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From Stage to Page: Why Musicians Like Taylor Swift and Radiohead Are Turning to Photo Books

In recent years, musicians have increasingly turned to photo books as a way to share their artistic journeys with fans, offering intimate glimpses behind the scenes. From Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood, who documented decades of candid moments with his band in How to Disappear: A Portrait of Radiohead, to Taylor Swift’s upcoming The Official Eras Tour Book, filled with personal reflections and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, these collections provide fans with a new way to connect. Photo books allow musicians to capture the magic of their careers, immortalizing pivotal moments onstage and off, while offering fans a keepsake that goes beyond the music itself. Here’s why every artist should consider creating a photo book of their own.

Offer a Personal Behind-the-Scenes Look

Photo books allow musicians to offer fans a rare, intimate glimpse into their lives, capturing moments on tour, in the studio, or during downtime that would typically remain private. This behind-the-scenes access can reveal the unfiltered reality of an artist’s journey—be it the camaraderie of bandmates, the creative process, or the quiet moments of reflection. These candid shots help fans feel closer to the artist, making them part of the experience in a way that goes beyond the music.

Create a Tangible Artistic Legacy

A photo book serves as a physical artifact, immortalizing key moments in a musician’s career. Unlike digital content that can be fleeting, a beautifully crafted book lasts for generations, preserving memories in a tangible form. It becomes a historical document of the artist’s journey, giving fans and future generations a permanent piece of their favorite musician’s legacy. This way, milestones are not just remembered, but visually and physically captured.

Share Unique Access

As musicians, artists are often in places and situations that are inaccessible to the general public. A photo book allows them to share that unique insider access, offering a perspective no one else can capture. Whether it’s an impromptu jam session, backstage antics, or private studio moments, these images come with a layer of authenticity and exclusivity that makes the collection all the more special for fans.

Enhance Artistic Expression Beyond Music

Photography offers musicians a new creative outlet to express themselves, capturing the visual essence of their journey in a way that complements their music. Through a photo book, artists can showcase their ability to frame emotions, aesthetics, and themes visually. This additional medium allows musicians to explore different aspects of their creativity and adds depth to their overall artistry, giving fans another way to connect with their vision.

Build a Deeper Connection with Fans

By sharing personal, intimate moments through a photo book, musicians can deepen their relationship with fans. These books give fans a rare glimpse into the artist’s life, allowing them to see their favorite musician in a more vulnerable and authentic light. This can foster a sense of closeness and loyalty, as fans feel more connected to the person behind the music, rather than just the public persona they see on stage or in interviews.

Document Creative Evolution

A photo book can visually document the evolution of a musician’s career, capturing how their style, sound, and artistic vision have developed over time. From early rehearsals and small gigs to international tours and studio sessions for chart-topping albums, these photos can chronicle pivotal moments in the artist’s creative journey. This offers fans insight into how their favorite musician has grown, making the artist’s story even more engaging.

Collaborate with Visual Artists

Creating a photo book opens up opportunities for musicians to collaborate with photographers, designers, and other visual artists. These collaborations can enrich the project by blending different artistic disciplines, resulting in a book that’s not just a collection of photos, but a carefully curated work of art. These partnerships also allow musicians to explore new creative territories and reach broader audiences across multiple artistic communities.

Capture Candid Moments

While many publicity photos are staged, a personal photo book allows musicians to capture the candid, authentic moments that truly represent their lives. Whether it’s a spontaneous laugh, a quiet moment backstage, or an unguarded interaction with a bandmate, these images offer a more truthful portrayal of the artist’s world. This authenticity resonates with fans, making the book feel like a genuine glimpse into the artist’s reality.

Appeal to Both Music and Art Lovers

A photo book can bridge the gap between music and visual art, appealing to fans of both disciplines. While it attracts music lovers eager to see a new side of their favorite artist, it also draws in photography and art enthusiasts who appreciate the visual storytelling. This dual appeal allows musicians to broaden their audience, engaging not just those who love their sound, but those who admire creative visuals as well.

Commemorate Special Tours or Projects

As Taylor Swift is doing with The Official Eras Tour Book, a photo book can serve as a lasting tribute to a significant tour or project. Filled with personal reflections and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, it allows fans to relive magical moments from concerts and tours that shaped their experience. Such books create an emotional connection, making it a collector’s item and commemorating a milestone in both the artist’s career and the fans’ memories.

