seat, switching on the ignition. It growls with a mean, menacing precision, the engine’s quality known and heard. “And don’t pretend that your family doesn’t have a Roll-Royce parked in the driveway of their million-pound townhouse.” 

“You are just as much from Hampstead as I am, girl.” 

You roll your eyes, stifling a yawn. Anya pulls out in front of you, no doubt speeding off to avoid the boy-racers you and Gio become at this time of night. 

Your flat has progressed from that of the one you shared with the girls in Princess Park two years ago. It’s nicely decorated, you like to think, with most of the work being done to it while you were touring. 

The walls are hung with artwork; some your own, some not. The canvases and frames adorn every room, dictating the vibe, declaring your individuality to any visitors who choose to admire the paintings and sketches. Then, if they were to look at the shelves dotted around the space, they’d see books with matching themes to the art. Your living room has a print of Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’, blown up in a gilded frame, hanging above your green leather sofa, adding colour to the white walls, and then a bookshelf filled with navy-bound novels about whatever you fancy. You’re quite chuffed with the design, though it was really the interior designer you hired who came up with the idea. 

Without a second glance to any of the intricate details of your home, you stumble your way to the bathroom, going through the motions until it is time to get into bed. It’s a big bed – one that often feels too big for just one person – but the mattress is inviting and you dive into a deep sleep head-first, knowing you will not be getting up until someone calls you tomorrow morning. 

…

Barcelona, seven hours earlier. 

The bar is busy, as most are in Barcelona at this time of night, and the girls are out for dinner and a post-training drink. The wine glasses have deceived them all, though, because they have been emptied and refilled a few more times than Xavi would be impressed with. 

A young, budding star does not drink during the season, the alcohol drought both self-inflicted and encouraged by every coach who promises to take her far. Her eyeliner must be smudged by now, but Alexia can’t leave yet because Jenni has promised that she can stay over at her place and she needs her to take her back. 

The reason for her temporary relocation is that Alexia is fed-up with her mother’s pestering, seeing as it is only one week into the season and she is already being called a workaholic. She can’t stay in that house tonight, especially when her little sister is the complete opposite: sleeping with anyone who gives her a chance and never doing anything that will help her future. Eli Segura is baffled by the lack of balance in her life – two daughters, two extremes – but she is the most concerned with her eldest, angering Alexia to no end. 

Alexia is also fed-up with this conversation. It’s all the girls seem to be talking about these days, utterly consumed with this new English girl group just like the rest of the world. 2sday has completely taken over all interesting topics of discussion, and Alexia doesn’t think she can handle being asked which one of their songs she likes the most one more time. 

She likes them, she guesses, but so does everyone. Todo el mundo is in love with all three members. 

The girls are discussing who their favourite is. 

“She’s Italian though, and that’s cool of her,” Jenni argues, putting forward her case for Bartoli as if she chose to have parents from a certain country. Alexia hums in thought, thinking of the pictures she saw from the world tour – how long her legs are, tanned and sculpted and shown off nicely by the mini-skirt she wore. “Did you know that her little sister is a model? She’s called Cristina or something. The beauty is practically in her DNA.” 

“Aren’t all three of them models?” asks Marta pointedly, finger tapping the photoshoot on the magazine cover.

“Well, all three of them are sexy,” Jenni replies, remembering just how enamoured the world is with the three break-out stars. “Ale, which one is your favourite?” The magazine that had sparked this conversation is slid towards the twenty-one-year-old, and she looks at the picture on the front page: you, Gio, and Anya, all dressed in oversized suits with nothing underneath, hair slicked back and eyes piercing, ‘girl power’ brandished over the bottom of the photograph. 

“Y/n L/n,” Alexia answers easily, fascinated by the sculpture of your face. She thinks you are beautiful, in a less crass way than her teammates. “And you lot sound like men with the way you talk about them.” 

“Ooh, Alexia is getting all high-and-mighty,” Jenni teases. “Looks like it’s time to take the baby home.” 

“She’s cranky because she’s tired and it’s past her bedtime,” adds another teammate, though Alexia is too wound up to really care who. 

They all make little pouty faces at her as she finishes the last of her glass of water, the clear liquid standing out against the deep red of most of the table. Jenni rolls up the magazine and swats her shoulder with it, before handing it over to its owner and finally allowing Alexia her rest. 

In silence, they sit in her car – an old Ford in need of replacing but not on the footballer’s list of things she will buy with the money they are now getting. FC Barcelona Femení has become, at last, a fully professional team, and Alexia looks ahead to the future with a hopeful dream and the knowledge that she will need to work hard if she ever wishes to become the best. Jenni has become a good friend ever since she joined the club last year, and she brings a global ambition to the friendship that she knows Alexia does not have. Jenni is from Madrid, and plays for Barcelona because she can, not because it is her club. Her team is the same as her grandfather’s, and she often expresses to Alexia her wish to play for them someday, as well as scoring in every league she possibly can. Young Alexia Putellas has never once considered stepping foot outside of Spain. 

Not only that, but her father died three years ago and here, in Barcelona, is where she feels closest to him. She cannot fathom a life past the plazas and the cobbled streets of her home. And she’s glad. She’s safe here, and she needs nothing more than her team, her family, and a football at her feet.  What more could she possibly want? 

As she settles on Jenni’s sofa, blanket pulled over her body, head resting on a plump cushion that smells faintly of Jenni’s dog, Alexia decides to watch whatever is on TV right now. Jenni, in an attempt to learn English, has found an English news channel that seemingly reports on ‘exclusive’ celebrity news. There you are, plastered on the screen, your picture zoomed in to the point of the pixels blurring.

The woman speaking has a high-pitched and critical voice, saying words that Alexia does not hear. She stares at your picture, considering the life you have, imagining that, one day, footballers like her have the stardom of Beckham and Messi and Ibrahimovic. Though she herself does not crave that exposure, well aware of her shyness, she thinks about the future with a wistful sigh, lost in her dream as the English woman narrates what she can see, judging how you have opened your mouth to take a bite of the food, listing the brands you are wearing. 

And, in her weird, exhausted haze, she sees your face. It’s probably only because you’re on the screen and she’s staring at it, but you are there as she pictures the growth of women’s football. You’re there in the stands as she plays in front of a sold-out Camp Nou, cheering and singing along to Catalan chants she knows you’d never actually know in real life. Slowly, she falls asleep, and, just before she closes her eyes, you are there: back to her, dressed in a familiar shirt. Alexia. 11. Somewhere in a far-off fantasy land, Alexia Putellas marries you that night. 

…

It’s Sunday. 

You drive to your parents’ house in Hampstead, only twenty minutes away from the flat you now live in, to reluctantly attend their weekly Sunday Roast. Before, it was a condition of remaining on the booking list for the annual family holiday, seeing as you had declared university was going to wait until after your gap year and then had become a popstar instead. Now that both you and your brother can afford to come anyway, the tradition is there for sentimental value. A world tour made you realise how much you love them all, even your annoying older brother. 

Your parents are lawyers who met at university and found love in a city that they never moved out of, both of them doing extremely well for themselves. They raised you and your brother to ski, horse-ride, and attend prep schools and public schools, although boarding school was not quite desirable. Your dad speaks in a booming voice, received pronunciation an act used for court, slight Mancunian accent lilting his words whenever he relaxes. 

“Darling!” your mum exclaims, surprised at your attendance just like she is every week. “Come on in, come on in. Daddy has the footie on, and your brother is on his way. Don’t you have songs to sing? How come you’re here?” 

Ushered inside your own home, you smell the brief scent of your family before adjusting to it all and fitting right back into the chaos. There’s beef in the oven, and the roar of the crowd playing faintly from the kitchen where your dad must be preparing the potatoes. He’s proud of his potatoes. 

You slip off your shoes – a new pair of Uggs – and follow your mother to the kitchen. Dad is there, doing exactly what you’d expected, hands working instinctively as his eyes focus on the TV, mouthing along with the commentary as Manchester United take on their opponent. “Sit down,” Dad says as soon as you walk in, pointing at the stools tucked into the island. “We’re not doing too badly, and today should be an easy win.” 

“I know. I do watch the football without you, Daddy.” 

He tuts. “Yeah, but you don’t get the same level of commentary on your own. Plus, United isn’t even what I wanted to talk to you about. I have thought of a publicity move that you should definitely make – it would really help you guys out.” You entertain his suggestion, knowing that’s what dads do, sitting back on the stool with a smirk on your face, already thinking of an interesting way to tell him he is being stupid. “So, what I was thinking was that you guys do a half-time show! You love football, and the girls love footballers – what isn’t to like? Plus, I bet any club would jump at the chance to make some money from extra tickets sold just to see you.” 

“And you haven’t already contacted our manager?” you check, finding your father to be quite unpredictable and rash. His ego is also far too inflated by clients who don’t see him for the kind but bumbling fool he truly is, and so he often takes it upon himself to put forward any ideas he has to your management team, much to everyone’s inconvenience (the last thing they need, amongst sorting out photos of you snogging girls and your friends in various compromising positions, is an old man telling them what he thinks will boost your image). “It’s a good idea, I must admit. I’ll bring it up.” 

“Good stuff.” There’s a clang of metal as the potatoes go in the oven too, and the fridge opens with a pop as your dad begins to fish out the carrots and parsnips to complete your meal, Your mother is responsible for everything else. “Try to get it at Barcelona or Real Madrid,” he says off-handedly. “Imagine singing in the Nou Camp. That’d be crazy.” 

“Not the appearance I dreamt of when I was little, but I’d still get to touch the grass,” you agree. 

“Y/n, we knew you’d never be a footballer. You haven’t got the coordination for that.” They tried to support you, they really did, but then music lessons took over and the sport became a form of entertainment, not exercise. “Women’s football is really something, though. In twenty years, it’ll be good. Maybe you should invest.” 

“I know zero women’s footballers, apart from – what’s her name? Kelly Smith. The English one?” 

“The Arsenal player, yeah. It’s a shame we don’t have a proper women’s team.” 

“Should I fund one?” you joke, but his face lights up and he has taken you seriously. “Okay, I know we’ve been successful thus far, but we haven’t raked in that much. Who knows! It could all go to shit and I could end up right where I started, in my childhood bedroom with no degree and no choice but to mooch off my parents.” 

“I get the sense that you’re slightly stressed about this album,” Dad says slowly, smiling wide, proud to have worked you out. He has always been good at that; knowing what you are feeling. It is a wonderful trait for him to have, seeing as your mother struggles with emotional connection of any kind. She is too much of a corporate big-shot for that, anyway. 

