Hello and happy Monday. I've been blessed to work with great people & companies over the years who have sponsored the newsletter. When I started the project I never thought I'd get one. Its been a pleasure to connect and work with people who want to support the newsletter + promote their products and solutions to an engaged audience. If you're interested in advertising/sponsoring an issue (or issues!) of Platform & Stream drop me a line. Because I have the other newsletters, I am running the campaigns as a package to also include the AI Music Newsletter, and the Spotify Newsletter. There’s also the Playlist Newsletter, but that’s just rolling out. Lots of fun stuff happening!

Thanks.... Have a great day. - Jeff (jeff@platformandstream.com)

⭐️ And now, the news…..

Is this the music streaming platform of the future?

Nina Protocol is a free blockchain-based streaming platform creating a new ‘internet of music’ – one that aims to support independent artists and listeners alike.

Apple Music Classical Announces Latest Partnerships

The new partners are Aspen Music Festival, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and the Verbier Festival. Subscribers have access to exclusive playlists related to a partner’s programming. These playlists and new albums can be found on the app’s page dedicated to each partner.

The Queen & Sony Music deal sets a new high for rock royalties - what’s the upside?

The intriguing question, given that this is the biggest rights acquisition deal yet, is what upsides might lie ahead to reignite the band’s catalogue further? Sony Music is well positioned to exploit Queen’s repertoire better than anyone.

Cirque du Soleil Inks Far-Reaching BMG Partnership Deal

The Bertelsmann-owned music company and Montreal-headquartered Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group formally revealed that tie-up today. As described by the involved parties, BMG is now set to manage Cirque du Soleil’s catalog and provide support for “a range of music-oriented collaborative initiatives.”

The Weeknd to star in ‘immersive experience’ on Apple Vision Pro

It did not give any further details of what the experience will involve, although from the line in the announcement promising “special performances featuring the world’s biggest artists” we surmise that a.) it’ll be a performance, and b.) that other artists will be following.

Deezer's InVersions classic covers series enters 2000s with No Guidnce, Poppy Ajudha and Biig Piig

After exploring the ’90s and ’80s, Deezer now turns to the 2000s for the next InVersions with an international and diverse roster of nine artists, each of them reimagining hits from the first decade of the millennium.

SXSW London confirms dates for 2025 inaugural edition and makes further key appointments

SXSW London is expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees to its cross-cultural and tech programming. It is estimated that it will generate more than £75 million in direct economic benefits according to newly released Nielsen data, a figure which organisers expect to increase as additional programmes for community and industry engagement are developed.

Timbaland’s Beatclub sets sights on China with NetEase Cloud Music

Beatclub is one of online beats marketplaces that have sprung up in recent years, with a famous founder – Timbaland – aiding its profile.

Web3 music technology gets its very own trade association

It’s called the Web3 Music Association (W3M) and has already signed up Beggars Group, Blue Raincoat Music, PIAS, Hospital Records, Tileyard and Karta among other members. It’s promising to be more than just a talking shop however: W3M is also working on a ‘Music Protocol’ which it says will help members to “transform music rights into dynamic assets that adapt to the evolving digital environment”.

AI And The Music Industry: Why AI Is Not The New Napster

AI has the potential to transform once again how music is made and consumed. Many observers are watching the industry’s response and questioning whether we see a redux of the Napster saga from the late 1990s and early 2000s. I believe the industry's (and our society’s) reaction to AI is markedly different from the Napster years, as we all learn some lessons from the past.

Landr launches a ‘Fair Trade AI’ program for musicians

The latest company in the AI sector setting out its desire to treat artists properly is Landr. The AI mastering firm-turned-distributor has launched a ‘Fair Trade AI’ program for artists releasing music through its service.

Why You Should Have Canvas Videos for All of Your Songs on Spotify

With this feature, you can upload 3-8 second looping videos for each of your tracks on Spotify.  These visuals allow you to build an immediate, high-impact emotional connection with current and potential fans, and show that you’re serious about your music.

— Send story ideas & feedback to: jeff@platformandstream.com

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