8 Reasons Musicians Should Write Columns for Local Outlets

Photo by Andrei Bocan on Unsplash

Musicians writing columns in a local music magazine can be a powerful tool for their career and brand. Here are some key reasons why musicians should take advantage of this opportunity:

1. Increase Visibility and Build a Personal Connection

Writing a column in a local music magazine provides musicians with consistent visibility among readers. It allows them to reach a broader audience beyond their usual fan base, giving people who may not have heard their music a reason to explore their work. By sharing insights and personal experiences, musicians can connect on a deeper level with readers, turning casual readers into dedicated fans.

2. Establish Expertise and Credibility

A regular column can position musicians as knowledgeable and experienced in the music industry, enhancing their credibility. Whether sharing tips about songwriting, touring stories, or thoughts on the industry, musicians can present themselves as leaders in their field. This can lead to further opportunities, such as speaking engagements, workshops, or invitations to contribute to other media outlets.

3. Strengthen Their Brand and Voice

Writing a column allows musicians to showcase their personality and values, helping to build their brand. It gives them a platform to express their opinions, highlight causes they care about, or promote upcoming releases and shows in a more personal and impactful way than traditional advertising. A well-crafted column can make their voice distinctive in both writing and music.

4. Engage the Local Community

Writing for a local magazine helps musicians stay connected to their local scene. They can support other local artists, venues, and music initiatives while also creating a community-oriented image. This connection can be especially beneficial when playing local shows or organizing community-driven projects, building goodwill and fostering relationships with fans and industry professionals.

5. Promote Music and Upcoming Projects

A column provides a subtle way to promote music and projects. Instead of a direct ad, musicians can discuss the process behind their latest album, the inspiration behind a song, or share exclusive behind-the-scenes stories. This creates excitement around their releases while avoiding the overt feel of self-promotion.

6. Develop Writing Skills and Creative Outlets

Writing regularly allows musicians to develop a new creative outlet. Many musicians already enjoy writing lyrics or personal reflections, and contributing to a column can refine their writing skills. Plus, writing in a different medium can inspire new creative ideas for their music.

7. Networking Opportunities

By writing a column, musicians may catch the attention of other industry professionals, including promoters, managers, or collaborators who read their work. It opens doors to collaborations or invitations to events and panels. Their written content can also be shared widely, boosting their reach within the industry.

8. Content for Social Media and Online Presence

Columns provide musicians with valuable content to share across social media and newsletters. Posting excerpts or linking to the full article helps keep social media feeds active, engages their audience, and drives traffic to both their platforms and the magazine, which can increase their overall digital presence.

By writing columns, musicians can develop a richer, multidimensional career and engage with audiences in ways that go beyond music, creating lasting connections in the process.

Affiliate Marketing in Betting: Unlock Billion-Dollar Industry Potential

By Mitch Rice

The betting industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven largely by the rise of affiliate marketing. Affiliates have become a key factor in expanding the reach of online betting platforms, tapping into a market worth billions of dollars annually. This article explores the reasons behind this boom and offers a guide for those looking to get started in this lucrative industry.

Affiliate Marketing in Betting: A Gateway to the Billion-Dollar Industry

Affiliate marketing in the betting sector offers a clear path into a billion-dollar industry. By partnering with betting platforms, affiliates earn commissions through referrals, making it a highly profitable venture. The betting sector, with its high engagement levels, offers opportunities for affiliates to generate consistent income through different marketing strategies. Affiliate marketing in betting is one of the most lucrative niches, and its growth is projected to continue.

Why Affiliate Marketing is Booming in the Betting Industry

The surge in affiliate marketing for betting is driven by several key factors. With more people turning to online gambling, the demand for innovative ways to reach this audience has skyrocketed. Affiliate marketing provides betting platforms https://melbetaffiliates.com/ with a cost-effective, performance-based advertising model, making it a popular choice for both affiliates and operators alike.

Key Drivers Behind the Growth

  • Increased mobile use: The widespread adoption of mobile phones has made online betting accessible anywhere, anytime.
  • Global audience reach: Affiliates can tap into international markets, leveraging content that targets users worldwide.
  • Regulatory expansion: More regions are legalizing and regulating online betting, creating new opportunities for affiliates.
  • Performance-based models: Affiliates earn commissions based on results, incentivizing high-quality traffic.

