Music Archives

Spotify moderation features in question as users see porn in search results

December 30, 2024
Spotify is facing backlash for sexually explicit content allegedly showing up in search results. The Verge first reported on Sunday, Dec. 29, that a Reddit user shared a screenshot of a pornographic video they said appeared after looking up the artist M.I.A.

Several other Spotify users on the Reddit thread said they also saw it or something similar and mentioned erotic audio tracks ending up on playlists.

The spokesperson for the streaming service said the content mentioned has been removed due to a violation of its policies.

These incidents raise the question of how explicit content gets past the platform’s content-blocking settings.

While Spotify hasn’t commented on the specifics of content moderation, Mashable noted the company doesn’t police podcasts before they’re uploaded, which may explain how the explicit content slipped through.

This situation comes as Spotify looks to invest in more video features with the demand for visuals growing, especially with podcasts.

Edison Research found about 84% of monthly podcast listeners consume podcasts with video and about 71% actively watch the podcast while listening.

Spotify reported a 140% increase in the number of video podcasts in its top 50 U.S. podcasts list in 2024 compared to 2023.

Spotify’s top two podcasts, “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Call Her Daddy,” both include video.

The platform currently hosts more than 300,000 video podcast shows.

Spotify is also looking to capitalize on the popularity of audiobooks by adding video features.

Authors now have an option to submit a short video for their audiobooks, including interviews or behind-the-scenes footage from the audio recording.

The platform also released a “follow along” feature found in the “extras” section. It intends to makes users feel like they’re flipping through a book with illustrations, photos and graphics.

Spotify remains the world’s most popular streaming service, with over 620 million monthly users and more than 250 million premium subscribers.
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Universal Music Group, Amazon expand global relationship

December 24, 2024
Universal Music Group (UMG) and Amazon are joining forces to create what they’re calling “Streaming 2.0.” The two companies have announced an expanded partnership to foster innovations in music streaming.

In a press release on Monday, Dec. 23, UMG and Amazon revealed their plans to enhance product offerings, including new audiobooks and livestreaming content opportunities. According to the companies, the changes aim to further “authentic engagement between artists and fans.”

Fighting AI-generated content and protecting creators

The partnership also focuses on addressing the growing concerns surrounding AI-generated content. Both companies say they are committed to fighting fraud and ensuring that creators are protected from misuse of their work.

UMG’s efforts to protect artists

UMG has been safeguarding its artists, especially on platforms like TikTok. Earlier this year, UMG removed music by major artists like Taylor Swift and Drake from the app due to a licensing dispute. The disagreement primarily stemmed from fair compensation issues and AI-generated music’s impact on TikTok.

While UMG works to address these challenges, a larger issue remains: artists are not receiving fair pay from streaming services. Many musicians earn a fraction of a penny per stream on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. Despite millions of users and views, the content creators see very little in return.

Strengthening the Amazon-UMG relationship

Steve Boom, Amazon’s vice president of Audio, Twitch, and Games, stated, “UMG has always been a collaborative partner to Amazon Music, and as we continue to invent and introduce more artist-to-fan connections through our product and exclusive content, we’re redefining what it means to be a streaming service.”

This new deal follows a 2022 partnership between UMG and Amazon, which allowed Amazon Music and Twitch users to access more UMG content. The collaboration is poised to bring even more opportunities for artists and fans alike.
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New book accuses Spotify of promoting fake artists to reduce royalty rates

December 20, 2024
The next time you fire up Spotify, you may hear an artist you’ve never listened to before. A new book alleges that, in some cases, that’s because the artist doesn’t exist and may be part of an elaborate scheme by the company to reduce royalty rates.

The Swedish music and podcast streaming giant funnels listeners toward what it dubs “perfect fit content,” or what author Liz Pelly less-charitably describes as “low-budget stock muzak” in her forthcoming book, “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist.”

Pelly’s book accuses the company of conspiring to make “ghost artists” make up more of the music played on their platform.

The process would benefit Spotify in two ways. First, it would mean more plays for songs that do not require paying royalties. Second, it would drive down the rate Spotify pays top artists based on their percentage of the platform’s overall streams.

She alleges that, to make this happen, the company relies on a network of over a dozen production firms and even had employees slot the tracks into some of its widely streamed curated playlists.

Pelly’s book follows years of reports about the company’s alleged involvement with ghost artists.

Pelly traveled to Sweden to find the production companies that produced the tracks. She also spoke with musicians and Spotify employees and reviewed internal documents and Slack messages.

