In this excerpt from her book, Liz Pelly explores the rise of “ghost artists,” a side effect of Spotify’s endless stream.
It’s more than just the fact that Taylor Swift had a massive year.
It looks like live music shows are generating more revenue than before the pandemic. But the number of shows has fallen.
Streaming accounts for the vast majority of recorded music income, but musicians and producers make fractions of a cent per stream.
The editor in chief of the music site talks about virality versus hooks, how musicians make a living and the future of criticism.
Foot-square covers, bonus tracks and poster inserts — what’s not to like?
UnitedMasters helps artists distribute music, but it is unclear if this type of alternative model will further disrupt the major record label system.
The pandemic has left musicians more dependent than ever on streaming revenue, but that can be a fraction of a penny per listen.
The offering, postponed from February by the pandemic, values company at up to $13.3 billion.
Billboard doesn’t track plays on TikTok, but viral memes can help drive listens on other platforms.
