Welcome to our first ever Music & Audio Industry News Roundup! Every month, we’ll share the top music and audio news headlines, stories and more from our ever-changing industry.

This week we’ll take a look at Joe Rogan, Spotify, COVID-19 retail adaptations, helpful tips for aspiring musicians, and how to start live streaming without busting your wallet.

Why Joe Rogan’s Spotify Deal is GOOD for Musicians

Photo credit: Haulix
I’m sure you heard the news about Joe Rogan‘s exclusive deal with Spotify. While the $100M number raises a lot of eyebrows, Haulix has an interesting take on how this might actually be a big win for artists in the music industry. Potential benefits include more people on the platform, discovering artists featured directly on Rogan’s podcast and through related Spotify playlists, and more creator control. (Read More)

How Small Retailers are Adapting to COVID-19

Photo credit: Muskoka 411
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all having to make adjustments. As music and audio stores begin to reopen in different areas around the country, the need to support small businesses is greater than ever. The National Retail Federation recently published an article on several ways businesses are adapting to public health concerns, including online orders, curbside pickup, and delivery. If you normally frequent a retailer in your area for music and audio equipment, find out what additional services they are providing. (Read More)

Spotify Looking to Add More Paid and Free Artist Features

Photo credit: Spotify
With the goal to help artists connect with fans and monetize beyond streaming, Spotify is exploring a direct marketplace for fans on their platform.

“These initiatives drive a combination of revenue through selling paid marketplace tools to creators and their teams, as well as content cost savings through negotiating more favorable licensing rates with certain segments of content suppliers.” (Read More)

Damian Keyes’ YouTube Channel Offers Free Insight and Advice to Aspiring Musicians

Damian Keyes started his career as a bass tutor, started the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, and now runs DK Music Management Ltd, a commercial band management company that trains musicians to help them find work. His YouTube channel provides a free outlook on the modern music business aimed at helping artists grow their audience and prepare for the rapid changes ahead. If you are an aspiring musician, visit Damian Keyes’ YouTube channel to learn more.

Start Streaming Audio Without Breaking the Bank

Photo credit: IK Multimedia
Late last year IK Multimedia introduced the iRig Stream, an affordable way to stream quality audio from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. With so many people stuck at home and looking to connect and create online with others, there’s no need to drop your savings to get started. You probably already have the audio cables, guitar cables, and microphone cables to start with. To learn more about the iRig streaming audio interface, visit IK Multimedia’s website.

Thanks for reading our June Music & Audio Industry News Round-up. If you enjoyed this recap and would like to continue to receive news, audio how-tos and product announcements directly from Hosa, subscribe to our newsletter today.

- Hosa