Month: May 2022

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This Week In Music (May 27, 2022)

Music News 5/27

From Harry Styles’ record-breaking vinyl sales to Pepsi’s surprising halftime show decision, we’re bringing you the need-to-know music news of the week.

If you’re reading this, congratulate yourself. You are less than four full days from the end of May, which means you’re nearly halfway through 2022. There are probably moments in your life when you doubt yourself, your direction, and your goals, but that time is not today. We are celebrating existence. After two years of a global pandemic, countless gun-related tragedies, and more personal challenges than anyone will understand, you made it to this day, time, and place. You’re still here, kicking ass and taking names. Take pride in that.

We cannot ease your workload or give you more hours in the day, but we can help you stay informed. Below you’ll find the biggest stories of the week, all covered by the best outlets in tech and entertainment. Click around, learn what’s happening, and use the weekend to prepare for the end of the month.

But let’s be honest. There is no way we can hope to cover everything that happens. If you see a headline we missed that people need to know, please do not hesitate to send james@haulix.com an email. We’ll include your links in the next update.

THE BIGGEST MUSIC NEWS OF THE WEEK

Harry Styles third studio album shatters first-week vinyl sales records

Harry Styles continues to fly on vinyl.

The pop star’s third solo album, the eponymously-titled “Harry’s House,” has set a record for the largest sales week for a vinyl album in the U.S. The LP sold more than 146,000 copies within three days of its May 20 release. Styles takes the crown from Taylor Swift, whose vinyl version of “Red” (Taylor’s Version)” had broken previous single-week sales records when it debuted last year.

Styles’ vinyl success doesn’t come as a huge surprise. The 28 year-old singer’s 2019 album “Fine Line” was a No. 1 seller on vinyl in 2020 and continued through 2021 as the No. 4-selling vinyl album. His self-titled debut record also found success on the old-school format, selling 236,000 copies on vinyl when it debuted in 2017.

Pepsi Will No Longer Sponsor The Super Bowl Halftime Show, Ending A Decade-Long Sponsorship

Pepsi is bowing out of its association with the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

After a decade as the presenting sponsor of the Big Game’s star-studded entertainment break, Pepsi has decided this year’s performance featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will be its last.

The soft drink giant plans to concentrate more of its media spend in digital as traditional broadcast TV audiences continue to dwindle. While the Super Bowl may be one of the last vestiges of appointment television, its halftime show faces myriad challenges from social media, streaming and other mediums.

In a statement, Pepsi said ending the partnership reflects a “larger strategic shift to bring unprecedented music and entertainment experiences” to consumers “where they are now, and where they will be in the future.”

Justin Timberlake Sells 100% of Song Catalog To Hipgnosis

Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired the song catalogue of Justin Timberlake.

Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. Hipgnosis, the Notting Hill, London-based company founded in 2018 by former music manager Merck Mercuriadis, called Timberlake “the iconic American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor who is one of the most influential artists of the last 20 years and named by Billboard as the best performing male solo artist in Top 40/Contemporary Hit Radio history.”

Hipgnosis said Friday that it has bought 100 percent “of all of Justin Timberlake’s copyright, ownership and financial interests of the writer and publisher’s share of public performance income, and the catalog of musical compositions written by Justin Timberlake.” Also included in the sale are “the worldwide administration rights to the compositions, subject to the remaining term of Universal Music’s administration rights, which expire in 2025.”

Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak Smashes Record For “Most-Streamed Country Album In A Single Day” In 2022

Oologah country music artist Zach Bryan’s Warner Records debut album, “American Heartbreak,” smashed the 2022 record for most streams by a country album in one day on Spotify and Apple Music.

The album was released Friday, May 20. “American Heartbreak” is available here via Warner Records.

A news release said the record-setting album has garnered critical applause. “Part of the reason why the Oklahoma native has become one of the genre’s most visible rising stars of the year is his ability to tackle different themes and moods with aplomb,” Billboard said. “Another reason is his voice — sturdy but with an approachable lightness.”

