Bits & Bytes 02/09

INFLUENCING EMERGING MUSIC TECH CULTURE

Thoughts from the CEO: Feels like the 2015 Grammy's were focused heavily on social amplification and minimally on musical innovation. The numbers are in and they're clearly reflecting the strategy implemented. As the franchise suffers from a 14% drop in viewership this year, it breaks records for being the most socially-engaged 'non-sports event' of 2014-15.  Leaves you wondering...what is the Grammy's ultimate objective? Is this significant decrease in audience stemming from their constant and conscious approach to remain risk-averse? Is the once-highly respected franchise losing relevancy and credibility? Are people starting to realize that this platform rarely offers a method of discovering new or truly independent music? It seems like Kanye West is not the only artist coming after the Grammy's this year. Many music makers are sharing the sentiment, with singer Trey Songz saying "the Grammy's are shortchanging culture for popularity." Last night's award show is the perfect example of how this music industry is shifting. It all comes back to my favorite topic: data vs. taste. People are able to express and share their opinions socially and most importantly, they're able to question taste and 'authority'. Why did Beck win Best Album? Personally, I believe this is exactly why the Spotify and SoundCloud's of the world will ultimately be best suited for recognizing outstanding achievement in the music industry. They are at the forefront of discovery and innovation, plus they have the exact tool needed to prove what and who is really winning. Data. - Jesse K (@JesseKay)

Apply may buy artists, their master recordings, or entire labels to box out its competitors. This strategy opens up a potential for exclusives and a future of artists signing to streaming services. The question is: will Apple play favorites with people it has deals with? 

If the pattern continues, 

many of next year's eventual winners have already been released. Keep an eye out for these 4. 

Seven Grammy-nominated recordings were pushed through Kickstarter. Another reminder that DIY is the new default!

deadmau5, Adam Levine, Steven Tyler and more artists join newly formed panel to advise those making music policy.  

How did the Grammy's nab 'most social non-sport event' with 13M+ tweets but experience a 14% loss in viewership? 

Labels, not Spotify, are screwing over artists and breaking the music industry. New report proves who's really getting the big payout. 

Has the U.S.’s taste in popular music changed over time? Here is the ever-evolving landscape of music in America.