One Slack message from a Spotify employee raised concerns about the fairness of using ghost artists.

“I wonder how much these plays ‘steal’ from actual ’normal’ artists,” the employee wrote.

Spotify has repeatedly denied creating fake artists. A Spotify spokesperson told Harper’s, the outlet publishing Pelly’s book excerpt, that it welcomes artists who publish under a pseudonym.

However, the advantages Spotify gains may be very small because the streamer pays artists a fraction of a cent each time a listener plays one of their songs.
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12 unreleased Michael Jackson songs discovered in abandoned storage unit

December 13, 2024
Twelve unreleased Michael Jackson songs were found in an abandoned storage unit in California. The tapes, uncovered by “treasure hunter” Gregg Musgrove, offer a rare glimpse into the King of Pop’s unreleased catalog.

A treasure trove of Michael Jackson songs

Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer, told The Hollywood Reporter he made the discovery in the San Fernando Valley. Inside the storage unit, he found cassette and digital audio tapes containing a dozen unheard tracks by Jackson.

The unit once belonged to singer and producer Bryan Loren, known for producing the 1990 hit song “Do the Bartman” for “The Simpsons.” According to Musgrove, Loren’s current whereabouts are unknown.

Tracks unlikely to reach the public

Unfortunately for fans, the songs are unlikely to be released. Musgrove told The Hollywood Reporter that Jackson’s estate declined to purchase the tapes for undisclosed reasons.

In a letter, the estate clarified that neither Musgrove nor any future buyer would own the copyrights to the recordings. Without copyright ownership, the songs cannot be shared publicly.

Snippets and collaborations

Despite the legal roadblocks, snippets of the songs have reportedly leaked on fan sites. One track, titled “Don’t Believe It,” appears to address certain media stories about Jackson.

Another song, “Truth on Youth,” features a rap duet between Jackson and LL Cool J. The rapper spoke to Variety in September about working with Jackson, saying, “His talent speaks for itself.”

Tapes secure, future uncertain

As of Thursday, Dec. 12, the tapes are being stored in a secure facility under the control of Musgrove’s attorney. However, he plans to bring the collection to four major auction houses, estimating their value to be in the seven-figure range.
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Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women include Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and more

December 12, 2024
What do Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Mexico’s president have in common? They’re all featured on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women of 2024 list. This annual ranking highlights 100 women who are redefining power across the globe.

The list uses four key metrics to measure influence: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. For political leaders, factors like gross domestic product (GDP) and population are also considered.

Together, these women wield $33 trillion in economic power and unprecedented influence over more than 1 billion people.

Ursula von der Leyen tops the list

Leading the 2024 list is Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. She is the first woman to hold this position and continues to lead pivotal initiatives across Europe.

At No. 4 is Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president. She was elected in June 2024 and is already inspiring chants of “Presidenta! Presidenta!” during her public appearances.

Entertainers making waves

Taylor Swift ranks No. 23, making history as the first musician on the list to reach billionaire status primarily through songs and performances. Right behind her at No. 33 is Oprah Winfrey. With a net worth of $3 billion, Winfrey continues to thrive decades after building her media empire.

Beyoncé lands at No. 25, solidifying her place among powerhouses. This year, she became the most Grammy-nominated artist of all time, with 99 nominations. Rihanna follows at No. 76, with a majority of her $1.4 billion net worth stemming from her Fenty Beauty cosmetics line.

Sports powerhouse joins the ranks

WNBA star Caitlin Clark rounds out the list at No. 100. At just 22 years old, she’s credited with boosting the league’s viewership and attendance since being the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.

While the Reykjavík Index –– a G-7 survey –– cited in the magazine suggests public confidence in female leadership across business and politics is declining, the women on Forbes’ list are defying those odds. They’re breaking records and redefining what it means to hold power in today’s world.

To see the full list, visit Forbes.com.
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‘Brat,’ ‘demure’ and ‘brain rot’ battle for 2024 Word of the Year

December 10, 2024
What’s the word of the year for 2024? Well, it depends on who you’re asking.

The Collins Word of the Year is “brat,” meaning “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” Pop singer Charli XCX inspired this meaning with her album titled “Brat.”

“Brat” can still mean a misbehaved child. However, this year, the new adjective version of the word from Charli XCX turned it into Collins’ No. 1 choice. The recently-coined definition took off after Charli XCX tweeted about Vice President Kamala Harris. Many of her fans also started embracing a “brat summer.”