Bryan, who has surpassed one billion global streams, shared the music video for the single “Whiskey Fever” on the day the album was released. Watch it here.

TikTok Introduces Live Subscriptions

From beauty tutorials to watching your favorite recipes being prepared, learning new gaming tips and everything in between, TikTok LIVE allows creators to inspire, entertain and connect with engaged communities in real-time. And as we continue to connect creators with a global community, we’re always exploring new ways to reward creators for their creativity.

Today we’re introducing LIVE Subscription, a monthly subscription on TikTok for people to show their appreciation for their favorite LIVE creators. LIVE Subscription will initially be available to invite-only creators this month and will then become available globally over the coming months.

Bringing creators and viewers closer together with LIVE 

LIVE Subscription is an extension of our efforts to build diversified creator monetization opportunities that suit a range of creator needs. LIVE Subscription gives creators the opportunity to increase their earnings while continuing to grow their community and also provides engaged communities an opportunity to thank their favorite creators on a regular basis.

At launch, subscriber perks will include:

  • Subscriber Badges: Subscribers receive badges that are displayed next to their name on their profile and upgraded over time.
  • Custom Emotes: Subscribers get access to exclusive emotes custom-designed by the creators to use during LIVE sessions to bring the community together and make your sessions more spirited.
  • Subscriber-Only Chat: When the subscriber-only chat is turned on, creators and their subscribers have exclusive access to one another, enhancing an even more personal connection between creator and viewer.

SONG OF THE WEEK: The Wonder Years – “Summer Clothes”

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Can Your Music Career Survive On 1,000 Fans? [VIDEO]

The old saying goes that artists only need one-thousand dedicated fans to lead successful careers, but does that hold true in 2022?

The problem with so-called timeless business lessons is that they rarely work in the 21st-century. Most of the basic tips and tricks for successfully building and sustaining a career in any field no longer apply in the internet age. Employers can hire people from anywhere, and employees can work for anyone. Similarly, everyone can be a fan of any artist without spending a dime. Meanwhile, artists are expected to engage with fans of all sizes, despite the growing number of platforms and time-consuming content creation efforts needed to appease each follower.

Still, without fail, we hear old advice regurgitated as a timeless fact regularly. One of the most prominent beliefs is that the only thing an artist needs to sustain their career is 1000 dedicated fans. 

The “1,000 True Fans Theory” was proposed by Wired magazine’s “senior maverick” Kevin Kelly back in 2008 and states that all an artist needs is 1,000 true fans to maintain a fruitful, if unspectacular, career, thereby relieving the artist of the need for some of the nastier things in life as a regular job.

Kelly’s idea is that if an artist can find 1,000 fans who spend an average of $100 per year supporting them, then they’re more or less living the dream. That amounts to $100,000 gross income per year, which would leave a livable wage even after taxes and expenses. 

Kelly’s theory predates the launch of Spotify by nearly three full years and barely arrives in time to catch the launch of Twitter. How we define a fan has drastically changed in the fourteen years since the original observation was made, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s untrue.

The trick, or one of them at least, is finding how to accrue that many fans willing to spend money to support your career.

There are a few issues with Kelly’s theory that we should address.

Your 1,000 fans need to spend an “average” of $100 per year.

Some fans will spend $500 to support you in a calendar year. Others may only pay $20. Generating enough income to make a $100,000 gross will require you first spend money. You have to print merch, record music, and promote your content, all of which costs money that you have no guarantee of recouping. 

The theory doesn’t work as well for duos or groups.

$100,000 gross may be enough to give one artist a comfortable living, but the idea falls apart when you add more people to the equation. A four-member band, for example, likely needs far more fans to create a livable wage.

Expenses can really add up.

Let’s say you earn a gross of $100,000 as a solo artist. The expenses you need to subtract from those earnings can include a manager (on average, 10% of the gross), booking agent, publicist, recording costs, “hired gun” musicians for studio and tour work, promotional fees, merch costs, and upkeep for your tour van/bus. All that, plus taxes, will take a substantial bite out of the initial gross. 

People are spending less per artist than ever.

