Spotify admits fault, will work with civil rights groups on Hate Content policy
Weeks ago, Spotify removed several artists from promoted playlists under the new Hate Content policy. Now, following backlash from Kendrick Lamar and others, CEO Daniel Ek admitted fault and said the company is currently working on a new policy with civil rights activists.
Pop some brews and blast some tunes with Scosche’s new BoomBottle MM speaker
Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Scosche’s new BoomBottle MM is a twist on the standard Bluetooth speaker format that combines a rugged, waterproof build with handy features you never knew you needed in a speaker.
Did Tidal really fake Kanye and Beyoncé’s streaming numbers?
A Norwegian language newspaper claims that it has data that shows that popular high-fidelity streaming service Tidal manipulated listening data for two of its biggest artists, generating bigger streaming payouts for the artists. The evidence posed, if true, is compelling, but Tidal is vehemently fighting the claims.
The Backstreet Boys are back, and their new single is … a banger?
All-male pop quintet The Backstreet Boys have returned with their first new single in five years after a three-day social media countdown, and we've got to admit -- from coordinated dance moves and matching outfits to solo vocal runs -- the aging boy band has still got it.
Revamped YouTube Music is Google’s latest effort to take on Spotify
With so many people hitting YouTube for their music fix, parent Google has always felt well placed to attract people to a subscription-based music service. But up to now the company has failed to nail it. Now it hopes that with the launch of a revamped YouTube Music service on Tuesday, it's a step closer to its goal.
Apple Music hits 50 million users, doubles down on original content
Apple Music is growing, and growing fast. In a recent appearance on Bloomberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the service's latest subscriber numbers. In total, Apple Music now boasts 50 million users, a figure that includes both paid members and trials. In April, Apple said it had 40 million paid subscribers.
Who’s next? As it snubs R. Kelly, Spotify opens a moral can of worms
Spotify recently introduced a new Hate Content & Hateful Conduct Policy, removing R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from its curated and algorithmic playlists. Apple Music and Pandora are also pulling material promoting Kelly. Is it justified? And how does this decision impact the streaming industry at large?
Mamma Mia! ABBA will share new music, return to stage as holograms
Fans of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA have a lot to be excited about in 2018 and 2019, as the band has announced a delightful blend of new music, and a fresh stage show that involves the acclaimed quartet being "digitally de-aged" to look identical to the way they did in 1979.
Get in the groove of Record Store Day with these 10 limited releases
With Record Store Day just around the corner, it can be daunting to figure out the best new music hitting shelves. Here is our list of our most anticipated new releases to check out during the year's best music holiday. Whether you're after rarified rereleases or fresh new jams, we've got you covered.
DJ, producer, and EDM icon Avicii found dead at 28
Swedish DJ, producer, and philanthropist, Tim Bergling, better known by his stage name Avicii, was found dead in Muscat, Oman on Friday, April 20 at the age of 28. In 2016, he retired from public performances due to health concerns, instead choosing to focus on producing.
Fender’s new guitar pedals are a smooth and stylish step toward shred city
Legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturer Fender has launched a brand new pedal lineup that includes reverb, delay, distortion, overdrive, level set, and compression -- a vast array of tonal options that the company offers at a remarkably affordable price. That could make them your next secret weapon.
‘DAMN.’ — Kendrick Lamar wins the Pulitzer Prize for Music
Kendrick Lamar has made music history, earning the Pultizer Prize for music for his 2017 release DAMN. As the first ever non-classical, non-jazz artist to earn the prize, Lamar may be the first of many influential modern artists to be considered for the award in the future.
‘High-definition vinyl’ could be spinning on your turntable by next year
While digital music sales continue to decline, vinyl LPs are enjoying a surge in popularity. An Austrian company hopes to update the manufacturing process for the 21st century to produce "HD Vinyl" records that have better sound and longer playing times.
