The Heroes & Villains of 2023
As the year draws to a close, what better time to reflect on who’s absolutely crushed it over the past twelve months, and who’s suffered their annus horribilis.
Spotify
The Weeknd becomes first artist in history to hit 100 million monthly Spotify listeners
The Weeknd has broken a Spotify record, by becoming the first artist on the platform to hit 100 million monthly listeners.
Spotify to cut 6 per cent of jobs
Spotify has announced it will cut 6 per cent of its employees, with boss Daniel Ek admitting he was “too ambitious” and “takes full accountability” for the job loss.
Miley Cyrus’ ‘Flowers’ breaks Spotify’s one-week record with over 100 million streams
Miley Cyrus’ dance-pop banger ‘Flowers’ – the lead single for her forthcoming album Endless Summer Vacation – has broken a Spotify’s one-week record.
Harry Styles' 'As It Was' tops 2022 UK streaming charts
Harry Styles' hit ‘As It Was’ has been named the UK's most-streamed song of 2022, beating Glass Animals and Dave to the title.
UK watchdog finds music streaming is not unfair, despite demands from artists
A new report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that the concentration of power among the handful of music streaming platforms is not currently inhibiting artists – and that such platforms are unlikely to be earning high levels of excess profits.
The band trying to sell their record for £1million – to fund an “ethical streaming service”
The Pocket Gods, an indie band from St Albans, are trying to sell a one-off vinyl copy of their latest record for £1 million – and say that if successful in the sale, they’ll use the proceeds to fund a new “ethical streaming platform” that pays artists fairer.
TikTok reportedly has a streaming service in the works to rival Spotify and Apple Music
TikTok has had a sizable impact on the consumption of music in recent years. And now it’s reportedly planning to go one stage further, with plans in place to launch its own music streaming service that will rival the likes of Spotify and Apple Music.
Ed Sheeran breaks 100 million follower mark on Spotify
In unsurprising news, Ed Sheeran has become the first artist to hit the 100 million follower mark on Spotify.
Spotify acquires music trivia game Heardle
Spotify has announced its acquisition of music-based trivia game Heardle, for an undisclosed fee, and plans to "integrate" it into its app.
One million music subscriptions cancelled due to cost-of-living crisis
Over one million Brits having cancelled their subscriptions to music streaming services amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Obamas to End Exclusive Spotify Deal
The Obamas are set to leave Spotify, with the couple reportedly in talks with other platforms over a new, lucrative deal.