Kelly’s theory came about before the streaming age, back when people paid $10 or more for albums. Artists make a decent amount from physical media sales, but that marketplace has cratered since Spotify and similar streaming services became the most popular way to consume music. Today’s listener gives an average of $10 per month to the streaming platform of their choice, which pays fractions of a penny per stream to artists. A fan can listen to their favorite artist thousands of times in a year, and that musician will not earn anywhere near $100 from their consumption.

That is why, as many of us know, artists rely heavily on live performances and merch sales to make ends meet. It’s not enough to have a fan attend a show. It would be best if you had fans buy a ticket, convince their friends to come along, and (ideally) buy merch at the gig. 

Attrition is a problem.

The fans that support you in 2022 may not help you in 2023. Some listeners won’t discover your music until your second or third album, and they may only pay to see you or pickup merch on one occasion. You cannot rely on a single set of 1,000 fans to support your career over time. Instead, your goal should be to make new, financially supportive fans faster than you lose them. Do that, and your job has a fighting chance of thriving.

Kelly’s theory is much easier to achieve with fan clubs.

Services such as Patreon, which give fans access to exclusive content from an artist in exchange for a monthly fee, can create reliable revenue streams. It’s easier to ask someone for $10 per month than it is to request a single payment of $120. 

So, can Kelly’s theory work? 

Yes, it is possible to survive with 1,000 fans supporting your music beyond merely streaming it online. However, finding and retaining those fans is a tricky proposition that Kelly’s idea ignores in favor of simplicity. 

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Spotify Wants Your Playlist On Its Homepage

Spotify is currently testing a new feature that will promote user-generated playlists to the homepage of the world’s most popular streaming app. 

Playlists make the world go around. What was once thought to be merely another evolution in a long line of mixtapes and mix CDs, playlists are a form of communication unto themselves. The right songs can tell stories that break your heart, lift your spirits, and make you believe in yourself. More importantly, at least from a business standpoint, playlists drive discovery in a manner no other format has since radio. That’s big business, and Spotify may soon want to share your playlist with others.

Beginning in April, Spotify started a pilot program where it promotes user-generated playlists on the homepage. If you are included in the program, your playlist will appear with those of other selected users in the Featured Curator carousel. 

As Spotify notes, the Featured Curators section doesn’t include playlists from just any users; the platform selects curators based on their followings and playlist popularity and whether they tell “unique stories through playlists” or create “authentic connections” with listeners.

How to Become a Featured Curator

At the moment, Spotify is doing outreach to playlist curators individually to be added to the Featured Curators program. In other words, they’ll call you. 

You will now see Featured Curators playlists in the Spotify iPhone or Android app next to Spotify Editorial Playlists in certain markets. 

As with anything, Featured Curators is a new feature that will likely undergo many changes before it reaches the general public, if it even gets to that point.

What this means for the future of discovery

Empowering fans has been at the heart of countless digital campaigns over the last two decades. What separates Featured Creators from previous mistakes is that Spotify knows their idea will work. They have the data to understand which users are creating playlists that generate genuine engagement and—hopefully—lead listeners to become lifelong fans.

What this means for users

The power is back in your hands! As long as you can organically build an influential playlist, there is a chance Spotify will promote your curations to the masses. What remains to be seen is whether or not creators will be compensated for their work. After all, what is the value of your influence if Spotify deems it worthy of the front page?

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How TikTok Broke Music Marketing Forever [VIDEO]

TikTok has revolutionized the way artists promote themselves and engage with fans, but not every change has made marketing easier.

With over one billion downloads worldwide and an average monthly use time of well over an hour, TikTok is a remarkable global cultural force. Every day, millions of people upload countless videos covering all areas of creativity imaginable, and hundreds of millions more log on to see what has been made. It’s the greatest marketplace for ideas since Twitter, and anyone discussing music marketing in 2022 has not gone a day without thinking about TikTok for longer than they can remember.