“It’s killing me.” You sigh, slumping on the stool. “It’ll be released and then we’ll hop on tour and I’m so tired. Anya has a crush and Gio’s dating someone and now all of our songs are about love and I just… I don’t know about that. I don’t know if I will ever know about that.” 

And, though he hesitates, Dad walks around the island and places a hand on your shoulder, telling you that you will find the right man someday. 

Deep down, he knows that the daughter who loved to watch football and never once commented on their hairstyles or pretty faces – the girl whose crushes on members of boy bands always seemed half-hearted and forced – is not a daughter who is going to bring home a man one day, with a smile on her face and a ring on her finger. He knows. It is quite possible that he has always known. Whether he is going to bring it up before you feel comfortable to talk about it is a different matter, especially since your mother has dreams of her daughter’s husband that she has whispered to him ever since they found out their second child was a girl. 

Sunday is pretty routine, which you are grateful for. Your brother, also a lawyer, discusses his latest case, resembling the stories your father used to tell at the dining table: stories you’d both yawn at when you were younger. You dish out a few industry secrets, recounting your most recent trip to Cirque Le Soir. With disdain, your mother berates you for any possible drug-usage, scolding you for something you have not admitted to but somehow knowing that you are guilty of it anyway. It feels much like the family dinners of your teenage years, but you suppose that pop stars never really have to grow up and decide that it isn’t all bad. After all, you drive home in a very stylish car.

Then, the week starts with another gruelling, waste-of-time day at the studio, where you go inside before the sun comes up and emerge long after it has set. Dave is decently pleased with the vocals so far. There are another seven tracks to go, but most of those are being written by other people. Mark Ronson, you’ve heard, is open to working with your group. It’s all very exciting, even if you feel like you have run a marathon by the end of the day. 

On Tuesday, you remember to tell your manager and publicist (she’s a woman of many talents) about your father’s idea. At first, her reluctance is extremely evident, but it later dissipates once she thinks about it, having promised you and the now-excited girls to see what she can do. 

You are on a private plane to Barcelona before you can realise what is happening. 

Bags packed with more make-up and spangled underwear than proper clothes, and sunglasses shielding your hungover eyes courtesy of last night’s consoling of a newly-single Giovanna Bartoli, you try your best not to vomit while in the air and even squeeze in a spot of light reading. The girls laugh (wincing at the sound) when they see you revisiting the Aeneid. You like Virgil, though, so you don’t mind. 

“How many days are we here again?” Anya asks, equally hungover. 

“Three,” replies your manager, not bothering to look up from her laptop. “Today, tomorrow, and the day after. Please check if the players are married before you do anything with them.” 

“I’ve sworn off men,” mumbles Gio miserably. She stretches her legs out with a sniffle, and then draws them back in to protect her broken heart. “If I’d get off with any woman, I’d like her to be Spanish.” She clears her throat, the lump of tears disappearing as she retrieves her GCSE-level Español, giving it a shot. If not to be serious than to at least piss you off. “Hola. ¿Cómo estás? ¿Quieres dormir conmigo?”

“What? And then you’re going to shove your tongue down her throat?” Gio looks at you with a smirk. “That is not how you kiss a woman.” 

“Hey, you can’t keep them all to yourself!” 

You laugh, though your manager’s attention has been caught and she is already showing her disapproval. “It would be better that I did if that’s how you think it works.” 

“None of you are kissing women.” 

“That’s not fair,” Anya protests, upset that she didn’t even get to join in the conversation before it got shut down as swiftly as a rowdy houseparty in an American teen-movie. 

“I agree. That’s not fair on Y/n, who actually needs to kiss a woman so her knickers aren’t in a twist all the time.” 

“I’ll twist your knickers in a minute,” you threaten, fist raised to Gio in good humour.

“See what I mean? She needs to let off some steam.” 

“Well, do it discreetly if you must. Do your shows, go out with the players, and bring whoever into your bed as long as they have tight lips and no vendetta against you. Gio, we’re going to have to say something about him ch–”

You gulp, not wanting your friend to cry again. “Wow, the view is really nice,” you interrupt, catching Anya’s appreciative nod in the corner of your eye as you splay your palm on the glass of the aircraft’s window, marvelling at Barcelona’s plazas and cobbled streets. Imagine this being your home, you think to yourself. 

…

Jenni is squawking when Alexia makes her way into the circle of players during their drinks break. Alexia knows her friend is excited to go to the men’s game later on today, but she hadn’t realised it is to this extent until she gets grabbed by the forward and shaken as though she is a snowglobe. 

“I got the golden ticket,” Jenni shouts in her ear, making their teammates around them laugh. “Me, you, and Mario are going to the match tonight!” 

“I already knew that?” They don’t really get free tickets, but they can be heavily discounted. Tonight isn’t a super big deal, though Alexia may stand corrected. “Was I not supposed to know that?” 

“Of course she doesn’t know,” Mariona says, squirting some of her water at the midfielder. She recoils from the droplets, but they land on her training top anyway, and Alexia is already pissed off with the entire world. “Alexia, do you seriously live under a football-shaped rock?” 

Alexia takes a moment to brush off the teasing, picturing the bursting trophy cabinet that is almost within her grasp. “Yes, and it is very homely.” 

“Madre mía, you are one of a kind,” Jenni says with a sigh, movements less aggressive as she drapes an arm around Alexia’s shoulders. “Guess who’s singing at half-time tonight. You’re going to drool so much that the people below us will think it’s raining.” 

At this, Alexia knows exactly who Jenni is talking about, and she blushes though it could easily be mistaken for redness from exercising. 

“I just think she’s pretty,” comes Alexia’s slightly defensive reply. They walk to the middle of the training pitch, rejoining the team as Xavi explains a confusing drill. Neither really listen. 

“Is this your first celebrity crush?” Mariona jibes, overhearing the conversation and finding it necessary to join in. Any excuse to poke fun at the baby of the team. 

Jenni ruffles Alexia’s hair, ruining her neat ponytail. “Alexia’s in love with a straight girl,” she sings. 

It’s then that the whole team chooses to get involved, ears perking up at the mention of Alexia’s lovelife – a more or less forbidden topic. Their captain, Marta Unzué, even chimes in with a ‘we’ve all been there’. Like a stroppy teenager, Alexia folds her arms over her chest and turns to focus entirely on football, something that she knows she loves and loves her back. They leave her alone for the rest of the training session. 

She even manages to forget about what comes after the first forty-five minutes of the match, sitting comfortably in a stadium that is her version of heaven. 

You, on the other hand, cannot distance yourself from the nerves of performing in no less than ten minutes. 

The players were nice when you accompanied Anya to speak to them, and they spent a good while fumbling their way through English to invite you all to join them tonight at Pacha. You took photos with Messi and Neymar to show your father. 

The outfit, if you can call it that, is tight and could possibly show your entire bum to eight-five thousand Culers tonight if you’re not careful. Silver eyeshadow glistens in the mirror when you peer at your reflection, inspecting the bejewelled bralette and tiny shorts you are wearing. 

Anya and Gio, who both look dazzling in their own silver combinations, tell you that it is time to get your microphones sorted. When you stand in the tunnel, ready to go out, you see that they have laid out a sheet on top of the grass so your heels don’t ruin it. Part of you wishes that you were in a football strip and boots. The music starts before you can get too reminiscent. 

You sing with the same adrenaline you always get, and the crowd becomes a blur in your mind as you lose yourself to the melody. The bass hits your heart just like the lyrics do – especially since this song was written by Anya about her last boyfriend – and you hold back tears as the choreography leads your limbs in an energetic dance that must be entertaining to watch. 

When it finishes, and your chest is rising and falling quickly as you try to catch your breath, Alexia thinks you almost catch her gaping at you. Your eyes seem to be scanning the stands. Maybe you see her. 

Maybe that is why you, in your big, black hoodie and paparazzi-proof baseball cap are sitting in the stands of Estadi Johan Cruyff the very next day. 

Alexia does not point you out to her teammates. You make it clear to all who recognise you that you are trying to be incognito, and either the fans at the stadium have no knowledge of popular culture, or they are granting you your privacy.

She is now the entertainer, shining under the spotlight of the bright sun, a ball at her feet like that is where all balls were made to be. And you watch carefully – she can feel it – but you do not stay long enough for her to even think about approaching you. 

…

2016. Somewhere in the sky between LA and New York. 

This time round, the tour has confirmed your hatred for all plane journeys, hotels, and sold-out concerts. 

You’re dead on the inside, numb to the glitter and sparkles of your life, and your eyes are always halfway to being sealed shut in the deepest slumber humanly possible. 

There are a few things that ease the disdain you have for your career, but none of those compare to the channel you have found that streams Barcelona Femení’s football matches. Your excuse, made to no one other than yourself, is that Manchester United has no women’s team. Of course you’d watch them instead, if you could. 

“This is peak lesbianism,” Gio comments, her fifth time saying the exact same thing, prodding a napping Anya to alert her to your boredom-killer on the flight. You’re glad these planes have wi-fi. “We’re in America, which has all the women’s football in the world, and you still choose to watch your crappy little stream on your cracked iPad.” 

“If you hadn’t decided to jump out at me, the screen would be just fine,” you grumble, transfixed on the way Alexia Putellas dribbles with the ball, turning and passing to Jennifer Hermoso who slots the ball right into the bottom-right corner of the net. The pitch looks damaged, and you really have researched how you can help out the sport, but it is hard to dispute anything the girls say about your crush on an unknown squad member when everyone knows you could get your football fix from the Premier League. 

You’re yet to tell anyone that you have just bought this season’s Barcelona shirt. You’re not sure if you’d be invited on the family ski trip if your father were to find out. 

“Sorry, sorry,” replies Gio, hands raised in the air, a gesture of surrender. In hindsight, your response was clipped. “Didn’t mean to distract you from such an important task. When will you tell us who it is that you fancy? We’ve been waiting for you to come to us, but, fuck me, you’ve got tight lips.” 

“And, before you say it – we’re not nosy. We just care. And we find it cute.” 

“And…” 

“What?” you practically grunt, biting your tongue as a hefty challenge sends Alexia Putellas face-first onto the patchy grass. It makes your heart jump. 

“Well, it’s not like she won’t want you, so make your move.” 

“Just like you made your move on Justin Bieber?” She winces. “We did warn you, babe.” 

