Voices

Google Music’s Artist Hub Asks Artists to Bring the Wheel and Inflate It, Too

When Google Music launched last week, much of the attention focused on the “Artist Hub” feature that allows unsigned bands to create a profile and sell music direct to fans. Okay … And?

Spotify Signs On EMI for U.S. Launch. At Least One More to Go…

It’s getting closer: Spotify has finalized a U.S. distribution deal with EMI Music. That won’t get Spotify to America–at a minimum, it’ll need Universal Music Group on board as well–but it’s a step in the right direction. Now, about those Apple subscription fees…

Pandora's Music Fees Are Huge! And Not That Bad.

The Internet radio service is handing over half of every dollar it brings into the music industry. But things could be a lot worse. And the royalty system that taxes Pandora also allows it to thrive.

Spotify Clears Its Throat for a U.S. Launch in "Coming Months"

The music service still doesn’t have a U.S. launch date, but it’s telling the American digerati that their free lunch is just about over.

Is Jason Kilar Trying to Get Fired?

Did the Hulu CEO just channel Jerry Maguire? Or did he think his future as a TV manifesto would sway his network owners? It may not matter.

One Down: Spotify Signs Sony to U.S. Deal

This doesn’t get them into the States, but it gets them a lot closer: Music service Spotify has finally signed with Sony for a U.S. distribution deal. Multiple sources tell me the deal, which has been very close since last fall, is now closed.

Game Off! Viacom Dumps Rock Band on Investment Group

Remember when music video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band were red-hot? That was a couple of years ago.

Voices

Amazon Can't Dent iTunes

On the day Apple Inc. rolled out the Beatles’ catalog on its iTunes Store, Amazon.com Inc. fired back with a digital exclusive of its own: The latest album from rap-rocker Kid Rock–whose music still isn’t available on iTunes–for just $3.99.

Here's Your iTunes in the Cloud, for Your iPhone–But From mSpot, Not Apple

Google and Apple both want to move your music to the cloud, then back to your phone, but they haven’t done it yet. But little mSpot has, at least for now.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Live at D: Dive Into Mobile

Spotify’s Daniel Ek, who heads up the most talked about streaming music service in Europe, continues to promise a U.S. launch this year. With three weeks left, will the Swedish entrepreneur keep his promise? Look at Ek’s interview with MediaMemo’s own Peter Kafka from D: Dive Into Mobile after the jump.

A Video Guaranteed to Not Stop Music Pirates