Collins said, “brat” is certainly not a new word; it’s been in conversation since around the 1500s. But like many of 2024’s most popular words, it has a new life with a modern meaning.

The same goes for Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year, “demure.” The word came to mean “refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior in various contexts, such as work.”

Its popularity is largely attributed to TikToker Jools Lebron. Dictionary.com said usage of the term increased by nearly 1,200% from January through August.

And how about a word used by Chaucer in 1380? “Manifest” is Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year. It’s defined these days as “to use methods such as visualization and affirmation to help you imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen.”

Cambridge points to influential figures such as Olympian Simone Biles and musicians Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter using the term. That led to people searching the term nearly 130,000 times this year.

However, while the word is popular, there’s more to achieving a dream than just thinking about it.

“Manifesting is what we would call a form of pseudo-scientific thinking,” University of Cambridge professor Sander van der Linden said. “Having realistic goals, being positive about those goals, affirming the things that work in life and rewarding yourself and other people for achieving those goals, those are all evidence-based steps towards achieving meaningful outcomes but simply wishing that they happen without doing anything is not.”

Given how contentious the Word of the Year debate has been, Merriam-Webster’s entry fits right in. The word is “polarization,” meaning “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.”

Merriam-Webster said this word dates back to the 1800s. However, this year, Americans looked it up to better “understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world.”

Now, if all these words and definitions are making your head spin, you will hopefully not feel the Oxford University Press’ Word of the Year: “brain rot.”

This term means “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”

The publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary said “brain rot” increased in usage frequency by 230% from 2023 to 2024. The first recorded use was by Henry David Thoreau in 1854.

Today, it’s meant to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.

So while the Word of the Year may still be in question, there is no doubt with a new year ahead, new words are about to pop up in our vocabulary — or at least new meanings.

You can take our word for it.
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New holiday songs look to climb chart as Mariah Carey’s reign continues

December 9, 2024
Mariah Carey’s 1994 holiday song and veritable phenomenon, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has been at the top of Billboard’s “Holiday 100” for 62 out of the chart’s 70 total weeks since it began the tally in 2011, the company announced Monday, Dec. 9. The chart ranks holiday songs by streaming data, radio airplay, audience impressions and sales data.

The song’s staying power is so strong it’s currently No. 1 on the “Hot 100.” Billboard said Monday that the song had 38.2 million streams and 24.4 million radio airplay audience impressions in the past week. It was also No. 1 on Billboard’s “Greatest Holiday Songs of All Time” chart.

A song from 30 years ago might seem like a “classic.” That said, it’s relatively new compared to the rest of the top 10 that make up the “Holiday 100.”

Songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s hold most of the top spots, according to the chart from the week of Dec. 7, including: “Last Christmas” by Wham! released in 1984 at No. 3; “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives featured in the 1964 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” TV special at No. 5; and Dean Martin’s 1959 rendition of “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” at No. 7.

And at No. 2 is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, released in 1958. This one experienced a Christmas miracle of its own last year. The song overtook Carey as the No. 1 spot on the “Holiday 100” for three weeks. It also, for the first time, landed at the top of the “Hot 100” chart.

But that doesn’t mean the latest holiday jingles are completely failing to make it on Billboard’s list. Make like Santa and check the list twice because there is new music on there that’s proving quite nice.

In fact, to get to the first song released in the past decade, you only have to go to the 10 spot to find Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me,” though that was released 10 years ago. Grande is one of the few artists to overtake Carey, holding No. 1 for a week during the 2014-2015 holiday season.

That song is followed by Kelly Clarkson at No. 11 with 2013’s “Underneath the Mistletoe,” released nine years ago.

No. 34 has our first taste of a song from the past five years. The Jonas Brothers’ “Like It’s Christmas” from 2019 fills that spot. The Ed Sheeran and Elton John 2021 “Merry Christmas” original is not too far behind at No. 41.

But for a song released in 2024, there is only one contender –– Laufey’s “Christmas Magic” shines at No. 50.

The Grammy-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist is celebrating this feat and the recent premiere of her concert film, “A Night at the Symphony: Hollywood Bowl,” in theaters nationwide.

Getting a newer holiday song to chart at the top of the list is challenging. Look at Taylor Swift, for instance. Her 2019 “Christmas Tree Farm” single sits at No. 79. It’s not a usual chart position for the pop superstar who just wrapped up her record-breaking Eras Tour.