Profit Margins and Commission Structures

Affiliates in the betting industry enjoy a variety of commission structures, with the most common being CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) and Revenue Share models. The melbet affiliates program, for example, offers competitive commission rates, allowing affiliates to maximize their earnings. Below is a table that compares popular commission models across platforms:

Affiliate Program CPA Commission Rate Revenue Share (%)
Melbet Affiliates $50 per acquisition Up to 40%
Bet365 Affiliates $100 per acquisition Up to 30%
888 Sport Affiliates $80 per acquisition Up to 35%

How to Start Affiliate Marketing in the Betting Niche

Entering the affiliate marketing niche for betting can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. From selecting an affiliate program to ensuring compliance, here’s how you can get started:

  1. Research affiliate programs: Look for reputable betting platforms that offer high commission rates and reliable support.
  2. Understand your audience: Know the type of players you’re targeting to create tailored content.
  3. Compliance and regulations: Stay informed about the legal requirements in different regions to avoid penalties.
  4. Create engaging content: Develop content that not only attracts but converts your audience into players.

Selecting the Right Affiliate Program

When choosing an affiliate program, it’s crucial to look at several factors, including reputation, payout structure, and conversion rates. Programs like Melbet Affiliates are known for their excellent support and high commission payouts, making them a top choice for beginners and seasoned affiliates alike. Here’s a list of criteria to consider when selecting your affiliate partner:

  • Reputation of the betting platform
  • Commission structure
  • Conversion rates
  • Support and resources provided

Compliance and Regulations

Legal compliance is crucial in affiliate marketing, particularly in the betting industry. Many countries have specific rules regarding gambling promotion, and failure to comply can result in severe penalties. Always ensure that you are familiar with the regulations in your target market. Common regulations include:

  • Age verification and responsible gambling policies
  • Geo-restrictions and regional compliance
  • Clear disclaimers about risks associated with gambling

Best Practices for Maximizing Earnings as a Betting Affiliate

To fully capitalize on the potential earnings in the betting affiliate space, you must adopt specific strategies. By focusing on SEO, leveraging social media, and engaging with your audience, you can boost your revenue significantly.

SEO Strategies for Betting Affiliates

Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for driving traffic to your affiliate site. Betting keywords are highly competitive, but by focusing on long-tail keywords and creating high-quality content, you can improve your rankings. Here are a few SEO strategies to help:

  • Keyword research: Identify less competitive, high-intent keywords.
  • Link building: Build backlinks from reputable sites in the gambling niche.
  • Content optimization: Focus on high-quality, relevant content that answers user queries.

Targeting and Audience Engagement

Engaging with the right audience can greatly enhance your affiliate earnings. By creating value-driven content and fostering a community, you can retain your audience and increase conversions. Key tactics include:

  1. Email marketing: Build a list and engage your audience with valuable offers.
  2. Social media promotion: Leverage platforms like Twitter and Instagram to promote betting-related content.
  3. Interactive content: Quizzes, polls, and live streams can engage your audience more deeply.

Future Trends in Affiliate Marketing for the Betting Industry

As technology evolves, so too does affiliate marketing. To stay ahead of the curve, affiliates must be aware of the future trends shaping the betting industry.

  • Mobile betting dominance: As more users access betting platforms through mobile devices, mobile-first strategies will become essential.
  • AI-driven marketing: Artificial intelligence tools will streamline audience targeting and content personalization.
  • Regulatory shifts: The ongoing expansion of legal online gambling in different markets will open new opportunities for affiliates.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

How NBA 2K Impacts Real-Life Basketball

By Mitch Rice

In recent years, online video games have taken the world by storm. At virtual bookmakers, we have multiple options, from MMA to NBA 2K, FIFA, and Table tennis, to mention a few. The NBA 2K video game series is a cultural phenomenon that has had a major impact on live basketball. From fan engagement to player development and social dynamics, this video game has influenced different aspects of sports.

Influencing Real-Life Basketball Analytics and Strategy

NBA 2 K’s emphasis on statistical analysis has greatly influenced how players, analysts, and coaches think about the game. In the game, advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating), TS% (True Shooting Percentage), and other statistics are used to rate players. This mimics the increasing role of analytics in real-life NBA strategy. As fans and players get familiar with these metrics in the game, they understand their importance in the actual NBA performance evaluations.