Apple Music reaches milestone of 40 million paid subscribers
Apple Music has officially surpassed the 40 million subscriber mark. It's an impressive milestone for the music streaming service, which has also just found itself a new leader. Earlier this week, the iEmpire announced that Oliver Schusser will be taking on the challenge of leading Apple Music Worldwide.
The AIUR speaker lets you turn up the volume with just a wave of your hand
Controlling your speakers could be as easy as waving your hands -- if your speakers are from AIUR, that is. This new Kickstarter project promises a high-fidelity speaker capable of recognizing up to 10 different hand gestures.
Genius teams up with YouTube to support Song Stories, a new discovery feature
This week, music database company Genius launched its own version of the bite-sized content format with a new feature called Song Stories.
I ditched Spotify for YouTube Red with Google Play Music and never looked back
Everyone loves Spotify, but sometimes, the most popular streaming platforms just aren't enough. Here's why I switched over to Youtube Red.
Tidal now plays nice with Amazon Fire TV as well as Android Auto
Keeping yourself entertained just got a whole lot easier. Tidal has now launched its new app for Android Auto as well as for Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick.
YouTube plans to ‘frustrate’ music fans into paying for its ad-free service
A YouTube executive said it plans to "frustrate" users into paying for its forthcoming music streaming service by serving up more ads.
Watch The Philharmonic Turntable Orchestra make a symphony out of turntables
Hi-fi audio brand Technics brought together 30 world-class DJ's to form The Philharmonic Turntable Orchestra, the world's first orchestra made of turntables, to celebrate LP Record Day in Japan.
Spotify begins cracking down on third-party playlist services
SpotLister has been now been deemed non-compliant with Spotify's terms of use. It previously placed songs on playlists for a fee.
Should Spotify launch a record label and become the Netflix of music?
Despite impressive subscriber numbers, Spotify is losing money thanks to high licensing fees. However, one expert recommends Netflix as a model for success.
iHeartRadio has filed for bankruptcy but don’t worry — it isn’t going anywhere
iHeartRadio parent company iHeartMedia has filed for bankruptcy after accruing more than $20 billion in debt, but customers shouldn’t be affected.
After Warner Music deal, Facebook is in league with all three major labels
Facebook now has deals with Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, all three of the biggest labels on Earth
Alexa to play recently heard songs within Amazon Music
Amazon Music debuted "Local Popularity" and "Play More Like This" for its users late last year. Now, it's showing off "recently heard."
No longer mobile-only, Pandora Premium features come to the web
The Pandora Premium on-demand subscription service is now available on the web, including Search & Play, My Music, and smart playlist features.
Apple Music is growing fast, but it will be a while before world domination
Apple Music is growing quickly in the United States, but it has a ways to go before it beat the subscribers numbers of popular Swedish music streaming service Spotify on the global stage.
Apple HomePod smart speaker is now available for pre-order
Apple has begun an assault on home audio, announcing the brand new HomePod speaker system and showcasing brand new multiroom functionality. It's now available for pre-order.
The retro Muzen OTR Wood speaker may be tiny, but it packs a big punch
Those nostalgic for simpler times when the music was sweet and the technology was simple(r) can check out the Muzen OTR Wood.
YouTube creates one-of-a-kind Grammys invitations with Google Home Maxes
YouTube's calling card for an upcoming Grammys party is a custom Google Home Max made even more unique by the work of New York graffiti artist CYCLE.
Fender’s American Original Series marries classic guitars with modern tech
Fender has found a way to bridge the gap between nostalgia and new technology with its new American Original Series.
Kasotsuka Shojo is the world’s first cryptocurrency-themed pop group
Kasotsuka Shojo is the world's first J-pop group inspired by cryptocurrency. Tickets for the first show were purchasable with cryptocurrency.
Asus joins the Alexa smart speaker party with Lyra Voice
More than just a smart speaker, the Asus Lyra Voice also packs a tri-band AC2200 mesh Wi-Fi node for a better Alexa experience.
Nuheara’s newest earbuds widen your choices for personalized hearing devices
Upgraded IQbuds and two all-new IQ products make up the Nuheara intelligent hearables suite introduced at CES.