In related news, there’s now a mix of classic and new to throw on your playlist. Bing Crosby’s 1947 “White Christmas,” which according to the Guinness Book of World Records is the best-selling single of all time, just got an updated version. Thanks to modern technology, Bing is paired with V of the Korean boyband BTS in a rendition released last week.

And if you’re wondering who the other artists with a “Holiday 100” No. 1 are: Justin Bieber and Pentatonix, though both for just a week or so, before they gave the spot back to who many consider its rightful owner, Mariah Carey.
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Final curtain falls on Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar ‘Eras Tour.’ What’s next?

December 9, 2024
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “Eras Tour” came to a spectacular close on Sunday, Dec. 8, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Over nearly two years and more than 150 shows across five continents, the tour solidified Swift’s billionaire status and left an undeniable economic imprint worldwide.

A billion-dollar boost

Swift captivated fans, old and new, with the Eras Tour, but the impact extended beyond her Swifties. Cities across the globe experienced surges in tourism, business and job creation. According to the U.S. Travel Association, attendees spent an average of $1,300 on travel, hotels, food and merchandise.

In Vancouver, the final leg of the tour generated an estimated $157 million in economic benefits, according to local tourism officials. In California, her six-night run created 3,300 jobs and $160 million in local earnings. Pittsburgh saw its highest hotel occupancy since the pandemic during her shows, bringing in $46 million.

Controversy and challenges

The Eras Tour wasn’t without its controversies. Swift faced scrutiny for her private jet usage after a report by The Yard surfaced that her jet logged 170 flights in 2022, prompting environmental concerns. A spokesperson for Swift clarified that her jet is often loaned out to others.

Ticketmaster also faced backlash when overwhelming demand for tickets crashed the platform. The debacle sparked congressional hearings on ticket pricing and resale practices.

What’s next for Swift?

Although the Eras Tour has ended, Swift continues to make headlines. In November 2024, she released her first book, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the tour. Speculation swirls around a potential Eras Tour documentary, as camera crews reportedly followed her journey.

Swift may also revisit her roots. Known for her evolution across genres, she could experiment further with her sound. Fans also anticipate more “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings as Swift reclaims her early catalog after a dispute over her original masters.

As Swift closes one chapter, fans eagerly await her next move. Whether it’s music, film or a completely new venture, the Taylor Swift Era is far from over.
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What’s new in 2024 as Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay released

December 4, 2024
It’s that time of year — Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay are here! These popular features give users a personalized reel of their top songs, artists and podcasts as the year draws to a close. Beyond the personalized stats, however, the platforms have also unveiled the year’s biggest trends and new features.

Top songs and artists of 2024

Spotify Wrapped spotlighted Sabrina Carpenter’s hit single “Espresso,” which topped the U.S. songs list. Over on Apple Music Replay, Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” –– aimed at rapper Drake –– claimed the most-played song of the year.

Podcasts were also in the spotlight. “The Joe Rogan Experience” ranked as Spotify’s top podcast globally and in the U.S., while Taylor Swift ruled the music charts. For the second year in a row, Swift became Spotify’s top global artist, with over 26 billion streams worldwide. Her album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” was a major factor in securing her the top spot.

Female artists dominate

Women made waves this year, with female artists claiming eight of the 10 spots on Spotify’s most-streamed albums globally. Swift also reigned supreme on Apple Music Replay, earning the platform’s top artist and top album honors. The singer thanked her fans on social media for their support.

Country and crossovers

Country music saw a significant crossover, with artists like Post Malone, Lana Del Rey and Beyoncé bringing the genre into new spaces. These trends show the evolving music tastes of listeners in 2024.

Spotify’s new AI-powered features

This year, Spotify introduced new AI features to enhance the Wrapped experience.
- AI-powered podcast: This premium-only feature personalizes a podcast experience based on a user’s top songs, artists and podcasts.
- AI DJ: A fan-favorite, the AI DJ provides expert commentary on a user’s year in music and is now available in Spanish.
- AI playlist creator: Premium users can now generate personalized playlists based on prompts like “my top five genres.”
Audiobook ranking debut

For the first time, Spotify revealed its top global audiobooks list. After launching 15 free hours of audiobook listening for premium subscribers last year, the feature has gained traction. Author Sarah J. Maas dominated the list, with three spots in the top 10 thanks to her viral popularity on TikTok.
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Village People singer defends Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ denies it as ‘gay anthem’

December 3, 2024
Victor Willis, the lead singer and lyricist of the Village People, defended former President-elect Donald Trump’s use of the disco hit “Y.M.C.A.” during his 2020 presidential campaign rallies. In a detailed Facebook post, Willis expressed gratitude toward Trump for popularizing the song. He also firmly denied claims that the track is a “gay anthem.”