“It’s alright,” Anya comforts with a small smile, though you are well aware of how funny she also found the situation. Being in LA, as a celebrity, is always an interesting experience. In Gio’s defence, she did not know about a certain model standing right behind her, and you are fairly sure she had run off to do lines with someone or other earlier. “But, yeah, seriously. Y/n, do you want us to guess?” 

“Go on. Guess.” You smirk, because they’ll never–

Anya’s hand flaps as she puts her privately-educated memory to good use. “What’s-her-face?” she squeals, hand slapping down on her thigh as the name eludes her, the flapping resuming once she remembers. “Alexia Putellas!” 

You rip your eyes from your cracked screen, widened in horror. “How did you know?” you ask, voice a whisper as you swallow your shock. 

“You talk about her all the time. ‘Ooh, she’s the future’ this, ‘watch her grow’ that. Just talk to her. She’ll fancy you back.” 

“She’s not a celebrity. Normal people don’t slide into people’s DMs like we do, and I have no clue whether or not she can speak English,” you reason, having said the same thing to yourself every time your finger hovers on that feature of Instagram. “And I don’t like her? You saw me kissing–”

“God, drop it. You know she kisses anyone with a mouth, and you also know that you’re lying your arse off. Whoever this footballer is, just talk to her. If anything, it’ll be good for you to spend time with someone who isn’t going to drag you right into their own closet.” 

“Closets in LA can be very big,” you say with a sigh, having already received a lecture about the damage-control your publicist always seems to be doing. You don’t really think it’s ‘damage’ if a photo of you enjoying yourself with someone, but your publicity team deems any picture of you with a woman one to be locked away in some encrypted file and never released in the papers. 

…

You: Hola! Congratulations on the win. :)

You cringe so hard, but you send it anyway, your friends leaning over either shoulder as they egg you on, wishing your closet gobbled you whole and spat you out somewhere further away than Narnia.

Alexia, in Barcelona, groans at the sound of her phone buzzing, wondering who on Earth is texting her this late. 

And she drops the device on her face when she sees what the notification is. 

Because it really does not make sense, and she is not used to the idea that women’s footballers could one day fraternise with celebrities like you without feeling out of place. (And she’s had a crush on you for about two years and you’re texting her at midnight to congratulate her.)

You, on the other hand, are gripping onto your phone with trembling hands, holding on for dear life. Anya, who claims her C in A-level Spanish was unjust and incorrect, is brainstorming your next message, adamant that you’ll seem cooler if you display some knowledge of her mother tongue. You don’t tell her that, of course, Alexia’s first language would have been Catalan, because you don’t want it to be obvious that you have done a little bit (a lot) of research. 

Gio tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear for you – a comforting gesture. “Hey,” she says kindly, “what’s the worst that could happen?” 

She tries. 

She fails. 

You have compiled a list within a millisecond. “I don’t know,” you start, but, oh, you do. “She could screenshot the conversation and leak it to Twitter? Or she’s not a lesbian and she is disgusted that I am? She could have a girlfriend? She could think my account’s been hacked and report me and everything’ll be deleted? Or all of the above?!” 

The chat is still open on your phone, but you can’t see past your tidal wave of anxiety. 

“I think you’re just nervous.” Understatement of the century. 

Before you can make a snide remark saying exactly that but to Anya’s face, your message is no longer the only one present. 

“She replied!” you shout, volume a concoction of fear and excitement and a thousand emotions in between. 

Alexia: Gracias por ver :)

“Thanks for watching,” Anya translates. 

You exhale. “Okay. Done. No more.” You ignore both of their facepalms with the sort of blissful ignorance you’re sure only delusional people possess, but it is better to have a healthy heart rate than to understand the lyrics to whatever ballad the two of them have in the works. 

…

“Kiss her.” 

“What?” 

“Just kidding,” Jenni giggles, winking at Alexia and stealing her glass of something-not-too-strong. 

The team has been invited to a party with the men’s team, all because their favourite girl group is back in town and are treating the club like a pit-stop on their way to Madrid for the European-leg of their tour. The album has been in the top ten worldwide ever since it was released.

Alexia looks good tonight, as said by Jenni who thought her wardrobe consisted solely of football strips and Barcelona merchandise, and she revels in her little secret. Your little secret. She hasn’t told anyone that you messaged her two months ago, even if the conversation ended with her response. 

Which is why Jenni is set on teasing Alexia about her non-existent chance with you, especially when you have spent your entire night on the other side of the reception room, deep in conversation with Neymar Jr., who is not shameful about his appreciation for the plunging neckline of your tight dress. He has a girlfriend, but Alexia has seen enough tabloid headlines to know that most famous people don’t care. 

Your glass is always full, though that is your own doing. Something about the way a pair of hazel eyes have been watching you from the minute you walked in makes the air around you feel heavier than it should, and alcohol helps to dull your fluster. 

Anya and Gio have circled back a few times, adding to their persuasion each lap. When you see Gio heading your way, a small smile playing on her lips as someone or other trails behind, you excuse yourself from your conversation with your personal hero (who, sadly, would be able to describe your boobs but not your face if he were asked) and clasp your fingers around her forearm, pulling the two of you even further from a certain women’s footballer on the other side of the room.

“She’s staring,” says Gio in a low voice, leaning in to speak into your ear. “She’s staring at you like she wants to eat you.” 

“I’d let her,” you reply, lips loosened from the champagne you’ve been drinking. “She is beautiful.” 

“She is still staring.” 

You decide to be bold. You stare back, and Alexia is trapped, frozen to the spot. “She is so beautiful.” 

“Now you’re both staring.” 

“I’m going to talk to her.” 

“You should,” she encourages, slurring. The blur might come from your distraction, your drunkenness, or her own intoxication. You don’t care. 

Absently, you nod. “Yeah.” 

She presses her fingertips between your shoulder blades, cold hands making you shiver. “Go. You got this.” 

“Yeah.” 

She pushes you away from her, in Alexia’s direction. Your feet carry you on what feels like an inevitable path. 

And you… walk right past her, out of the door, and into the warm air of the evening to have a smoke instead. 

Behind you, Gio lets out a silent scream, turning right around and giving up on your happiness because what more can she do? And Alexia, who is confused about what just happened and bored of this event anyway, is glad to be given an excuse to leave. 

Except, you are blocking her exit, cigarette pressed to your lips as you inhale the smoke like it is a lifeline. She frowns, lips a tight line of disappointment, really. “¿Tú fumas?” she asks, though she knows both the answer and of your incompetence when it comes to her language. 

You let your eyes meet hers, and Alexia shivers, though she tells herself it is only because it’s November. “Hola,” you reply. 

For some reason, Alexia is drawn in. She steps closer to you, and you don’t have anywhere to go, backed against the wall you are leaning on. You’re drunk, and the cigarette has burned down to a stub of orange and black. She’s also drunk – less so than you – and she has nothing to lose right now. She is no one, in her mind, and you are far from prudish. 

She decides, once she is barely ten centimetres away from you, that your dress is provocative, but it only adds to your existing beauty. You push your chest out, standing up straighter. 

The dance is very still, and very silent, but you can imagine what it feels like to kiss her and you know that she is thinking the same thing. 

“You can, if you want to,” you whisper, hoping she understands. 

Luckily, she does. 

Alexia fumbles her way through the first tentative second, shocked that this is what she is doing, but she finds her footing and relaxes into the taste of champagne and cigarette smoke, the heat of your body sparking a fire within her. You pull her closer, pressing her body into yours, and you are now consumed by desperation. The kiss grows messier, and Alexia’s hands begin to roam, mind lost in a haze of desire. She is explorative but she is gentle, and you gasp into her mouth as her tongue pushes past your lips and a hand settles on the curve of your bum, the other cupping your jaw. 

Briefly, she wonders how many girls you have done this with. You seem experienced. The thought, while a little disturbing, sort of spurs her on, feeding into her competitive nature. This will be unforgettable for her regardless of the outcome because it’s an interesting story to tell, but what about you? Are you even aware of what you’re doing? Are you straight? No, you can’t be. You messaged her, so you started this. She is only… finishing it? 

You sense her distraction, pulling back with a blink and a deep intake of fresh air. She tries to move back, afraid of what comes next, but you don’t let her go, clutching onto the hardened muscles of her arms to hold her in place, ready to kiss her again.

The moment is spoilt by a voice – an English voice – and the theft of your attention. Your eyes, previously hooded and dark, widen as they flit towards the door behind her, terribly upset that your friends have developed the worst timing known to man. Gio shouts again, telling you that it’s time to go. You have to get to Madrid, and the pilot would be incredibly annoyed to hear that the flight was delayed because you were too caught up in snogging a girl you may or may not fancy. 

“We really need to go!” Anya repeats, growing impatient with you as you debate giving up your entire music career. “Like, it is insane how badly you need to get your arse over here to say your goodbyes and then jump in the taxi to the airport with us.” 

“Can it just–”

“No!” they both shout in unison. 

You sigh, looking at Alexia, the proximity prodding at a feeling low in your stomach. She doesn’t squirm under the intensity of your gaze, instead sporting a lazy, blissfully ignorant grin. And you’re about to break her little heart. 

“I have to go,” you say softly, forehead resting on her shoulder as you mumble your words out. You have a duty to your job, or, as Virgil puts it: labor omnia vincit. Work conquers all.

“You have to…?” she tries. 

“Go.” 

“Tiene que irse,” Anya translates, reminding you of her presence (and her much better comprehension of Spanish). “Ahora.” 

“Ah.” Alexia’s hand cups the back of your neck as you raise your head, and she kisses you, though the kiss is short. 

You pat your body down with a sudden haste, wandering past your alcohol-clouded thoughts to remember the location of your ticket, reaching down to grab your clutch from where you’d dropped it on the floor while having a smoke. It pops open as Alexia watches your movements, and you retrieve a pen and a scrunched up ticket (you have no idea why that’s in there, but you are grateful that it is). 

“Here.” You hand her the ticket, pressing it into the palm of her hand and then sealing your goodbye with a quick peck to her lips. 

Then, you are gone, running off at an impressive speed in those heels, chasing your friends into the building. 

She pauses herself in time for a moment, drawing back her grasp on reality as her thoughts still and she breathes in your lingering perfume. And then she blinks – blinks her way back into midnight in Barcelona. 

She opens her palm to see what your gift was, unfolding the piece of paper with an overwhelming curiosity that almost rips it at the edges. 

A boarding pass from London Stansted to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, decorated in fresh, black ink.