Over the last several weeks a number of high-profile artists have begun publicly complaining about demands from their labels to create TikTok content. The controversy reached a boiling point when Halsey shared a clip of an as-of-yet untitled new track with a message alleging her label was essentially holding her music hostage until she could create a viral moment on the platform. The pop musician then doubled down on her allegations by sharing a second video where a man can be heard explaining that the best way to begin teasing the single would be to share it on TikTok. Both clips remain online as of this posting.

TikTok’s influence on music is undeniable. Since Lil Nas X and “Old Town Road” took off in the early months of the app’s stateside debut virtually every label on the planet has held meetings on help embracing the video-sharing platform may help their roster. In 2021, more than 75 musicians who charted on Billboard for the first time got their start by being discovered on TikTok, and many more artists credit the platform for helping them achieve their first song with over one-million streams. 

But there is a dark side to TikTok and its influence on the industry. Namely, the platform has made it easier than ever to play with objective reality. Viewers no longer know whether the artist complaining about their label is doing so organically or because someone in a marketing department thinks people love artists that hate their labels. Is the girl you see performing a demo in her bedroom actually an unknown talent, or is she already signed to a manager and publisher? Does authenticity even matter, and if so, how do you convey it?

These are just a few questions marketers and artists alike are now asking themselves. In the latest Music Biz update, host James Shotwell examines how we reached this point and what actions artists should take in response. Through numerous examples, James explains how misdirection and deception have fueled an age of discovery where every success story has another, often far less surprising, truth behind it.

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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This Week In Music (May 20, 2022)

From YouTube’s surprising podcast domination to The Judds’ final tour, we’re bringing you all the music news you need to know as we head into the weekend.

Three weeks into May, and life has yet to disappoint. As the temperatures continue to rise and more artists hit the road with summer sunsets on their minds, something about the season feels shockingly normal. As long as you don’t look at the news or spend too much time on social media, there is plenty to love about life at the moment. We have great music, new opportunities, and another day to chase our dreams. What more could you want?

We cannot ease your workload or give you more hours in the day, but we can help you stay informed. Below you’ll find the biggest stories of the week, all covered by the best outlets in tech and entertainment. Click around, learn what’s happening, and use the weekend to prepare for the end of the month.

But let’s be honest. There is no way we can hope to cover everything that happens. If you see a headline we missed that people need to know, please do not hesitate to send james@haulix.com an email. We’ll include your links in the next update.

THE NEED TO KNOW MUSIC NEWS OF THE WEEK

Report Finds YouTube Is More Popular For Podcasts Than Spotify

US radio group Cumulus Media and research firm Signal Hill Insights have published a report suggesting that Google’s video service is the most popular podcasting platform in the US now.

That’s based on a survey of listeners, with 24.2% saying YouTube is the platform they use the most for podcasts, ahead of Spotify (23.8%) and Apple Podcasts (16%).

Meanwhile, the report claims that these three platforms now account for 64% of podcast listening in the US, up from 55% in 2019. The suggestion is that video podcasts are a big part of YouTube’s rise, with six in ten weekly podcast listeners claiming to prefer podcasts with video. You can download the full report here.

Spotify Partnering With Employees To Offer Free Premium

Businesses don’t just rely on health insurance to lure potential workers into their fold. Gym memberships, free snacks or meals, even free fitness trackers — there’s no shortage of perks that modern companies can use to win over future employees. Spotify is sick of being on the outside of those benefits, so it’s introducing a new program to help businesses entice workers through the promise of free jam sessions.

Spotify for Work is the company’s new perk for employers, and it’s kicking off with Accenture, a “global professional services firm.” Members in Sweden, Latvia, and Lithuania are getting a free Spotify Premium account meant to be used both during and outside of work hours. For now, this program is just a partnership with Accenture, though the streamer is teasing potential collaborations with other companies down the road with today’s announcement.

The Judds Final Tour Will Carry On With All-Star Female Guests

As Wynonna Judd has promised, the show will go on for the Judds’ previously announced Final Tour after the death of her mother and duo partner, Naomi Judd. A press release Thursday morning (May 19) reveals that a slate of all-star female guests will join Wynonna Judd to complete the tour in tribute to the Judds’ enduring legacy, calling it the “ultimate girls night out.”