Players and coaches also refer to the game when considering adjustments or evaluating player strengths and weaknesses. Some basketball coaches, especially amateurs, have been inspired by the game’s tactics and strategies. They use it to test lineups or new strategies before trying them in real life, given how accurately the game models team dynamics and play-calling. Here are some of its influences on live NBA games.

Skills Improvement

This is one of the most common ways this game has affected live basketball. Players, especially young athletes, use it as a learning tool to boost their basketball IQ. It helps players understand the nuances and strategies involved. Also, it offers simulations of real-life situations. NBA 2K is known for its realism, especially how it mirrors actual NBA strategies and gameplay. Hence, allowing players to:

  • Control every team aspect, from executing defensive rotations to setting up offensive plays.
  • Study different plays.
  • Analyze player tendencies.
  • Explore basketball concepts that may not be encountered otherwise.
  • Simulate different game-time situations.
  • Refine their in-game instincts.

This video game lets athletes practice different scenarios, from crunch-time plays to fast-break. These are strategies that they can later apply to real games. Thereby, bridging the gap between virtual and physical learning. For instance, professional players like Trae Young have credited it with helping them visualize floor spacing and enhance their decision-making on the court.

Community Building

It also plays a major role in fan engagement. Thereby, extending the reach of basketball culture beyond just watching games. Its interactive nature makes fans feel more involved in the sport and aids in building a community that revolves around basketball. NBA 2K helps to deepen connection to the sport, as well as gain insight into the player;

  • Abilities
  • Statistics
  • Strategies

All of these help to boost athletes’ engagement with actual games. It also allows fans to gain insight into players and teams, making them more informed spectators of live games. The introduction of the NBA 2K League, a professional esports league in partnership with the NBA, has further expanded the alignment between the virtual and live basketball communities. Hence, it has attracted millions of fans who follow the players and teams they love.

This has led to increased viewership and revenue streams for the game. This competitive scene has also created a pathway for athletes to gain recognition and professional careers. This game has birthed tons of community of content creators, influencers, and streamers who use platforms like Twitch and YouTube to share their gameplay. So, it contributes to the overall culture of basketball by enhancing discussions, comparisons, and even debates about live basketball.

NBA Marketing and Branding

The NBA has fully embraced the fame of NBA 2K as a marketing tool. Hence, serving as an extension of the league’s branding efforts, reaching an audience that may not engage with traditional media. The game offers a platform where professional players can build their brands and personas. It has become an avenue for them to market themselves, and showcase their skills and personalities through gameplay. Some prominent NBA stars often frequented in the game’s promotional efforts include Stephen Curry and LeBron James, to mention a few.

More Than Just a Video Game

NBA 2K has transformed into more than just a game you play on your PC or console. It greatly impacts real-time basketball, solidifying itself as a crucial component of the basketball culture. As technology advances and the gaming industry grows, you can anticipate much more influence on how the sport is played physically. In a nutshell, the worlds of video games and professional sports keep on intertwining and help to deeply understand the nuances of the sport.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Universal Music Canada Signs Punjabi Super-Producer Thiarajxtt

Photo Credit: The.97

Universal Music Canada (UMC), the country’s leading music company, is thrilled to announce the signing of one of the Punjabi music industry’s most sought-after super-producers, thiarajxtt, also known as Dilmanjot Singh Thiara. To mark this exciting new partnership, thiarajxtt has released his debut EP, If the Sun Had a Dark Side, his first new music of 2024.

“thiarajxtt is driving the modern sound of culture today,” said Jeffrey Remedios, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “We’re honoured to work alongside Dilman as together we take South Asian music made in Canada to new global heights.”

This five-track EP is thiarajxtt’s first release as a lead artist since 2023’s Heartfelt EP and follows an incredibly productive year, having worked on genre-defying productions for major artists like Diljit Dosanjh’s album Ghost (featuring the mega-hit “Kinni Kinni”), Jassa Dhillon’s “SPAIN,” and projects with Shubh, Channi Nattan, Jerry, and others.