Scrawled on top of the flight details is something much more valuable than the entrance into First Class the paper allows. 

Eleven digits. 

Twenty-two-year-old Alexia Putellas, the catalyst for change in women’s football as the world knows it, suddenly sees her future set right out in front of her. Because there you are.

[thoughtportal]

Big Media’s lobbyists have been running a smear campaign trying to paint the Internet Archive as a greedy big tech operation bent on stealing books—which is totally absurd. If you’ve ever used the WayBack Machine, listened to their wonderful archives of live music, or checked out one of their 37 million texts, it’s time to speak up. With publishing revenues approaching 30 billion per year in the US and monopolistic consolidation among publishing corporations, the publishing industry is incredibly powerful and moves aggressively to silence dissent. 

The Internet Archive’s determination to keep fighting is a big deal! 

Here are ways to support:

Sign the petition above.

Join 25+ major civil and human rights organizations in calling for a congressional investigation into surveillance and erasure in digital books—efforts that the Internet Archive is actively fighting against—at https://www.battleforlibraries.com/congress/ 

Sign the Internet Archive’s petition calling on publishers to restore 500,000 books that have been removed from the Archive due to the lawsuit: http://letreadersread.com/

Share your story about how having half a million books removed from the Internet Archive has impacted your reading or research—either on X or via this form.

Post about why you love the Internet Archive and give them a tag. Please share with your community why this institution is important to you. Use the hashtag #DigitalRightsForLibraries!

Invite your friends here, to BattleForLibraries.com, and ask them to sign the petition, too!

Help spread the word! Click on any of the images below to download and set as a temporary profile picture.

[fromtenthousandfeet]

the last ask about twitter thread just saw you also shared already, but woah the way bighit never credited jm for his melodies or background vocals... the sabotages they're doing rn.. getting jk to scooter right after jm got #1 ... damn I wonder if there's end to all this

I posted this thread about Bebe Rexha earlier today after seeing that she was having a meltdown about the music industry and was threatening to divulge their secrets. Spoiler - she didn't.

I shared this because I really want people to understand that none of the members of BTS are totally in control of their careers - especially not Jimin it seems. The similarities between Jimin and Bebe are striking.

No writing credits for songs Jimin helped compose is just so gross. It means he doesn't receive royalties from the sales, streaming, and radio play of those songs. The lack of royalties also impacts his ability to become a member of KOMCA, the Korean Music Copyright Association. RM, Suga, J-Hope, and now Jungkook are full members. Membership depends upon songwriting credit revenue and other criteria. KOMCA membership aside, by not giving Jimin proper songwriting credit, they have stolen both his creativity and his income.

Do you remember the Live that Jimin did around the time they released BE? Jimin said he wrote two songs for the album but both were rejected by the group in favor of songs written by other members. I'm sorry, but some of BTS' worst songs are on that album. The first time I heard Telepathy I thought it was a joke. Like that song is sooooo bad. How much do you want to bet the members and the company were terrified of a Filter 2.0?

I don't understand why Jimin and Jungkook are still friends. If my bestie undermined my accomplishments the way JK has to Jimin, I would gouge his eyes out. But Jimin doesn't seem to be angry so it is what it is. But I do hope this unfair treatment from Big Hit/HYBE comes to a conclusion soon, because it's miserable for his fans and a must be a million times worse for Jimin himself. I hope I live to see the day he releases his tell-all autobiography! It will be juicy for sure.

[btshoseong]

👣. !!: THE ERA: 天下无敌 ‧₊˚

↺ 💌 ࣪ ˖ ∿ author’s note , @ LET’S FUCKING GOOOO solo era shit y’all 👹👹 can’t wait for that yoonseong suchwita ep >:3

╭・ฅ🕸﹕ 天下无敌 ( trans; invincible under the heaven ) is the DEBUT studio album released by south korean singer se3oul of BTS on may 26, 2O23, through BIGHIT MUSIC. the album contains 10 tracks produced by PDOGG, SLOW RABBIT and SE3OUL and co-written by se3oul, including billboard hot 100 number-one single “MINE (FEAT. RM)” and lead single “GLORY”.

╰・ฅ🕸️﹕ 天下无敌 is an album HEAVILY inspired by SE3OUL’s experiences through the LENS of his IDOL career. he navigates the effects of GROWING UP within the entertainment INDUSTRY and how this has SHAPED his RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSES to his surrounding ENVIRONMENT and those around HIM.

⊂ TRACK ✶ LIST ⊃

# OO1. 짜장면 (JJAJANGMYEON) (FEAT. BAMBI)

# OO2. BOHEMIAN

# OO3. 슬픔을 위한 나의 약 (YOU = NEPENTHE)

# OO4. A WISH UPON A STAR

# OO5. GLORY

# OO6. MOROSIS

# OO7. MINE (FEAT. RM)

# OO8. 061313

# OO9. CHAPTER TWO: IT’S ONLY THE BEGINNING

# O10. IMPOSTER [HIDDEN TRACK]

⊂ ALBUM ✶ CONTENTS ⊃

( ★ ) — WEVERSE VER !

outer box ( w92 x h133 x t16 ) + photobook ( w87 x h127mm | 64p ) + keychain ( w15 x h110mm ) + postcard ( 1 ver | w83 x h123mm | 1ea ) + polaroid photo ( 1 ver | w86 x h109mm | 1ea of 2ea ) + user guide ( w84 x h124mm ) + qr card ( w87 x h127mm )

( ★ ) — FAME VER !

outer box ( 3 ver | w176 x h246 x t21mm | 1ea ) + greeting card ( 1 ver | w148 x h105mm | 1ea ) + photobook ( 3 ver | w168 x h240 x t10 | 100p | 1ea ) + lyric book ( 1 ver | w102 x h172mm | 1ea ) + cd & cd envelope ( 1 ver | w120 x h120mm | 1ea ) , ( 3 ver | w125 x h125mm | 1ea ) + polaroid strip ( 3 ver | w20 x h60mm | 1ea ) + mini puzzle ( 3 ver | w80 x h80mm | 4pc | 1ea ) + poster ( 3 ver | w264 x h396 | 1ea ) + photocard ( 3 ver | w55 x h85 | 3ea )

( ★ ) — FORTITUDE VER !

outer box ( 3 ver | w176 x h246 x t21mm | 1ea ) + greeting card ( 1 ver | w148 x h105mm | 1ea ) + photobook ( 3 ver | w168 x h240 x t10 | 100p | 1ea ) + lyric book ( 1 ver | w102 x h172mm | 1ea ) + cd & cd envelope ( 1 ver | w120 x h120mm | 1ea ) , ( 3 ver | w125 x h125mm | 1ea ) + polaroid strip ( 3 ver | w20 x h60mm | 1ea ) + mini puzzle ( 3 ver | w80 x h80mm | 4pc | 1ea ) + poster ( 3 ver | w264 x h396 | 1ea ) + photocard ( 3 ver | w55 x h85 | 3ea )

( ★ ) — FEAR VER !

outer box ( 3 ver | w176 x h246 x t21mm | 1ea ) + greeting card ( 1 ver | w148 x h105mm | 1ea ) + photobook ( 3 ver | w168 x h240 x t10 | 100p | 1ea ) + lyric book ( 1 ver | w102 x h172mm | 1ea ) + cd & cd envelope ( 1 ver | w120 x h120mm | 1ea ) , ( 3 ver | w125 x h125mm | 1ea ) + polaroid strip ( 3 ver | w20 x h60mm | 1ea ) + mini puzzle ( 3 ver | w80 x h80mm | 4pc | 1ea ) + poster ( 3 ver | w264 x h396 | 1ea ) + photocard ( 3 ver | w55 x h85 | 3ea )

fame ver. fortitude ver. fear ver.

( the design is not mine, original owner’s @ is in the pic )

⊂ HIS ✶ PHOTOCARDS ⊃

( there’s 9 photocards in total, this is simply a preview )

⊂ ERA ✶ NOTES ⊃

se3oul’s ‘ MINE (FEAT. RM) ’ mv amassed 74.1 MILLION views within the first 24 HOURS of its release, surpassing BLACKPINK’s LISA for the ‘ MOST VIEWED mv by a SOLOIST in 24 HOURS ’

GLORY CHALLENGE !! hoseong did the glory mv dance challenge with many idols including NEW JEANS , BAMBI from 𐌄𐌵𐌍Ꝋ𐌉𐌀 , YEONJUN and TAEHYUN from TXT , JESSI , HOSHI from SEVENTEEN , LE SSERAFIM and MORE.

HOSEONG informed CASUALLY to fans on WEVERSE live that 40% of all REVENUE from his ALBUM SALES are going to GO TOWARDS charities SUPPORTING PALESTINE.

he had gotten particularly DRUNK after filming for SUCHWITA so YOONGI had decided to drop him HOME. cue a drunk HOSEONG weverse live FEATURING yoongi.

he wore a cute LION COSTUME and promoted his ALBUM by doing the CHOREO to GLORY in various PUBLIC spaces. EVERYONE simply thought he was an ORDINARY but SKILLED dancer.

HOSEONG also did a few LIVE performances in LA and NYC TIMES SQAURE with a crowd of HUNDREDS upon hundreds of people PRESENT.

for his LA appearance , ARMYs had actually PREPARED something for HOSEONG ( and BTS ) in return for his hard WORK. the STAFF were in on it as SUDDENLY ‘ love letters ’ would BEGIN playing THROUGH the speakers. EVERYONE there had sung the SONG for him. HE was the FIRST ONE to HEAR the SONG amongst the MEMBERS and he CRIED heavily.

THERE has been many DATING rumours SURROUNDING HOSEONG during this ERA because he MENTIONS his album being a MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY and it beholds a fairly ROMANTIC song + a BREAKUP song. HE has also been SEEN being CLOSE with one of his DANCERS.

he had come ACROSS comments during certain LIVES about some fans COMPLAINING that the CHOREO for MINE is too EXPLICIT especially with FEMALE dancers , and his response was “ i KEEP seeing these COMMENTS like ‘ ah, OPPA, you shouldn’t BE dancing LIKE THAT with girls. ’ i’m SORRY but am i not GROWN? if you think like that , then MAYBE reevaluate your LIFESTYLE. go OUTSIDE. ” his reaction BLEW UP on twt.

