How can platforms reinvent themselves on a regular basis to keep listeners engaged and make them more and more active? We may have seen some answers this week, or at least some signs that this trend is here to stay.
#1. Napster Cashes Out Years After It Shook The Music Industry
Napster has been acquired by Infinite Reality in a $207 million deal, a tech startup specializing in extended reality and artificial intelligence. Infinite Reality plans to transform Napster into an interactive and social music platform. The goal is to create virtual spaces where fans can attend immersive concerts, engage with artists, and purchase both digital and physical merchandising.
According to Napster’s CEO, going through yet another transformation, they are now evolving into a more engaging and immersive experience. We’ll see how much of their promise this latest transformation will hold!
#2. The RIAA’s Latest Actions to Defend Copyright Protections
In response to proposals from OpenAI and Google to loosen copyright laws and allow the use of protected content without compensation, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and several music industry organizations have finally submitted feedback on the U.S. government's AI Action Plan. They advocate for a strict framework that balances technological innovation with creator rights, insisting that AI systems obtain proper licenses before using copyrighted works. They also oppose international text and data mining exceptions, presented as a threat to artists' earnings.
Unsurprisingly, the RIAA also pushed for more transparency in AI training data and supported legislation against deepfakes, such as the NO FAKES Act. For the representatives, fostering AI development while ensuring clear regulations to preserve the economic value of creative works and protect artists from technological exploitation are at the center of their asking.
#3. Apple Music Expands into DJ Mixing with a New Integration
Apple Music has introduced a new feature that allows subscribers to mix tracks directly from its catalog of over 100 million songs. The feature "DJ with Apple" creates a seamless ecosystem for music mixing and discovery, accessible to all users. In addition to direct access to the catalog, Apple Music is launching a dedicated DJ page featuring curated editorial playlists designed specifically for mixing. You might remember Apple Music’s previous DJ-focused efforts, such as the DJ Mixes program launched in 2021 and the Apple Music Club, a live global radio station introduced in December.
Apple is going towards a global trend of democratizing DJing, making the art of mixing more accessible to both beginners and professionals. But it’s also a way to engage audiences more than they are right now, creating better retention but also making it a differentiating feature compared to competitors.
#4. Authorities Dismantle Streaming Fraud Network in Brazil
Brazilian authorities have arrested an individual for generating 28 million fake streams on music platforms, earning no less than $65,000 in the process. The investigation, part of Operation "Out of Tune", was supported by the IFPI, Pro-Música Brasil, and APDIF, resulting in the seizure of $400,000 in assets. The individual had uploaded more than 500 fake tracks to Spotify and stolen 36 songs from local artists.
The investigation also highlighted the use of generative AI to create fraudulent content, a factor that has been pointed out by the music industry several times now.
#5. From Emerging Artist to Recognition
Initiatives such as "super-premium" subscriptions and special-edition vinyl are proof that a clear trend in Music is aimed at supporting artists in their development. However, less attention is given to the crucial A-to-B phase, where an artist starts their career and builds an initial fanbase. It will come as no surprise that this stage is increasingly difficult due to algorithms that penalize lesser-known tracks and a lack of support from record labels.
Positive signs include initiatives like SoundCloud’s algorithm updates and the resurgence of online radio stations. However, the industry must invest more in emerging talent, adjust recommendation practices, and value curation to help future artists break through.