“I want to break boundaries and bring new and legendary artists together on one project. This is the first step,” thiarajxtt shared. “Partnering with Universal Music Canada is more than just a milestone—it’s about pushing the limits of what can be achieved when bold ideas and a clear vision come together. UMC has trusted my vision, and together, we’re ready to break barriers and create cultural bridges. This is just the first step in a journey that will redefine what’s possible in music. Everything today may fade by tomorrow, but good music—that’s timeless, and that’s what we’re here to create.”

If the Sun Had a Dark Side features vocals from thiarajxtt’s twin brother, Irman, as well as Indrr Bajwa, across a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop tracks, all produced by thiarajxtt. The EP opens with “Colt Buntlines,” a romantic-gangster track where Bajwa expresses admiration and offers reassurance to his partner. Songs like “Route 66” and “Kasoor” explore similar themes, while “What They Doin’” takes a bolder approach, declaring thiarajxtt, Irman, and Bajwa as fearless leaders in the industry.

Originally from Harkhowal, a village near Hoshiarpur in Punjab, thiarajxtt moved to Toronto, Canada in 2019. He quickly made his mark on the global music scene with early collaborations, including the hit “We Rollin’” with Shubh. His production of “No Love” for Shubh became one of the most-streamed songs on Spotify India in 2022.

Last year, he further cemented his legacy by producing most of Diljit Dosanjh’s multi-platinum album Ghost. Now, thiarajxtt is setting his sights on empowering producers within the Punjabi music scene, striving to bring them into the spotlight, much like industry leaders Metro Boomin and DJ Khaled have done with their projects.

Music Videos in Beta Brings an Improved Viewing Experience to New Markets

Earlier this year, Spotify introduced music videos in beta, giving Premium subscribers in 12 markets a new way to engage with the songs and artists they love. Today, Spotify is expanding that feature to 85 additional markets, offering even more Premium subscribers the chance to explore the visual worlds of artists like Charli xcx, LISA, Fontaines D.C., Nick Ward, Anirudh Ravichander, and Fireboy DML.

Music videos offer a powerful way to strengthen the connection between artists and their fans. In fact, Spotify data shows that users who discover a song and then watch its music video are 34% more likely to stream the song again the following week. Additionally, songs discovered through music videos are 24% more likely to be saved or shared by those who watched.

Music videos enhance the fan experience, whether they’re enjoying a new song or rediscovering an old favorite. As part of this expansion, Spotify is also introducing new features to improve the music video experience in beta. These updates include:

  • Fans can now easily find and discover new music videos (on both mobile and desktop) with video indicators on tracks.
  • Users can locate specific music videos by searching for the track or artist.
  • A seamless switch between music tracks and videos is now available with a single tap (on both mobile and desktop).

If you’re eager to try it out, here’s how:

  • Premium subscribers in one of the 97 beta markets can open Spotify on iOS, Android, desktop, or TV devices and tap the “Switch to video” button for music tracks that include a video.
  • The music video will start playing in the Now Playing view, picking up where the audio left off.
  • To return to audio, simply tap “Switch to audio” and the music track will resume.
  • On mobile, you can also enjoy the music video in full screen by turning your device to landscape mode.

The beta version of music videos is starting to roll out in new markets today with a limited catalog of videos and will continue expanding in the coming weeks. Spotify remains committed to enhancing connections between artists and fans by adding features like Countdown Pages, Canvas, Clips from your artists, Artist Profiles, Live Events, and Merch to deliver a rich music listening experience. And for Premium subscribers, music videos in beta—along with offerings like DJ, Jam, and AI Playlist further enhance the listening experience.

Stay tuned as Spotify works to expand the catalog of music videos, introduce new places to watch them, and bring this feature to even more users and markets.

Coldplay Unites With Spotify and FC Barcelona To Release a Special El Clásico Shirt, Merch Collection, and Matchday Playlist

Spotify is continuing its groundbreaking collaboration with legends from both music and football through its unique partnership with FC Barcelona. This time, the iconic Barça shirt will feature a special Coldplay logo inspired by the band’s tenth album, Moon Music, which debuted at Number 1 on Spotify’s weekly global charts and is available now.