HE’S appeared on MANY shows including DINGO STORY , pixid , the TONIGHT show with JIMMY FALLON , running man , IU’s PALETTE and MORE.

se3oul’s 天下无敌 listening party was a TOTAL HIT. many a-list CELEBRITIES had made an APPEARANCE and top NOTCH journalists sang its PRAISES as the ‘ PARTY of the YEAR ’

upcoming CONCERT…. or ENLISTMENT announcement? stay TUNED !

⊂ HIS ✶ STYLING ⊃

skin SKIN skin !! if he has a CHOICE in the matter then he WILL almost CERTAINLY go for the SLEEVELESS or very MINIMAL clothing LOOK.

a LOT of shirts being TORN OFF too, the stylists kinda HATE him for it LMAO.

ALSO has like SIX different HAIRSTYLES he sports during this ERA alone.

RAPPER outfits…? he gives VERY rapper for his STAGES (especially with THE WAY he seems to FEEL himself, he knows HOW to PUMP UP a crowd).

💬 — HOSEONG’S TAGLIST.

@pandorasword , @ateezsora , @bts-adore , @fairiepoems , @kaitieskidmore97 , @vizianary

[jiminsass-istant]

Bye bye old BTS

This video aged so badly, ngl..

Bighit and Hybe totally went the American popstar way in 2023 for 1 member. Good that they finally cracked into the US music industry bubble. Hope it helps the group as a whole with their 2025 comeback.

(For context, the above Boracity video explains how bts has been always snubbed due to their lack of US label push, lack of radio support, lack of playlist, spotify support, minimum remixes, fewer album versions, chart rule changes etc)

The problem is - they decided as a company (and with scooter) that the only way they can make it into the US gp, was to debut a soloist, with all english tracks (because there's no way US would accept more than 1 soloist from the same korean group singing korean songs).

One thing they got right was that the US GP would not embrace a whole Asian pop group. And releasing english songs is not something BTS would keep doing either, because they clearly have different individual ambitions. When it comes to pop, it's always the solo/ individualist culture in the US. It is much easier to sell one personality than sell 7 different ones to the GP. (the General Public, not army, not people who really get INTO bts and get obsessed).

So, I totally understand why they went for mainstream US popstar way for 1 member only and also because it aligned with his own personal ambitions.

But of course they made a couple of big mistakes-

1) Underestimating the popularity and OG fan power that can give chart ranks and achievements even to non-US promoted members and their music. (BTS have done it before with a korean song and jimin did it again).

2) While they paid attention to heavy promo, charts and playlisting for Golden, they failed to create a connection with the music- which seems highly non-personal and lacking in depth and has a non-interesting concept. The promo did do the work of making jk a common name, showcasing his talents and introducing him to the industry. But for a lasting impact, they have to create better stories with the music. Idc, army are acting too defensive when people are disappointed that he didn't write his songs. It's okay to not write, but the very least singers can do is connect to song meanings and relate to personal experiences during the promos. But thanks to idol culture, jk has never been able to talk about his dating experiences. Even in the interviews, it would have been nice to see him talk about how he related to the lyrics, what the concept was etc etc.

SILVER LINING:

The constant mention of 'ARMY' by JK in all of his US promo stuff. I do see Hybe's bigger plans here. JK is a medium to bring in new fans for BTS's comeback. When they look up JK's past content, they can't do it without learning about BTS. And it doesn't matter if you are a JK solo fan, you will still be called ARMY (BTS fandom). Hybe will still call you army, even if you are just waiting for more Jungkook music and Jungkook shows. But guess what, the next time these new fans get to see Jungkook will be at a BTS CONCERT. Not a Jungkook concert.

More thoughts..

JK concert will come immediately after though. Why do you think they increased the no. of tracks in Golden when the original plan was to release a mini album? It's to collect more songs for his name. A few more releases and he'll be ready to have his own concert.

Okay final thoughts-

Hybe is going the right way from a business perspective. But they have mismanaged a lot of things. Underestimated the power of individual members and fumbled their priorities. BTS are not underdogs anymore. They are big, and whether you like it or not, Hybe is going to move like a big corporation now, revenue being top priority, not artists. If they don't strike a balance between keeping OG OT7 fans happy, the significance of ARMY will be lost. Unless...they want that to happen and do not care about the fandom that moves on its own now.

And before you camp in my asks or comments, saying the same things about sabotage, company fraud etc, I am aware of it all. Please do share your opinions that can add to this discussion.

[beardedmrbean]

California’s largest daily newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, announced on Tuesday that it is laying off at least 115 people -roughly a quarter of its staff- as it continues to hemorrhage money.

The layoffs were announced in a newsroom-wide email from L.A. Times president and Chief Operating Officer Chris Argentieri, according to reporter Matt Pearce.

“This total, while devastating, is nonetheless far lower than the total number of Guild layoffs initially expected last week,” Pearce posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Last Friday, members of the Los Angeles Times Guild, the union representing newspaper staffers, staged a one-day walkout to protest the anticipated job cuts.

“Slashing a quarter of the newsroom is devastating by any measure – to our members and their families, to our morale, to the quality of our journalism, to the bond with our audience, and to the communities that depend on our work,” the Guild said in a statement. “We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today.”

Tuesday’s layoffs come after the paper slashed 74 positions in July, the union said.

In an article published in the L.A. Times on Tuesday, the newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, said the cuts were needed to account for losses totaling $30 million to $40 million a year due to declining subscriptions and advertising revenue.

“Today’s decision is painful for all, but it is imperative that we act urgently and take steps to build a sustainable and thriving paper for the next generation. We are committed to doing so,” Soon-Shiong said.

Among the senior editors laid off were the paper’s Washington bureau chief and deputy Washington bureau chief, its business editor and music editor.

L.A. Times video game industry reporter Sarah Parvini was also let go.

“It’s been an honor to work at the paper for nearly a decade, launching a video game beat, helping to win Pulitzers, covering diverse communities. To my colleagues, [the L.A. Times Guild], readers: Thank you,” Parvini tweeted.

Soon-Shiong and his family purchased the L.A. Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune from Tribune Publishing for $500 million in 2018.

Layoffs and buyouts have hit a wide swath of the news industry over the past year. The Washington Post, NPR, CNN and Vox Media are among the many companies hit.

An estimated 2,681 news industry jobs were lost through the end of November, according to the employment firm of Challenger, Gray and Christmas. That was more than the full years of 2022 and 2021.

[nsfwhiphop]

Important Information for the four sister-wives: @santinihoudini - copyrights owner. @laetitiacasta - Founder. @rihanna - Co-founder. @itsgabrielleu - Co-founder.

Hey sister-wives!

Read this useful information.

Which field is more lucrative, Music or Cinema?

I think it is Cinema, movies make more money than music.

Question:

Between The Beatles and Stan Lee, which of these two entertainment superpowers produced the most wealth with their creativity?

ChatGPT Answer:

Comparing the wealth generated by the creativity of The Beatles and Stan Lee involves looking at their respective contributions to the entertainment industry and their financial impact.

The Beatles:

Music Sales and Royalties: The Beatles are one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Their album sales alone have generated billions of dollars.

Merchandising: The Beatles' brand, including merchandise like clothing, posters, and memorabilia, continues to generate significant revenue.

Concerts and Tours: Although their active touring years were relatively short, their concerts were highly lucrative. The legacy of their live performances continues to generate income through documentaries and re-releases.

Licensing and Rights: The Beatles' music has been licensed extensively for films, commercials, and other media, bringing in substantial revenue.

Cultural Impact: The Beatles' influence on popular culture and music is immense, indirectly contributing to various economic activities related to their brand.

Stan Lee:

Marvel Comics: As the co-creator of numerous iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, and the Hulk, Stan Lee's work laid the foundation for Marvel Comics, a massive entertainment empire.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): The MCU, which began in 2008 with "Iron Man," has become the highest-grossing film franchise in history, generating over $28 billion at the global box office as of 2023. Stan Lee's characters are central to this success.

Merchandising: The Marvel brand, including toys, clothing, and other merchandise, generates billions in sales each year.

Licensing and Rights: Marvel's characters are licensed for use in a wide range of media, from video games to theme park attractions, contributing significantly to revenue.

Cultural Impact: Stan Lee's characters have had a profound impact on popular culture, influencing generations of fans and driving economic activity related to comic books, movies, and related merchandise.

Financial Comparison:

The Beatles have generated billions in revenue through their music, merchandise, and licensing over the decades.

Stan Lee, through the creation of Marvel's superheroes, has been associated with a franchise that has generated tens of billions in revenue, particularly through the MCU.

Conclusion:

While both The Beatles and Stan Lee have created immense wealth and left an indelible mark on popular culture, the financial impact of Stan Lee's creations, especially when considering the revenue from the MCU, arguably surpasses that of The Beatles. The MCU alone, with its extensive box office earnings and associated merchandising, has generated a staggering amount of wealth, making Stan Lee's contributions particularly significant in terms of financial impact.

Approximate Earnings of The Beatles and Stan Lee:

The Beatles:

Music Sales: Over $2 billion from record sales (adjusted for inflation).

Concerts and Tours: Though they stopped touring in 1966, their performances and live shows have generated substantial revenue, estimated at around $300 million.

Merchandising: Estimated to have generated over $1 billion over the years.

Licensing and Rights: Licensing of their music for films, commercials, and other media is estimated to have brought in approximately $500 million.

Total Estimated Earnings: Over $4 billion.

Stan Lee and Marvel:

Marvel Comics: Revenue from comic book sales over the decades is estimated to be in the range of $1.5 billion.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): The MCU has generated over $28 billion at the global box office.

Merchandising: Marvel merchandise sales are estimated to bring in over $5 billion annually, with cumulative sales over the past decades likely exceeding $20 billion.

Licensing and Rights: Licensing for video games, TV shows, and other media is estimated to have generated over $5 billion.

Total Estimated Earnings: Over $50 billion.

Conclusion:

Stan Lee's creations, particularly through the Marvel Cinematic Universe and related merchandise, have generated significantly more wealth than The Beatles, with total earnings estimated to be over $50 billion compared to The Beatles' estimated $4 billion.

[berlinini]

BMG, Beggars Group and Hipgnosis each have strong opinions on streaming. Here are those opinions.

January 21, 2021 / By Tim Ingham

(...) BMG is, obviously, a big deal in the world of music rights. The company generated over $670 million across publishing and records globally last year.

Its DCMS submission sets out a number of changes it wants to see in how the wider music industry pays out from streaming. It’s fair to say that most of them are directed at the three major music companies.

Writes BMG: “A rule of thumb is that streaming services pay around two-thirds of their revenues to the music industry for the music rights they license.

