Age and Music: How Streaming Habits Transform Throughout Life
Analysis of streaming data reveals surprising patterns in how we engage with music across different life stages. From high-skipping young explorers to focused middle-aged listeners, the data challenges common assumptions about age and musical preferences.
Political Performance Fallout: Trump Inauguration Impacts Streaming Numbers for Underwood and Nelly
Country star Carrie Underwood and rapper Nelly face streaming declines following their controversial performances at Trump's 2025 inauguration ceremony. Despite defending their decisions to perform, both artists saw drops in listener numbers amid social media backlash and calls for boycotts.
Hidden Gems: How Data Reveals Music's Most Underappreciated Artists
A data-driven exploration of musical acts whose lasting cultural impact far exceeded their initial commercial success. Through analysis of Billboard charts and critical rankings, discover which artists and genres were truly ahead of their time, from Big Star to The Velvet Underground.
UK Music Industry Hits £2.4B Record High with Swift Leading the Charge
The UK music industry achieved unprecedented success in 2024, with consumers spending £2.4 billion on recorded music through streaming and vinyl sales. Taylor Swift dominated album sales while streaming platforms generated over £2 billion in revenue, marking a new era of digital and physical music consumption.
Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' Makes History with Second UK Christmas #1
The beloved holiday classic 'Last Christmas' achieves an unprecedented feat by topping the UK Christmas charts for two consecutive years. The 40-year-old Wham! hit, written by George Michael, dominated both streaming and physical sales while cementing its place in British Christmas culture.
End of an Era: Last Two Sam Goody Music Stores Announce 2025 Closure
The final two Sam Goody stores in Ohio and Oregon will permanently close in early 2025, marking the end of the iconic music retailer's 73-year legacy. Once a nationwide powerhouse with 320 locations, Sam Goody's closure reflects the industry's shift from physical media to digital streaming.
Blackie Lawless: How Technology Changed Music's Value Across Generations
W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless draws parallels between historical entertainment industry shifts and today's digital transformation, expressing concern about younger generations' perception of music as valueless. His insights span from vaudeville's decline to streaming's impact on music consumption.
Artists Rally Against Major Labels in Battle Over Internet Archive's Music Preservation
Over 600 musicians challenge major record labels' lawsuit against the Internet Archive's Great 78 Project, defending the importance of digital preservation for music history. The open letter highlights broader industry issues around revenue sharing, streaming economics, and corporate control of musical heritage.
Black Francis: Pixies Frontman Embraces Streaming Era with Creative Freedom
Pixies' frontman Black Francis discusses his relentless creative drive and refreshing perspective on music releases in the streaming age. The iconic artist reveals he would release albums bi-annually if possible, finding liberation in modern industry dynamics that prioritize artistic expression over commercial success.
The Great Divide: Hollywood Actors Thrive While Musicians Struggle in Digital Age
Despite record-breaking industry revenues of $45.5 billion in 2023, most musicians earn minimal income while actors command multi-million dollar contracts. The rise of streaming platforms has transformed how artists are compensated, creating a stark economic disparity in entertainment.