Brandi Carlile, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde and Trisha Yearwood are set to join Judd for the tour, with more guests to be announced.

“I am humbled, once again, by the loyalty of the fans who have been with us for 38-plus years, who continue to show up for me when I need them the most,” Wynonna Judd states. “I am grateful that we will continue to honor the Judds legacy, together.”

MENA is the “Fastest Growing Music Region In The World” According to the IFPI

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is now the “fastest growing music region in the world,” according to the IFPI, which is preparing to roll out its “first ever regional chart” for the nations at hand and their approximately 400 million residents.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) today detailed its view of MENA’s growth (as well as its plans for the aforementioned regional chart) via a formal release that was emailed to DMN. Back in March, the organization reported that the Middle East and North Africa had achieved 35 percent music-industry growth in 2021, against 31.2 percent for Latin America and 18.5 percent globally.

Building upon these findings, the IFPI last month commissioned a survey of 1,560 United Arab Emirates residents between the ages of 16 and 44. This study found that the country’s roughly 10 million citizens enjoy an average of 22.5 hours’ worth of music per week (22 percent above the international average), with 54 percent of individuals having stated that they “typically listen to at least one Middle Eastern genre.”

NFT Marketplace Serenade Raises $4.2M, Plans US Expansion

Serenade, a music NFT marketplace launched in 2021, has raised AUD $6 million (approx USD $4.2m).

The company, founded by Australian tech entrepreneur Max Shand, says the funds will be used to “help grow its artist and partner roster” across the UK and Australia, as well as in the US, where the company plans to enter the market and open a dedicated office.

Today’s (May 18) news follows the announcement in March, that Iain Watt, the former Managing Director of YMU Music in the UK, joined the platform’s Advisory Board as Chairman.

According to a media statement, Serenade has been supported by several high-profile music industry investors, including senior management figures from Atlantic Records UK, Secret Sounds, Future Classic, UNIFIED Music Group and Warner Music Group, as well as Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman.

The statement adds that “the group has also been joined by Matt Gudinski and Johann Poniah of Mushroom Group and former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning.”

SONG OF THE WEEK: Zach Bryan – “Heavy Eyes”

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How Digital Scam Artists Prey On Unsuspecting Musicians [Video]

If you’ve ever received a DM from an individual promising something that felt too good to be true, this video on scam artists is for you.

When I was beginning my career, my grandfather offered me advice that I carry to this day. “Wherever there are dreamers,” he told me, “there will be people looking to make a quick buck by exploiting that dream.” He knew scam artists were everywhere, but I’m not sure even my grandfather understood how prevalent such tricksters would be in 2022.

Every artist with an online presence has encountered a scammer. Maybe they posed as a fan to get friendly before trying to sell them special services, or perhaps they’re pretending to be a major record label exec. Either way, scammers are everywhere, and they target the hungriest artists because they know desperate people rarely think things through.

Ever since our first article on scam artists, musicians worldwide have contacted us regarding direct messages, emails, phone calls, and even business cards they’ve received from people they felt were trying to scam them. More often than not, those concerns were later validated when we uncovered the truth behind the false goods these individuals were promising.

We are still receiving messages from concerned artists. One musician, Jamal, even sent us screenshots and an in-depth description of their interactions with a scammer. We asked for permission to share their experiences with you, and thankfully, they agreed.

Music Biz host James Shotwell shares a step-by-step guide to understanding how scammers operate on social media in the video below. He shares Jamal’s experiences, including screenshots of his conversations, and even places a call to Warner Music Group. Check it out:

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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Seven Powerful “Link In Bio” Tips For Winning Fans And Boosting Sales

Everyone knows what “link in bio” means, but no two links are created equal.

If you have ever looked at an artist on social media, the phrase “link in bio” means something. Multiple social media platforms prevent artists from adding links to posts, so musicians hoping to empower their audience must often rely on a single link found on their profile screen.