“The problem for artists is that while the recording attracts the largest share (around 80%) of the music rights pot, a traditional record deal may offer them 20% or less of that share, and 20% of 80% of 66% is 10.5%. The problem for songwriters is that while they typically have much higher [royalty rates], around 75%, that percentage is applied to the smaller share (around 20%) of the music rights pot, and 75% of 20% of 66% is 10%.”

BMG continues: “The only realistic way for artists to increase their income from streaming is for them to receive a higher share of the revenue generated by their recordings. The only realistic way for songwriters to increase their income from streaming is for them to receive a greater share of the total pot of money paid by streaming services for the music they use. Both proposals are likely to encounter significant push-back from the traditional music industry. This is understandable since achieving them would entail wholesale changes to working practices, improvements in efficiency and a more robust approach to overhead. None of this is comfortable, but we believe it is necessary.”

BMG is largely very positive about Spotify, Apple Music et al and the impact each has had on the music industry so far. It does, however, raise a couple of key concerns on recent developments regarding SPOT and its fellow platforms.

“[Some streaming services’] attempts to overturn a court-mandated increase in songwriter royalties in the US is an outrage to many songwriters,” notes BMG, which also believes the industry’s “slow progress made towards adopting user-centric licensing is disappointing”.

BMG takes particular issue with “the recent announcement by Spotify that artists may have to trade lower revenues for access to certain playlists” which BMG says “potentially sets a dangerous precedent”.

It adds: “Spotify’s November 2 announcement that it is to offer labels paid-for personalised recommendations which influence algorithmic playlists has been widely criticised by artists as a form of digital age ‘payola’. While it is too early to say whether such language is justified, any mechanism which is seen to rig the market in favour of the biggest and best-funded players will inevitably raise concerns about market manipulation.”

Summing up its position, the company writes: “BMG views artists and songwriters as our clients. Our job is to be a service provider to them. Viewing artists and songwriters as clients changes many of the historic assumptions of the music industry. Since they are clients, it is not their job to keep BMG in business; it is BMG’s job to add value to their businesses.

“Since [artists and songwriters] are the principals, they should receive the lion’s share of revenue, hence while traditional record companies pay royalties of 20% or less, our new recording deals credit recording artists with 70% of revenue or more. We don’t do this because we are do-gooders. We do it because we believe that’s the logic of the streaming revolution and the modern way to do things.”

BMG adds, with a wink and a nudge: “It is a strange business in which ‘We don’t rip off our clients’ is an attractive sales pitch, but it is an indication of how far we believe the music industry lost its way that we identified it as an area of competitive advantage from the outset.”

[blessed1neha]

Exalted Saturn in First House

If Saturn is exalted in the first house. Exalted Saturn is often benevolent in the first house of the horoscope in Libra, although it can occasionally become malefic. It may occur when a malefic planet or planets, as well as a malefic horoscope as a whole, have an effect on such an exalted Saturn. The book "Match Making and Manglik Dosh" explains the idea of a benefic planet becoming malefic as a result of the influences of malefic planets.

Depending on the native's overall horoscope and running times, exalted Saturn in the first house of a horoscope in Libra, when benefic, can bless the native with favourable outcomes relating to mother, education, wealth, properties, vehicles, love life, children, creativity, health, lifespan, profession, finances, reputation, authority, recognition, and fame, among other favourable outcomes.

A native may receive a variety of benefits from an exalted Saturn in relation to or via his mother, offspring, and/or longevity. Depending on his total horoscope and running times, such an exalted Saturn may grant the native good health and a long life, such as beyond 70, 80, or 90. Given mother, the native's mother may be wealthy, famous, a government official or a prominent politician. The native may profit much as a result of her wealth, power, and/or prestige. When it comes to children, such an exalted Saturn might grant the native offspring who may be better or much better than normal in terms of their physical, intellectual, emotional, artistic, and/or spiritual abilities. Such children may succeed greatly in many areas of their lives, bringing the local good name and several other positive outcomes.

Depending on the native's profession, an exalted Saturn can help him or her succeed as a researcher, analyst, lawyer, astrologer, religious guru, teacher, preacher, consultant, professional working in the real estate, iron, steel, automobile, IT, health, fitness, media, finance, education, coaching, movie, television, music, sports, travel, food, hotel, airline, telecom, internet industry, or some other field.

As an illustration, let's say Venus and benefic exalted Saturn are both in the first house of a horoscope in Libra. In the first house, Saturn creates Shasha Yoga. The eleventh house of Leo contains the benevolent Sun, benefic Mars, and benefic Mercury. Rahu, Ketu, and Jupiter are all positioned in the tenth house of Cancer, the fourth house of Capricorn, and the third house of Sagittarius, respectively. The native may open a hotel in this situation, and he might see positive outcomes.

The equation may improve if the benefic Moon is positioned in Gemini's ninth house. In this situation, the native may experience a substantial degree of success, wealth, and notoriety in the hotel sector. His company may continue to expand once he becomes 35 or 40. By the time he is 55 or 60, if the finer details and running times are favourable, he may have have a billion-dollar corporate empire. His company may develop into a hotel chain with locations throughout numerous cities in his nation.

A local with an exalted Saturn may be granted authority in the government as a judge, doctor, scientist, engineer, politician, or another form of professional, as well as in the police, army, air force, navy, revenue, administrative, or foreign services.

Such an exalted Saturn can aid the native's achievement in a creative sector, such as acting, singing, playing music, writing, dancing, playing sports, becoming an artist, architect, designer, developer, or any such job. As an illustration, let's say benefic exalted Saturn creates Shasha Yoga in the first house of a Libra horoscope. Beneficial Moon is positioned in Gemini's ninth house, benefic Mercury is in Sagittarius' third house with Jupiter, benign Sun is in Capricorn's fourth house with Venus, benefic exalted Rahu is in Virgo's twelfth house, and exalted Ketu is in Pisces' sixth house. In this scenario, the local can end up being a writer. He can produce works in a variety of genres, including fiction and nonfiction.

The equation could improve if benevolent Mars is positioned with Jupiter and Mercury in the third house of Sagittarius. The native in this situation could be extraordinarily talented and experience great success, wealth, renown, and reputation. He may publish a number of best-selling books, including some biographies of the most important figures in the world. He may become one of the most well-known authors of his time and earn several accolades, including the Nobel Prize, if the finer details and the passage of time favour him. His wealth might be in the millions.

On the other hand, depending on the native's overall horoscope and running times, malefic exalted Saturn in the first house of a horoscope in Libra can cause the native problems with his or her mother, education, wealth, properties, vehicles, love life, children, health, lifespan, profession, finances, reputation, authority, recognition, and a variety of other issues.

The first house is where Saturn is located and it governs the fourth and fifth houses. The native may have a variety of issues relating to or via his mother, children, and/or longevity if such an exalted Saturn is impacted by malefic planets and/or an overall malefic horoscope. Considering mother, the native may not get along with her, his parents may divorce, and he may live with his father; additionally, according to the native's overall horoscope and running times, his mother may have a chronic illness, be an alcoholic or drug addict, be a criminal, or pass away before the native turns 20. The native may lose one or more children via miscarriages that his wife experiences.When it comes to offspring, the native could miscarry one or more children, which his wife might see. He could see births take longer than expected, and he might have kids who are struggling in some manner emotionally or physically. He could have a divorce, lose his kids, or see them get involved in immoral or criminal activity, leading to reputational damage and a host of other issues.

The native may experience delays, financial losses, setbacks, failures, job loss, a poor reputation, and several other issues pertaining to or brought on by his line of work. As an illustration, let's say benevolent Saturn is exalted and situated in the first house of a horoscope in Libra with benevolent retrograde Jupiter and benevolent Ketu. Malefic Rahu is positioned in the exalted Sun-ruled seventh house of Aries, Mars is positioned in the exalted Venus-ruled sixth house of Pisces, and the Moon is positioned in the exalted twelfth house of Virgo. Grahan Yoga forms in the seventh house, whereas Guru Chandal Yoga forms in the first house. Even though he may be doing well in this situation, the native may experience financial losses and professional difficulties. He might not be a parent til the age of 36.

The equation may become more problematic if weak Mercury is positioned in the sixth house of Pisces with Venus and Mars. In this situation, the native may frequently go through spells of unemployment lasting more than three months even if he may make a good living. He can experience financial setbacks and a terrible reputation in his line of work. His mother could pass away before he becomes 25 or 20. He may settle down in his second or third marriage after seeing one or two unsuccessful unions. Before the birth of his first living kid, he could lose one or two children to miscarriages that his wife would see before having his first child at age 36.

[universalcovers]

STUDIO PICK ⦿ UC&TS THE GREAT WAVE TAYLOR SWIFT

Call it “Swiftonomics” or “Taylornomics,” the 33-year-old American superstar is not only smashing music industry records with her Eras tour, but also boosting the economy and getting involved in new labor compensation expectations.

“She’s a very talented performer, but a smart businesswoman at the same time,” says Alicia Modestino, associate professor of public policy and urban affairs and economics at Northeastern University.

On her latest tour, Taylor Swift is tapping into the spending power of women who have experienced increased wages coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and are eager to splurge on travel and seeing their idol live. The singer-songwriter, named by Forbes the second-richest self-made woman in the U.S. music industry, will play more than 140 concerts across five continents in 2023 and 2024.

It is already obvious, however, that Swift’s tour is smashing all sorts of records, Modestino says, in terms of ticket prices, crowds of fans and revenues. 

On average, almost 54,000 fans attended each concert on the first American leg of the tour, which concluded Aug. 9 in Inglewood, California. The average ticket price fans paid on Ticketmaster was $254, while resale prices soared to thousands and tens thousands of dollars.

$140 million in consumer spending

One study estimated that two Swift’s performances in July could boost Colorado’s GDP with $140 million in consumer spending. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia stated that Swift’s tour helped stimulate travel and tourism in the region, making May the strongest month for hotel revenue in the city since the onset of the pandemic.

Chicago’s tourism and conventions bureau announced that the city set a record for occupied hotel rooms in June — nearly 97 percent — thanks in part to the three nights that Swift played at a multi-purpose stadium, Soldier Field. Cincinnati’s economy felt a boost, too, when the singer brought Eras to town. And in Las Vegas, it was Swift’s presence, not gambling, that caused the highest post-pandemic tourism spending. 

Fans have been spending more than $1,300 on average on tickets, travel and new outfits for the concert night, according to Fortune. A survey company, QuestionPro, estimated that the Eras tour could generate up to $4.6 billion in consumer spending for the U.S. economy in total.

