Livestreams + Social Media Transform Live Music; Streaming Services Donate to MusiCares' COVID-19 Fund; The Promising Evolution of Spotify's Ad Business

The Couch Tour phenomenon—where fans join together online to experience performances in real time—has become both a business model and community builder over the last decade.

With more countries entering a period of lockdown in order to curtail the exponential spread of the COVID-19 virus, the music industry is responding with characteristic flair, creativity and empathy.

Amazon Music, Facebook, SiriusXM and Pandora, Spotify, Tidal and YouTube Music have all donated to MusiCares' relief fund for music workers whose livelihoods have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Feature was spotted by Jane Manchun Wong

As Covid-19 shuts down the cultural events that unite fans, audiences are resorting to their own screens. Welcome to a new age of being alone together.

Apple is trying something new to keep people's spirits up during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bandsintown is offering artists free, accelerated, and much-needed access to Twitch Affiliate status and its world-class live streaming monetization tools.

The Swedish music-streaming leader continues to develop new ad products in an effort to bolster profitability.

Music fans came out in full force to support acts on Bandcamp last week, when the online music marketplace pledged to waive its revenue share for all sales made on Friday, March 20.

The positive exposure for artists from their songs appearing in film, television and advertisements has turned the job of music supervision into a power player in the music business.

In the coming weeks, and possibly months, as previously relied on concert revenues fall as a result of the ongoing venue closures and event cancellations, artists will need to do all they can to boost their income.

Soundplate has another new thing: a 'Cover Art Generator' designed for artists and playlisters alike.

Live Streaming Music + Concerts

Metallica kicked off their 'Metallica Mondays' series of free livestreams with video featuring their June 8, 2019 performance at the famed Slane Castle.

As well as streaming opera and ballet performances, the iconic London venue will be offering behind-the-scenes looks behind its closed doors.

The Disco Biscuits will launch the 'Rewind & Recline' series of free livestreams featuring video from their vault this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

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