Spotify, Merlin Ink Global Licensing Deal; World College Radio Day 2025 This Friday
2238 | Your Daily Dose of Music Streaming News
Spotify and Merlin ink multi-year global licensing deal
According to the companies, the agreement, announced on Tuesday, “reinforces the vital role of independent music on Spotify and provides Merlin members continued access to a platform that reaches fans worldwide”.
Daniel Ek to Step Down as Spotify CEO
Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström to assume co-CEO roles in January 2026, as Ek becomes executive chairman.
Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ hits 5m Spotify pre-saves
Revealing the 5m stat is part of bigger plans by Spotify for transparency around pre-saves.
World College Radio Day 2025 This Friday
College radio is where countless music industry professionals and musicians got their start behind the board, with their first airplay, or performing live. This Friday, this last bastion of live DJs playing and often saying whatever they want is being celebrated worldwide with World College Radio Day 2025.
Cardi B, Ed Sheeran and J Balvin use Facebook’s custom ‘Top Fan’ badges
“Today, we’re making fandom on Facebook even more fun,” chirps the latest announcement from Meta about its OG platform.
Vocana Teams with MassiveMusic to Build a Better Service for Indie Music
Providing invaluable back-end support, MassiveMusic powers Vocana’s independent artist-only catalog and, most importantly, its highly innovative payout model that directly connects how artists get paid to what fans listen to.
Radioservers Aids Web Refreshes
Texas and New York stations use the tech for website and metadata.
Harry Chapin ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ documentary coming to DVD, streaming
A new documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of Harry Chapin’s classic song “Cat’s in the Cradle” is coming to DVD and streaming on Nov. 4.
Zedge Launches Tapedeck: A Bold New Platform Putting the Power — and the Payout — Back in Artists’ Hands
Since 2017, Zedge has made it easier for creators across the globe to make a living making art through its thriving Zedge Premium marketplace, paying out millions of dollars each year. With Tapedeck, Zedge is bringing that same creator-first model to music.
Boomy taps Google’s Lyria 2 for LoopMagic stem-making service
LoopMagic is the AI tool launched by startup Boomy and producer Ramon ‘!llmind’ Ibannga Jr in 2024 as a way to create loops and sounds for musicians’ projects.
Facebook Marketing for Musicians: New tools to grow a fanbase
Facebook has added tools that can bring musicians and creators and their fans together. Discover how to use Facebook marketing for musicians to grow a fanbase, boost engagement, and build a loyal superfan community.
Aiode emerges from closed beta with $5.5m more seed funding
AI-music startup Aiode was one of the winners of our Music Ally SI:X startups contest in 2024, before joining the Abbey Road REDD incubator program.
KiTbetter wants indie artists to adopt its KiTalbum format
Alanis Morisette, Stone Temple Pilots and The B-52’s got the treatment, which blends collectible physical packaging with digital content. But KiTbetter is keen for the format not to be seen as just something for established artists within major-label back catalogues.
Send story ideas & feedback to: jeff@platformandstream.com
️Interested in sponsoring the newsletter? You'll find all the details here.
You can also support my work with the Platform & Stream Tip Jar!