THE TUSSLE BETWEEN SPOTIFY AND APPLE! ARE YOU NEW TO THIS, TOO?

If you've been following the recent tussle between Spotify and Apple, here's the latest scoop: Spotify has taken its grievances with Apple to the European Commission, alleging anticompetitive behavior surrounding the management of the App Store. This move underscores a long-standing battle between the two tech giants, with Spotify accusing Apple of unfairly favoring its own Apple Music streaming service.

In essence, Spotify claims that Apple's App Store rules intentionally limit choice and hinder innovation, giving Apple Music an unfair advantage. For instance, Apple imposes a 30% 'tax' on in-app purchases, making it difficult for Spotify to maintain competitive pricing. Moreover, Spotify alleges that Apple imposes various restrictions, such as limiting communication with customers and blocking certain upgrades, further disadvantaging competitors.

This isn't a new feud; it dates back to 2009 when there were speculations about Spotify's iPhone app approval. Over the years, Spotify has protested against Apple's rejection of app updates and its in-app purchase system. The situation intensified after Apple launched Apple Music, prompting Spotify to stop using Apple's payment system for new subscribers.

Now, Spotify is seeking regulatory intervention from the European Commission, hoping to level the playing field for digital services. This move comes amidst broader discussions about fair competition in the tech industry, both in Europe and the United States.

For independent artists like you, staying informed about these industry dynamics is crucial. While you focus on creating music, it's essential to have professionals who can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital platforms and regulations. By partnering with iAmMusicMarketing, you can ensure that your music reaches its audience effectively, despite the shifting dynamics of the industry.

Remember, this isn't just about Spotify versus Apple; it's about promoting fair competition and innovation for the benefit of all stakeholders, including artists and consumers. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and keep creating your music with passion and dedication!

Sources:

• Dredge, Stuart. "Spotify files complaint with European Commission against Apple." March 13, 2019.

• Dredge, Stuart. "Report: Apple could face €500m EC fine over Spotify complaint." February 19, 2024.

2023 MUSIC MARKETING MEANS COMING OUT OF THE PLAY-TRICKS

If you're like many other artists, you keep encountering the same obstacles and wanting to start seeing different results.

Your time, energy and funds are precious and we can all relate to how it feels when you realize the strategy you've been using for so long, just isn't growing your core fanbase. Many independent artists still look to playlist placements and promoting singles as means of reaching financial freedom, from music. This way of thinking is what we refer to as living in the "Play-Tricks." That is when an artist lives in a simulation where streams , "plays," are what gets them paid.

Needless to say, when you're using ad budget to grow fans via "streams," the math doesn't add up. If you can get on playlists at no cost, or your fans shared your music often, then streaming royalties become more profitable (practically 100% profit at that point.) For 2023, Independent Artists Movement partnered with JCampos Entertainment are coaching the artists on our talent roster to re-center their focus from "getting streams" to "building a brand."

When you're building a brand, you tend to ask yourself better questions. As you refine your process of building an audience, you can then test your different brand theories. A long this journey, two things are guaranteed to happen:

1. You'll solidify the message of your brand and have a deeply rooted understanding of who you are as an artist and what kind of person your audience will (do) perceive you to be.

2. You'll improve your ability to grow and engage your target audience, with less effort and more effectiveness.

Stepping out of the play-tricks is starting to adapt a realistic approach to building a profitable music career in the modern music business, for self starters. Taking a moment to think about the long term end goal and how the current process is working towards that goal is how we're able to make decisions today to get better results tomorrow.

Follow our Facebook page for more info like this on a more frequent basis. For a professional consultation and one on one coaching session on building your brand, contact us now while the holiday rates are half off for the month of December. In just a 45 minute zoom meeting (aided with visual representations) we can provide an outline and get you set in the right direction in finding yourself as a profitable artist.

iAm JCE Merger

Hello again aSa! Happy Thanksgiving From The Entire iAm Team!! We are happy to announce that we will be offering management services for independent labels and artists through our merger with JCampos Entertainment LLC. We will be posting more information about the merger in the coming weeks along with some opportunities to trial run the new services.