Can Amazon compete with Spotify? Nope. Amazon is the epitome of uncool like Wal-Mart. Amazon isn’t a brand, Spotify is. That’s why Spotify is the top digital streaming platform because it branded itself with artists. Amazon has not. Even though Amazon has created a bully brand running around with slogans like “We are the last company anyone wants to compete with”, it’s tough to compete with Spotify’s monthly active users that reached 248 million with total revenue at $1.7 billion. Plus, Spotify is ahead of the curve. The company started investing in podcast content. Spotify continues to do well and has little to worry about, even though Amazon is raising its fists claiming to be the new market leader.

Amazon claims that the subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited spiked 70% in the last year – totaling 32 million subscribers. But can the behemoth internet company really compete with Spotify? Not really. Much of the Amazon subscribers are older and Amazon isn’t sexy – I don’t think artists are racing towards ‘Amazon Artist of the Month’. Amazon is luring potential prospects through Amazon’s Echo speakers. Although Amazon is betting on its music service, Spotify and Apple and far ahead.

Alt/rock act Me Talk Pretty, still unsigned just released their debut EP “We Are Strangers” on iTunes and Amazon.

They also won the mtvU “Freshmen” and their video for their single “Wake up!” was added into rotation at mtvU during the summer. Also, won MTV VMA for Best Breakout Artist in NYC. They just wrapped up a tour with Neon Trees/Paper Tongues/CIvil Twilight. The band will embark on an upcoming January tour with Taproot.

Contact: jesse.beerdietz@hitsmagazine.com

Country artist Logan Mize who we profiled last year has signed a publishing deal with
Big Yellow Dog Music. Logan’s self titled release is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Big Yellow Dog Publishing is Nashville based and they’ve had a ton of hits come out of their catalogue, including Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”

Contact: Salvatore Entertainment

Google wants to enter the digital music business and the search giant is already in talks with music labels.

Apple’s iTunes is the leader in the digital download market owning about a 70% percent market share followed by Amazon’s MP3 store.

Google could be attractive based on the amount of traffic and expertise around search and browsing.