Trump’s dance to “Y.M.C.A.” became a viral staple at his rallies, cementing the song’s presence in the political arena.

“Trump seems to genuinely like ‘Y.M.C.A.’ and he’s having a lot of fun with it,” Willis wrote.

Controversial campaign use

Since 2020, Willis said he has received “over a thousand complaints” about Trump’s use of the song.

Initially, he asked the campaign to stop, calling the complaints a “nuisance.” However, Trump’s team legally obtained a political use license from BMI, a performance rights organization, allowing them to play the track.

Despite pressure to revoke the license, Willis decided against it.

“I didn’t have the heart to prevent his continued use of my song in the face of so many artists withdrawing their material,” he explained.

He credited Trump’s use of “Y.M.C.A.” for the song’s renewed popularity, saying it generated millions in revenue since its association with the campaign.

Throughout both campaigns, artists like the Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Rihanna demanded Trump stop using their songs at rallies. Many celebrities cited political or personal disagreements with his administration.

Addressing misconceptions

Willis also pushed back against claims that “Y.M.C.A.” is a “gay anthem.” He called it a misconception. He believed this assumption stems from stereotypes about the YMCA health organization and the band members.

“This assumption is based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout,” Willis said. “Since one of the writers was gay and some (not all) of the Village People were gay, the song must be a message to gay people. To that, I say once again, get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.”

He clarified that lyrics like “hang out with all the boys” reflect 1970s Black slang for socializing.

A universal appeal

Willis emphasized the song’s universal popularity, saying he doesn’t mind if the LGBTQ+ community views it as its anthem.

The “Y.M.C.A.” can be found on playlists at events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, sporting events and even commercials. Willis said it has become an anthem for people from all walks of life.

Willis warned that starting in 2025, he plans to sue media outlets that falsely label the song as a “gay anthem.” He said such descriptions are defamatory.
Related Stories

Spotify moderation features in question as users see porn in search results

Universal Music Group, Amazon expand global relationship

Fighting AI-generated content and protecting creators

UMG’s efforts to protect artists

Strengthening the Amazon-UMG relationship

New book accuses Spotify of promoting fake artists to reduce royalty rates

12 unreleased Michael Jackson songs discovered in abandoned storage unit

A treasure trove of Michael Jackson songs

Tracks unlikely to reach the public

Snippets and collaborations

Tapes secure, future uncertain

Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women include Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and more

Ursula von der Leyen tops the list

Entertainers making waves

Sports powerhouse joins the ranks

New holiday songs look to climb chart as Mariah Carey’s reign continues

Final curtain falls on Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar ‘Eras Tour.’ What’s next?

A billion-dollar boost

Controversy and challenges

What’s next for Swift?

What’s new in 2024 as Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay released

Top songs and artists of 2024

Female artists dominate

Country and crossovers

Spotify’s new AI-powered features

Audiobook ranking debut

Village People singer defends Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ denies it as ‘gay anthem’

Controversial campaign use

Addressing misconceptions

A universal appeal

Certified unbiased reporting

Transparent and credible

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Stay connected

Spotify moderation features in question as users see porn in search results

Universal Music Group, Amazon expand global relationship

Fighting AI-generated content and protecting creators

UMG’s efforts to protect artists

Strengthening the Amazon-UMG relationship

New book accuses Spotify of promoting fake artists to reduce royalty rates

12 unreleased Michael Jackson songs discovered in abandoned storage unit

A treasure trove of Michael Jackson songs

Tracks unlikely to reach the public

Snippets and collaborations

Tapes secure, future uncertain

Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women include Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and more

Ursula von der Leyen tops the list

Entertainers making waves

Sports powerhouse joins the ranks

‘Brat,’ ‘demure’ and ‘brain rot’ battle for 2024 Word of the Year

New holiday songs look to climb chart as Mariah Carey’s reign continues

Final curtain falls on Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar ‘Eras Tour.’ What’s next?

A billion-dollar boost

Controversy and challenges

What’s next for Swift?

What’s new in 2024 as Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay released

Top songs and artists of 2024

Female artists dominate

Country and crossovers

Spotify’s new AI-powered features

Audiobook ranking debut

Village People singer defends Trump’s use of ‘Y.M.C.A.,’ denies it as ‘gay anthem’

Controversial campaign use

Addressing misconceptions

A universal appeal