The shirt will be worn during FC Barcelona’s highly anticipated El Clásico match on October 26, as well as FC Barcelona Femení’s match on November 2. Coldplay is the latest artist to be featured on the Barça jersey through Spotify, following previous shirt takeovers by KAROL G, The Rolling Stones, ROSALÍA, and Drake

“We’re honored that Spotify has chosen to feature our ‘Moon Music’ design on the shirt of FC Barcelona,” the members of Coldplay shared in a statement. “We’ve had a special relationship with the city and the club for many years.”

With 12 tracks in Spotify’s Billions Club, Coldplay holds the title of the most-streamed British band of all time on the platform. Their connection with Barça fans dates back to the 2008-2009 season, when their hit song “Viva la Vida” became the club’s unofficial anthem.

Coldplay, like FC Barcelona, has a global fanbase, and this partnership celebrates the shared joy and unity that football and music bring to people worldwide. The Moon Music logo featured on the Barça shirt was even inspired by a fan’s design, highlighting the band’s deep connection to its listeners.

“Coldplay is one of the most beloved bands in the world on Spotify, and its storied connection to Barça runs deep. We are thrilled to celebrate that history with fans worldwide through the iconic Barça jersey,” said Marc Hazan, Spotify’s VP of Partnerships and Marketing. “The release of Moon Music is a perfect moment to celebrate the power of football and music’s ability to bring people together.”

The limited-edition jerseys will be available for purchase in Barça Official Stores in Spain and online starting October 18. In honor of the club’s founding year, only 1,899 jerseys will be sold. Additionally, for superfans, a special collection of 22 glow-in-the-dark jerseys—11 signed by the men’s starting XI and 11 signed by members of the Femení squad—will be available.

All net proceeds from these jerseys will be donated to The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), continuing the partnership FC Barcelona began with the organization in 2022 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees worldwide.

“We’re also proud to support the UNHCR in their lifesaving work to protect refugees and displaced people around the world,” Coldplay added. “Heartfelt thanks to Spotify and FC Barcelona for making this happen.”

To enhance the moment further, Coldplay will curate a special edition of the Barça Matchday playlist on Spotify, featuring some of their favorite tracks to motivate both players and fans leading up to the big match.

Spotify, FC Barcelona, and Coldplay are also collaborating on a limited-edition lifestyle collection, including T-shirts, hoodies, and scarves. The merchandise, which will be available at the FC Barcelona Store on October 18, merges the celestial themes of Moon Music with Barça’s legendary colors.

“We are delighted that through our partnership with Spotify, Coldplay will feature on the FC Barcelona shirt for El Clásico,” said ​​Juli Guiu, FC Barcelona’s VP of Marketing. “The band and the club have a mutual love that has stretched over many years, from the band visiting training sessions to Barça players attending Coldplay concerts in Barcelona, and the band’s music soundtracking some of the club’s greatest moments.”

 

Spotify Launches Audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—and Premium Listeners Get Instant Access

Since its launch just over a year ago, Spotify’s Audiobooks in Premium feature has introduced the audiobook format to a new audience across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. More listeners are exploring audiobooks for the first time, embracing a wide range of titles, with hundreds of thousands of unique books streamed.

Now, Spotify is excited to expand access to audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This includes work from renowned local authors such as Gaël Faye, Maylis de Kerangal, Joël Dicker, Suzanne Vermeer, and Saskia Noort.

Eligible Spotify Premium subscribers in these regions will be able to access over 200,000 audiobook titles as part of their subscriptions. Any audiobook not included in the Audiobooks in Premium offering can be purchased separately, and non-Premium listeners also have the option to purchase individual titles.

In collaboration with local publishers, Spotify—recognized as the world’s leading audio streaming subscription service—aims to grow the audiobook industry further. By enabling more listeners to discover and engage with a diverse catalog of titles, including those in their native languages, Spotify is fostering innovation and expanding the reach of audiobooks.

One year into Audiobooks in Premium Although still in its early days, the response to Audiobooks in Premium from authors, publishers, and listeners in available markets has been outstanding. In the U.S., listeners who start an audiobook on Spotify are spending an average of five additional hours on the platform in the first two months after starting a book.

  

  

This latest expansion not only creates new opportunities for local authors and rights holders but also provides a new revenue stream for the industry. With 28% of Spotify’s users in Europe, Spotify continues to invest in growing both the audience and revenue potential for publishers and authors.