Knowing where to send your fans is a tricky business. You could point them to Spotify, but what if they prefer Apple Music? You could insist they use Instagram, but they might not even have an account. Perhaps Facebook would be…Okay, we won’t pretend Facebook is a good solution either.

Competition for the “link in bio” title has stiffened in recent years. Multiple companies now offer multilink tools, such as LinkTree or Koji, while some still prefer to pick a singular destination.

No matter which option you choose, there are several key elements to “link in bio” implementation that can mean the difference between selling tickets and gaining followers. Both are good, but one is more desirable than the other.

Your “link in bio” should:

  • Convey your musical brand
  • Point people to your website
  • Help fans quickly find songs and videos
  • Capture audience interest, thus serving as the beginning of a sales funnel
  • Impress people in the industry

In many ways, your “link in bio” destination will serve as a quasi-EPK for those unfamiliar with your work. With a customized background and menu system, you will need to succinctly express your brand, news, goals, and upcoming tour dates. You need to give people everything they need without making them feel overwhelmed. It’s easier than it sounds! Just make sure your landing page includes these key elements:

1. Link to your website or newsletter

We write a lot about building on borrowed lands. If people follow the “link in bio” prompt, they most likely want to know more about your music. Point them somewhere they can gain direct access to you and your latest news.

2. Links to your music

Nobody said this list would be free of obvious information. Potential fans want to quickly and easily access your music, so make sure you include links to all leading streaming services. Mentioning Spotify and Apple Music should be considered the bare minimum! There are millions of potential fans on Amazon Music, Tidal, and Deezer, not to mention other services.

3. Recent press features

Positive coverage from press outlets can go a long way in earning you gigs and future coverage. Be sure to include links to any recent features or reviews of your work. Exchange this link with other stories as new features come online.

4. Social media

Here is one area where you can be selective. You probably have a lot of social media accounts, but if we’re being honest, do your fans need all of them? Do you need all of them? Select the apps you use the most and include them here. Don’t bother with anything you update less than three times per week.

5. Tour dates

Touring is expensive, and finding good tour listings can be difficult. Simplify the process for fans new and old by adding a direct link to your most up-to-date tour routing.

6. Merch store

Merchandise sales account for a good portion of most artists’ annual revenue. Make it easy for your fans to access your latest merch by including a link on your landing page.

7. Contact information

Not everyone who visits your “link in bio” landing page will be a potential fan. Some may be potential business partners, so you’ll want to ensure it’s easy to find your contact information.

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How to Guarantee Fans See Your Content

Following a successful panel at Music Biz 2022, we’re bringing a new version of our discussion on the shifting landscape of music promotion to you for free.

Earlier this week, Haulix Director of Customer Engagement James Shotwell took the stage in Nashville to present a panel at Music Biz 2022. The gathering of global industry talent happens once a year in Music City, with only a handful of daily presentations. We take great pride in having the opportunity to share our knowledge with peers.

But here’s the thing: We also pride ourselves on helping anyone who wants to succeed in music get ahead. We didn’t want this presentation to be a one-time event, particularly when many supporters who make these opportunities possible couldn’t attend Music Biz themselves.

We cannot recreate the panel that happened in Nashville, but we can offer you a shortened version of the event tailor-made for our Music Biz viewers. Check it out:

Here’s the pitch:

Remember the day Facebook and Instagram went offline? For several hours, two of the biggest platforms for promotion and information disbursement were nowhere to be found, leaving social media managers, artists, and labels everywhere scrambling. These “borrowed lands” that we’ve come to depend on for engagement were suddenly gone, and nobody knew when—or if—they would return.

Building On Borrowed Lands examines the ongoing debate over where artists and their teams focus their community-building efforts. A panel of experts in marketing and publicity will discuss the ever-evolving challenge of reaching people in the digital space, including the best places for engagement, the value of owning your content, and the timeless tips for success that still work today.

Music Biz is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform. Start your one-month free trial today and gain instant access to the same promotional tools used by BMG, Concord, Rise Records, Pure Noise Records, and hundreds more. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for details.