Read in full | North Eastern Global News

Love made me crazy. If it doesn’t you ain’t doin it right.

Photo: Getty Entertainment

[prismmediawire]

ABQQ Reports FY 2024 Audited Financial Results, Introduces FY 2025 Outlook, Announces to Repurchase $5 Million of Shares by Year-End 2025

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 - PRISM MediaWire - AB International Group Corp. (OTC: ABQQ), an intellectual property (IP) and movie investment and licensing firm, announces financial and operating results for the year ended August 31, 2024. The audited financial results have been filed in a 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company also provided its financial outlook for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025.

“ABQQ achieved record results during fiscal year 2024, as we delivered revenue growth of 125% and reached profit net income $542,331, reflecting a continued dedication to maintain exceptional levels of profitability as our business scale. Movie License and NFT MMM IP License built up two of the most admired and well-positioned business in the marketplace, each with a robust innovation product pipeline designed to win with global consumers. Looking forward, our talented teams are highly motivated to continue driving towards the long-term opportunities of these iconic businesses.” - Chiyuan Deng, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Key Financial Highlights:

Revenues for the year ended August 31, 2024, increased 125% to $3,300,467, as compared to $1,473,222 for fiscal 2023.

Operating expenses were $2,813,563 for the year ended August 31, 2024, compared to $5,030,354 for fiscal 2023. We experienced a decrease in theatre operating costs in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023, mainly due to the decrease in admission revenues and the decrease in movie exhibition costs as a percentage of admission revenue.

We incurred a net income of $542,331 for the year ended August 31, 2024, as compared with a net loss of $3,566,710 for fiscal 2023.

As of August 31, 2024.Total Stockholders’ Equity $1,459,902, as compared to $890,988 in Fiscal 2023.

During fiscal year 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 285 million shares of its common stock for a total of $50,699 at a weighted average price paid per share of $0.00018.

Full Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook for the Twelve-Month Period Ending August 31, 2025

The Company's full fiscal year 2025 outlook is forward-looking in nature, reflecting our expectations as of November 26, 2024, and is subject to significant risks and uncertainties that limit our ability to accurately forecast results. This outlook assumes no meaningful changes to the Company's business prospects or risks and uncertainties identified by management that could impact future results, which include but are not limited to changes in economic conditions, including consumer confidence and discretionary spending, inflationary pressures, and foreign currency fluctuation; geopolitical tensions; and supply chain disruptions, constraints and related expenses.

Revenues are expected to increase approximately 150% to $8.25 million.

Gross margin is expected to be approximately 60.5%.

Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.001 to $0.002.

About AB International Group Corp.

AB International Group Corp. is an intellectual property (IP) and movie investment and licensing firm, focused on acquisitions and development of various intellectual property. We are engaged in acquisition and distribution of movies. The company owns the IP of the NFT movie and music marketplace (NFT MMM) as the unique entertainment industry Non-Fungible Token. The Company operates AB Cinemas, physical movie theaters currently in NY with plans to expand nationwide (www.abcinemasny.com). The company also owns ABQQ.TV which is a movie and TV show online streaming platform. ABQQ TV generates revenue through a hybrid subscription model and advertising model like other online streaming platforms.

For additional information, visit www.abqqs.com, www.abcinemasny.com, https://stareastnet.io/ and www.ABQQ.tv.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to changes to the Company’s management team and statements relating to the Company’s transformation, financial and operational performance including the acceleration of revenue and margins, and the Company’s overall strategy. Because forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the possibility of business disruption, competitive uncertainties, and general economic and business conditions in AB International Group markets as well as the other risks detailed in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AB International Group undertakes no obligation to update any statements in this press release for changes that happen after the date of this release.

Investor Relations Contact:

Charles Tang (852) 2622 2891 corp@abqqs.com

Source: AB International Group Corp

[delivermytuneo6]

Spotify Royalties: How Much Do Artists Really Make?

Does Spotify pay artists fairly? This question has been at the heart of discussions about the music industry’s evolution in the digital age. Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming service, has revolutionized how we consume music, offering instant access to millions of tracks. However, while the platform allows users to follow Spotify playlists, discover new music, and explore different types of albums, the economics behind Spotify's royalty payments remain a hot topic of debate. Let’s dive deep into how Spotify compensates artists, the complexities of its payment model, and what it means for musicians today.

Understanding Spotify’s Payment System

To begin with, Spotify operates on a pro-rata payment model. This means the platform doesn’t pay artists directly per stream. Instead, it collects revenue from subscriptions and ads, then distributes it based on the total number of streams a song garners as a percentage of all streams. In simpler terms, an artist’s earnings depend on their share of total streams across Spotify.

While this seems straightforward, the actual breakdown is more complex. From the revenue generated:

Spotify takes a cut to cover operational costs and profits.

The remainder is divided among rights holders, such as record labels, publishers, and distributors.

Artists then receive their portion through their respective agreements with labels or distributors.

This intricate process has led to criticism, with many questioning whether Spotify pays artists adequately for their creative work.

How Much Does Spotify Pay Per Stream?

The payout per stream varies but is generally estimated between $0.003 and $0.005. This means an artist would need thousands, if not millions, of streams to earn a significant income. For example:

A track with 1,000 streams might earn roughly $3-$5.

A song with a million streams could generate $3,000-$5,000.

While this seems like a substantial amount for popular artists, independent musicians often struggle to achieve these numbers. Moreover, the earnings must be split among co-writers, producers, and record labels, further reducing the amount an artist takes home.

The Role of Playlists in Artist Discovery

Spotify’s playlists are a game-changer for music discovery. By allowing users to follow Spotify playlists, the platform curates music for every mood, genre, and occasion. Playlists like “Discover Weekly” and “Release Radar” have become crucial tools for introducing new artists to listeners. For musicians, landing a spot on a popular playlist can lead to significant exposure and increased streams.

However, critics argue that the playlist-driven model may also contribute to the uneven distribution of royalties. The platform’s algorithm often favors already-popular songs, making it harder for lesser-known artists to break through. Even though being featured on playlists boosts visibility, the revenue earned from streams may still fall short of an artist’s expectations.

How Do Types of Albums Impact Spotify Royalties?

The type of music released also affects earnings. There are different types of albums in the music world, such as:

Studio Albums – These are traditional albums created in a controlled studio environment. They typically have higher production costs and are marketed heavily.

Live Albums – Recorded during concerts, these albums may appeal to niche audiences and can earn royalties based on fan loyalty.

EPs (Extended Plays) – These shorter albums often serve as teasers or introductions for new artists. While their lower track count means fewer streams, they help build an artist’s profile.

Compilation Albums – These gather popular tracks, either from one artist or multiple artists. They often generate substantial streams due to pre-existing popularity.

Each album type generates revenue differently. For instance, a studio album with ten tracks has more streaming potential than a shorter EP, but both need strong promotion to gain traction on Spotify.

Audio Quality and Listener Preferences

Another factor influencing Spotify’s ecosystem is audio quality. The platform offers multiple audio options, but true audiophiles often debate which is the best quality audio file for streaming. Spotify Premium provides higher-quality sound than the free tier, but it still falls short of lossless audio formats like FLAC or WAV.

Why does this matter for artists? High-quality audio encourages listeners to engage more deeply with music, potentially leading to more streams. In contrast, platforms like Tidal and Apple Music, which offer lossless streaming, might attract listeners seeking premium sound. This competition could influence how Spotify adapts its offerings in the future, potentially impacting royalties.

How Remixing Affects Streaming Revenue

The rise of remixes has added another layer to Spotify’s royalty system. Many producers and DJs create remixes of popular tracks, breathing new life into them. For those wondering how to make a remix of a song, platforms like Spotify are a major distribution channel. Remixes often bring additional exposure to original tracks, increasing streams and revenue for the original artist.

However, the payment for remixes depends on licensing agreements. Remixers may earn royalties if they have proper licensing, but they typically share revenue with the original track’s rights holders. For independent remixers, understanding these agreements is crucial to avoid legal issues while earning from their creations.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Spotify’s royalty system highlights the challenges of balancing artist compensation with platform sustainability. While it enables musicians to reach global audiences and allows fans to follow Spotify playlists easily, the income generated often doesn’t match the effort artists put into their work. The focus on streaming numbers can also overshadow the value of creating unique types of albums, leading some to prioritize quantity over quality.

Moving forward, industry leaders are exploring alternatives like user-centric payment systems (UCPS), where subscription fees are divided based on individual listening habits. Such a system could potentially provide fairer payouts for artists.

Conclusion

Spotify has undeniably transformed the music industry by making music more accessible and allowing users to discover and follow Spotify playlists effortlessly. However, the question of whether Spotify pays artists fairly continues to spark debate. From understanding the economics of streaming to exploring different types of albums and embracing the best quality audio files, musicians must navigate a complex landscape to succeed. Additionally, for those exploring how to make a remix of a song, Spotify offers opportunities for exposure but also demands careful consideration of royalties.

While Spotify provides unparalleled visibility, artists must advocate for fair compensation, ensuring the music they create is valued as much as the platform they share it on.

[musicinstrumentsins]

How AI Can Transform the Future of Music?

Music has always been an unperturbed entity that is constantly changing. It is always evolving with new technology and how we as a society regard and feel. Totally! It feels absurd to think about how much it has changed over the centuries. And now, we are right on the brink of another big change. Can you guess what we are talking about? It is Artificial intelligence, or AI. It is going to be a game-changer that will revolutionize the industry. How exactly is that going to work? Well, AI can do everything. From composing songs to producing them - a cakewalk for AI. It can even help with how we distribute and listen to musical pieces. Let's find out what the future of music looks like!

Generating Music with Tech

Do you know one of the significant ways AI can transform the industry? Well! It is by generating original music. You can leverage the capabilities of AI to compose new pieces, mimic the styles of famous composers, and customize soundtracks according to individual tastes. It helps aspiring and seasoned musicians to experiment and explore new dimensions. However, with the advancement of AI-generated music, a series of questions seem to arise about the role of human inventiveness and the future of authentic artistry. No matter whether you go with the AI flow or stick to your roots, a comprehensive Music Instruments Insurance plan should remain your priority.

AI is also making a big difference in music production. AI tools can automate various tasks, including mixing, mastering, and sound design. This gives musicians more time to focus on their creative ideas. AI can also explore massive amounts of music data to spot trends and patterns, offering valuable information for artists and producers. While these refinements can make the production process more efficient, they also raise concerns about the possible loss of human creativity and the commercialization of industry.

