Bits & Bytes 02/23

INFLUENCING EMERGING MUSIC TECH CULTURE

Thoughts from the CEO: 

Social Media Week is taking place in seven cities this year simultaneously, and it's back in NYC. I've been supporting SMW since Day 1 and my friends at CrowdCentric who have built the platform. It’s amazing to think "social media" was such a rapidly emerging and disruptive media category only six years ago and now part of our daily diet and essential for culture. 

Always an inspiring and fun week, SMW is a great place to catch up with the NY tech community. I've put together my top picks for what I know is going to be really hot at the conference, hope to see you there! #SMWNYC

- Jesse K (@JesseKay)

To repair its relationships in the music world, Pandora has created a division to work with labels and artist managers, opened its vast databanks, and begun experimenting with artist promotions. 

Kanye West has spent the past 6 months building a video game that will get his late mother into heaven. 

Musicians tell FCC Chairman, "We'll step up to defend your plan" to preserve an open internet, especially the creative sector. 

Offering a powerful mashup, this new start-up is providing professional mentoring and a free electronic press kit! 

Ellie Goulding sets worldwide streaming record (15M streams!) with latest single, featured on 50 Shades of Grey. 

After weeks of following the Lil Wayne vs. Birdman face-off, what will come of the Cash Money empire? 

Billboard & The Hollywood Reporter launch branded content group, offering access to their combined 23M+ uniques.