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This Week In Music (May 13, 2022)

From the loss of Trevor Strnad to the arrest of Young Thug, we’ve gathered the latest need-to-know music news in one place.

Happy Friday, the thirteenth! We know this day is often associated with bad luck and things that go bump in the night, but this month, it’s also the date of an incredible New Music Friday. We’ve got new releases from Kendrick Lamar, The Black Keys, State Champs, Morgue Supplier, and Cage Fight, just to name a few. There’s also a slew of wonderful singles and a decent chance the weather won’t be terrible all weekend. We don’t see any reason to complain.

We cannot ease your workload or give you more hours in the day, but we can help you stay informed. Below you’ll find the biggest stories of the week, all covered by the best outlets in tech and entertainment. Click around, learn what’s happening, and use the weekend to prepare for the end of the month.

But let’s be honest. There is no way we can hope to cover everything that happens. If you see a headline we missed that people need to know, please do not hesitate to send james@haulix.com an email. We’ll include your links in the next update.

THE NEED TO KNOW MUSIC NEWS OF THE WEEK

Black Dahlia Murder Vocalist Trevor Strnad Dead at 41

Trevor Strnad, founding lead vocalist of the melodic death metal band the Black Dahlia Murder, has died at the age of 41.

Strnad’s bandmates confirmed his death Wednesday on social media. No cause of death was provided, but the surviving members shared the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” the Black Dahlia Murder said in a statement. “Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him. A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and truly one of the world’s greatest entertainers. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells and horror and whimsy. It was his life to be your show.”

Spotify launches editorial submission form for indie podcasts

Musicians have long been able to share new and upcoming music with Spotify’s editorial team for playlist consideration. However, podcasters have mostly been left behind. Unless tied to a major production company, most podcasts are left to fight with other shows for whatever attention they can pull. Until this week, when Spotify gave indie shows a shot at real growth.

To help better find, review, and amplify the latest, greatest, and most diverse indie podcasts, the Podcast Editorial team recently opened up an editorial submission form for the U.S. podcasting community. Each applicant will be considered for their editorial features, with the aim of highlighting a wide range of formats (including video podcasts), backgrounds, and experience levels. And if you do get an editorial feature, you’ll have earned a coveted spot as one of Spotify’s featured podcasts across one of our community destinations or in our New Releases section. Read more about how to get your podcast featured on Spotify.

REST IN PEACE: iPod

Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is discontinuing the iPod more than 20 years after the device became the face of portable music and kickstarted its meteoric evolution into the world’s biggest company.

The iPod Touch, the only version of the portable music player still being sold, will be available till supplies last, Apple said in a blog post on Tuesday.

Since its launch in 2001, the iPod took on a storm of competing music players before being eclipsed by smartphones, online music streaming and within the Apple pantheon, by the rise of the iPhone.

The iPod has undergone several iterations since its inception featuring a scroll wheel, the capacity to store a 1,000 songs and a 10-hour battery-life. The version that has been carried till date – the iPod Touch – was launched in 2007, the same year as the iPhone.

Rappers Young Thug and Gunna arrested in connection with RICO case

The popular rapper Young Thug was arrested in Atlanta on Monday, and faces a slew of accusations from Fulton County’s district attorney, including that he was allegedly a founder and active leader of the violent Young Slime Life street gang.

The 80-plus page indictment charges both Young Thug and another rapper, Gunna, with gang-related crimes, and includes more than 25 others who have allegedly participated in YSL gang activity.

The New York Times reported that the lawyer for Young Thug, whose legal name is Jeffery Williams, said that YSL was not a street gang and claimed that the indictment was “baseless to include him.”

“Mr. Williams came from an incredible horrible upbringing, and he has conducted himself throughout his life in a way that is just to marvel at,” Attorney Brian Steel said.

Ashley Gorley Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Domain Capital Group

Award-winning hit songwriter Ashley Gorley has signed a global agreement with Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with Domain Capital Group. The deal encompasses Gorley’s complete catalog of songs, as well as future compositions.