Apart from music creation, production, and consumption, AI-enriched analytics tools can help artists find their target audiences. These tools also help refine marketing strategies and track revenue. Moreover, they can streamline distribution and licensing to ensure fair and transparent compensation for artists. However, as AI becomes more powerful, it is crucial to address concerns like copyright infringement, fair compensation, and the ethical use of AI to influence consumer behavior.

Although AI offers incredible potential for creativity in the industry, it is imperative to find a balance between technology and human artistry. AI should be used as a tool to enhance the creative process, not completely replace it. By using AI responsibly and ethically, we can ensure that the future of music remains a diverse and vibrant space where human creativity and technological innovation coexist peacefully.

It is needless to say as a musician, you pour your heart and soul into our instruments - our beloved friends. They are not just devices. They are often cherished companions. Protecting these valuable assets is crucial, and Music Instruments Insurance provides a safety net against life's unexpected twists and turns.

A dedicated musical equipment insurance plan offers coverage for a variety of risks. These include theft, accidental damage, and natural disasters. It can also cover losses incurred during transportation, rehearsals, and performances. By investing in appropriate insurance coverage, you can safeguard their gears and minimize financial loss in case of accidents or mishaps.

Choosing the right insurance policy involves considering various factors, including the value of your gear, the types of risks you want to cover, and your financial planning. It is advisable to consult with an insurance agent who specializes in such insurance products to understand your specific needs and find the most suitable coverage.

By taking proactive steps to protect your instruments, you can ensure that our musical journeys continue uninterrupted, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful music and sharing it with the world.

[crowshapedvoid]

[ID: a bunch of wikipedia excerpts assembled into a poem. they read:

A dragon is a reptile-like legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide.

The meaning can be intentional such a word uttered with a specific meaning, or unintentional, such as a symptom a sign of a particular medical condition.

•Level I: Rudimentary Information: "Something is here"

The story of a hero slaying a giant serpent occurs in nearly every Indo-European mythology.^[91]^[91]

Draconic creatures appear in virtually all cultures around the globe.^[12]

... pay attention

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the 18th century, and later spread to continental Europe, North America, and Japan, was based on the availability of coal to power steam engines.

Coal-Mining Region

Environmental Impact of of the coal industry

Environmental justice and coal mining in Appalachia

The treasure was cursed and brought ill to those who later possessed it.

Eventually, the dragon ate all of the sheep^[154] and the people were forced to start offering it it their own children.^[154]

Black lung disease

George Bretz (photographer)

Child labour

After the Saturday bushfires, the McArthur Fire Forest Danger Index was revised. The category "Catastrophic" was added to help identify those situations where

the people offer the dragon a human sacrifice to appease its hunger.^[161]

•Level II: Cautionary Information: "Something man-made is here and it is dangerous"

The Guide explains that dragons always live alone because they have become dragons by eating their own kind.

they ruled as king and queen, before eventually being transformed into dragons themselves.^[118]

... pay attention

A dragon is

often associated with a great hero who tries to slay it,

any power structure relies upon the subjects' obedience to orders of the ruler(s). If subjects do not obey, leaders have no power.^[15]

Dragons are typically depicted as living in rivers or having an underground lair or cave.^[150] They are envisioned as greedy and gluttonous, with voracious appetites.^[146] They are

largely explicable as products of a convergence of a rational pre-scientific speculation about the world of real events. In this case,

What was here was dangerous and repulsive to us. This message is a warning about danger.

•Level III:

The Holocene extinction, otherwise referred to as the sixth mass extinction, or Anthropocene extinction,^[3]^[4] is an ongoing extinction event of species during the present Holocene epoch (with the more recent time sometimes called Anthropocene) as a result of human activity.^[5]^[6]^[7]

The legends surrounding El Dorado changed over time, as it went from being a man, to a city, to a kingdom, and then finally to an empire.

For instance, for a mother to say to her child "I'll tell you a story", she would

through fairy tale and myths. Those fairy tales and myths in turn could be transmitted through poetry, music and painting.

"Don't you realize that ... ?"

I Watch You from Afar^[10]

aboard Titanic, travelling (with those who perished

but Sigurd replied that all men must one day die anyway, and it is the dream of many men to be wealthy until that dying day, so he would take the gold without fear.^[7]

Revenue [increase] US$469.822 billion (2021)^[1]^[2]

Operating income [increase] US$24.879 billion (2021)^[1]

Net income [increase] US$33.364 billion (2021)^[1]

Total assets [increase] US$420.549 billion (2021)^[1]

Total equity [increase] US$138.245 billion (2021)^[1]

Owner Jeff Bezos (14.0% voting power, 10.6% economic interest)^[3]

•Level IV:

A dragon

is a message... and part of a system of messages... pay attention to it!

Sending this message was important to us. We considered ourselves to be a powerful culture.

Gold is further associated with the wisdom of aging and fruition. The fiftieth wedding anniversary is golden. A person's most valued or most successful latter years are sometimes considered "golden years". The height of a civilization is referred to as a golden age.

The danger is still present, in your time, as it was in ours.

guarding a vast horde of treasure.

A dragon is a reptile-like legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide.

This article is about mass extinction.

/end ID]

"Dragon," poem assembled using quotations from Wikipedia articles

[songvalle]

Streaming Platforms and the Music Industry: Secrets Behind the Algorithms

The music industry has undergone a radical transformation over the past decade, largely driven by the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. These platforms have revolutionized how music is consumed, giving artists new opportunities to reach a global audience. However, they also come with their own set of challenges and intricacies that are not immediately visible. Understanding these music industry secrets is crucial for artists, managers, and even listeners to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

The Rise of Streaming and Its Impact on the Music Industry

Streaming platforms have democratized access to music, making it possible for anyone with an internet connection to discover new artists and genres. This shift has disrupted traditional models of distribution, sidelining physical albums and even digital downloads. However, behind the scenes, these platforms operate on complex algorithms that determine which songs are recommended, promoted, or buried in obscurity. One of the music industry secrets is that these algorithms are not solely based on quality or popularity; they rely heavily on engagement metrics like play count, skip rate, and user playlists.

For artists, this means that creating music alone is not enough. Success now hinges on understanding how to optimize their presence on these platforms. Knowing how algorithms work can be the difference between being discovered by millions or being overlooked entirely.

How Streaming Algorithms Work

At the heart of every streaming platform lies an algorithm designed to enhance user experience. These algorithms analyze listening habits to provide personalized recommendations. One of the lesser-known music industry secrets is how these systems decide which songs to prioritize. They consider factors such as:

Play-through Rate: How often users play a song from start to finish.

Skip Rate: Songs with high skip rates are less likely to be recommended.

Engagement: Adding songs to playlists, sharing them, or saving them to libraries signals popularity.

Release Radar: New releases often receive a temporary boost in visibility, but sustaining that momentum depends on immediate engagement.

Artists who understand these metrics can tailor their strategies to maximize exposure. For example, creating shorter tracks or engaging intros can reduce skip rates, a subtle yet impactful insight into music industry secrets.

Revenue Sharing: The Truth About Artist Earnings

While streaming platforms have provided artists with unprecedented reach, they have also reshaped the economics of the music industry. A significant music industry secret is the revenue-sharing model, which is often opaque and disproportionately favors major record labels. On platforms like Spotify, payouts are calculated based on a pro-rata system. This means revenue is distributed according to the total number of streams across the platform, rather than individual artist performance.

Independent artists often face the harsh reality of earning fractions of a cent per stream. To generate a substantial income, millions of streams are required, a feat often only achievable by top-tier artists or those backed by major labels. Understanding these music industry secrets can help artists manage their expectations and explore alternative income sources, such as merchandise sales, live performances, or direct fan support through platforms like Patreon.

Playlists: The Gatekeepers of Streaming Success

Playlists have emerged as the new gatekeepers of the music industry. Getting featured on popular playlists like Spotify's "RapCaviar" or "Today's Top Hits" can catapult an artist's career overnight. However, the process of getting on these playlists is one of the most guarded music industry secrets. While editorial playlists are curated by platform teams, others, such as algorithmic playlists, are generated based on user data.

For artists, the key lies in building momentum. Songs that perform well in the first few weeks of release are more likely to be added to playlists. Utilizing pre-save campaigns, engaging with fans, and encouraging shares can increase the likelihood of playlist placements. Additionally, independent artists can submit their songs for playlist consideration directly through platforms like Spotify for Artists, although competition is fierce.

Independent Artists vs. Major Labels

Another layer to the music industry secrets surrounding streaming platforms is the preferential treatment often given to major labels. These labels have the resources to secure prime placements for their artists, negotiate better royalty rates, and leverage their existing networks for promotions. Independent artists, on the other hand, must rely on organic growth and grassroots marketing to compete.

However, the rise of independent success stories proves that the playing field is not entirely skewed. Artists like Chance the Rapper and Billie Eilish initially found success by leveraging digital platforms creatively. By focusing on building genuine connections with their audiences and staying consistent with their releases, independent artists can still thrive despite the odds.

The Role of Data Analytics in Shaping Careers

One of the most underutilized music industry secrets is the power of data analytics. Streaming platforms provide artists with detailed insights into their audience demographics, listening patterns, and geographic reach. This data can be invaluable for planning tours, releasing targeted content, and even negotiating deals with potential collaborators or labels.

For example, if an artist notices a spike in streams from a particular city or country, they can prioritize those locations for live performances or marketing campaigns. Understanding audience preferences can also guide creative decisions, ensuring that artists produce music that resonates with their fan base.

Future Trends and Opportunities in Streaming

The music industry continues to evolve, and streaming platforms are at the forefront of this transformation. One emerging trend is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create even more personalized listening experiences. Another potential shift lies in blockchain technology, which could disrupt current revenue-sharing models by offering more transparency and fairness to artists.

To stay ahead, artists must remain adaptable and continue to uncover music industry secrets that can give them a competitive edge. This includes exploring new platforms, experimenting with interactive content, and staying informed about technological advancements.

Conclusion

Streaming platforms have undeniably reshaped the music industry, providing both opportunities and challenges for artists. By understanding the intricacies of algorithms, revenue-sharing models, and playlist strategies, artists can better position themselves for success. The most valuable music industry secrets lie in leveraging these platforms to their full potential while maintaining a strong connection with fans. As the industry continues to evolve, those who adapt and innovate will lead the charge into the future of music.