Gorley is one of the most in-demand songwriters in modern music, with a record-setting 59 No. 1 songs and over 400 songs released by artists such as Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Bon Jovi, Weezer, and more. He has been named ASCAP Songwriter of The Year an unprecedented eight times, and is a five-time Billboard Top Country Songwriter and five-time NSAI Songwriter of The Year.

Of the deal, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston, says, “I’ve been a fan of Ashley Gorley’s songwriting since the late ’90s when we both attended Belmont University together. He’s a true music connoisseur in every sense of the word. His diverse influences combined with his genuine heart have led his songs to define the soundtrack of country music. Sony Music Publishing is so proud to partner with Ashley and our friends at Domain Capital to champion this new leg of his historic songwriting journey.”

“Ashley Gorley is undeniably one of the most talented, hard-working and acclaimed songwriters in the world,” adds Domain Capital Group’s Pete Chiappetta. “We are excited to see what he accomplishes next with Jon [Platt], Rusty, Cam [Caldwell] and the rest of the incredible team at Sony. To partner alongside such a passionate and well-respected group of professionals is an honor.”

Gorley’s recent hits include “You Should Probably Leave” by Chris Stapleton, “Sand In My Boots” by Morgan Wallen, and “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett. In addition to being a hit writer, Gorley also acts as a publisher. His Tape Room Music has celebrated 35 No. 1 hits.

SONG OF THE WEEK: Misery Index – “Complete Control”

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Your New Song Needs A “Radio Edit.” Here’s Why:

Believe it or not, radio remains a major force for music discovery. Is your latest track ready for the airwaves?

There are written and unwritten rules of radio. For example, there are words you cannot say on the radio. Certain artists get an exception, but you’re most likely not one of them.

Radio is far from dead. Over 80% of Americans listen to the radio at some point each day of their lives, and the songs they hear become the soundtrack to their lives. Your music could join those ranks, but you have to prepare your material for mass distribution properly. We can help.

You do not have to sacrifice your artistic vision to appease radio listeners, but you must position yourself for success. Record the material you want exactly how you hear it in your head. Then, once it’s complete, make a “Radio Edit” of your single, giving it the best chance at airplay. When listeners seek you out online or at a record store, they will experience your craft fully.

Censor yourself

Don’t be a friggin’ idiot. You cannot swear on the radio, so you’ll need to cut any profanity from your material before pushing it to stations. To do this properly, you’ll need to work with the original mix, which contains each of your vocal tracks isolated from each other and from the music.

Once inside the track, isolate the moments in question and briefly mute the audio. This will add a small gap in the vocals where the swear once was, thus appeasing the radio Gods.

Keep it short

“Bohemian Rhapsody” may get airplay, but your eight-minute opus will not. The average song in rotation at radio stations in 2022 runs less than three minutes in length, and most experts recommend artists hoping to join the rotation try to keep their submissions under 3:30. If your song is noticeably longer than most playing on the stations of interest to you, it would be to your benefit to create an alternate shortened version of the song that’s better suited to that station.

Here’s some additional advice from our friends at Bandzoogle:

Adjusting a song length can potentially be as simple as removing a repeated chorus at the end of the song, or removing an entire verse and chorus. But, if your song is more complex than this, finding a way to remove sections of it that make sense and still allow for the song to flow smoothly and coherently can be a challenge.

It’s quite possible you can make these length changes in the fully mixed and mastered version of your song, simply by carefully trimming and removing sections. If you know the tempo of the song (i.e., BPM), opening the stereo audio track in your DAW and setting the tempo to match can allow you to use trimming tools set to cut the track only on whole beats or measures.

Intros and Outros

People are too easily distracted for your song to include a long-winded introduction. The biggest songs of today get right to the meat of the song. Before promoting your music to the radio, trim your tracks to ensure listeners get to the best parts as fast as possible.

Check out Haulix, the music industry’s leading promotional distribution platform, when you’re ready to promote your next single to radio. Hundreds of labels and promoters are successfully pitching radio every week using Haulix, and you can too! Start your free trial today by visiting http://haulix.com/signup.

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