Spotify announced this latest expansion in Paris, where industry experts such as Laure Saget, CEO of Hachette’s Audiolib, Liza Faja, Head of Lizzie, and Timothée Borne, CEO of Blynd Media, gathered to discuss the future of audiobooks in the region.

5 Unknown Facts About Aretha Franklin’s Iconic Album “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You”

Aretha Franklin’s tenth studio album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, is an unforgettable part of music history. While many know it for its breakthrough success and legendary tracks like “Respect,” here are five lesser-known facts about the making and impact of this album:

  1. A Rocky Start in Muscle Shoals
    The title track was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, but the session didn’t go smoothly. An altercation broke out between Aretha’s then-husband, Ted White, trumpeter Ken Laxton, and FAME Studios owner Rick Hall, forcing the session to be cut short. The album’s completion was moved to Atlantic Studios in New York City, where many of the tracks were finished.
  2. Unfinished Yet Perfect
    “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” was left incomplete at FAME Studios due to the abrupt end of the session. The Muscle Shoals rhythm section had to be flown to New York to finish the song. Interestingly, there was a discrepancy in tape speeds between the two studios, which caused the piano on the final recording to be slightly out of tune—a fact producer Chips Moman later regretted.
  3. A Columbia Records Departure
    This album marked a significant turning point for Franklin, as it was her first release with Atlantic Records after nine less-successful jazz albums with Columbia Records. This shift allowed her to explore her soul roots, ultimately bringing her the commercial success and recognition she deserved.
  4. Rolling Stone’s Mixed Review
    Although the album is now hailed as one of the greatest of all time, its initial reception was not all praise. Rolling Stone criticized it for weak production and sidemen, stating the drums weren’t hard enough and the guitar lacked strength. However, the album has since been reappraised, now ranking #13 on Rolling Stone’s 2020 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” and in 2002, they placed the album at #1 on their “Women in Rock: 50 Essential Albums” list.
  5. Those Musicians. Oh Those Musicians
    While Aretha Franklin’s powerhouse vocals steal the spotlight, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You featured an incredible lineup of musicians who helped shape its iconic sound. Guitarists like Chips Moman and Jimmy Johnson brought depth to the album’s soulful grooves, while Spooner Oldham, a legendary session musician, contributed his signature keyboards and piano. The rhythm section was anchored by Tommy Cogbill on bass and Gene Chrisman and Roger Hawkins on drums, whose tight, nuanced playing added weight to the tracks.
    The album also had a brilliant brass section with trumpeter Melvin Lastie and saxophonists King Curtis (tenor) and Willie Bridges (baritone), whose horn arrangements added richness and texture to tracks like “Respect” and “Save Me.” Additionally, the backup vocals were nothing short of extraordinary, featuring Franklin’s sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin, alongside Cissy Houston (mother of Whitney Houston). Their harmonies provided a soulful complement to Aretha’s lead vocals, creating an unbeatable blend of voices that lifted tracks like “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” to the sky. Together, these musicians and singers formed the perfect foundation for Franklin’s voice, creating an album that remains timeless in its impact and influence.

 

Jerry Cantrell Set to Rock Out at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino This January

Get ready for Jerry Cantrell, who is set to take over the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on Friday, January 31, 2025, as part of his I Want Blood Tour! Joining Cantrell is special guest Filter. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 18 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.

 

“Jerry Cantrell is rock royalty, and this performance will be electric,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing, Niagara Casinos. “It’s a fantastic honour to host one of the most legendary guitarists of all time at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino.”

 

His vocals, melodies, and riffs are as instantly recognizable as they are powerful, nuanced, and eclectic. Both a disciple of the hard rock tradition and a massive influence on subsequent generations of artists, Jerry Cantrell straddles the line between earnest salt-of-the-earth songwriter and beloved living legend. His fourth solo album I Want Blood arrives with all the aggression and heavy, inexhaustible stomp its title suggests. The follow-up to the best-reviewed solo album of Cantrell’s career 2021’s Brighten further expands his musical palette without sacrificing any of his inescapably infectious melodic hooks. “Vilified,” which opens the album, is an anthem, a mission statement, kicking off I Want Blood with attitude. Cantrell’s mountain of work as a solo artist and chief songwriter, guitarist, and co-vocalist in Alice In Chains stands tall in influence and respect. He’s collaborated with Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, and Deftones, among others. He’s contributed to music heard in films by Academy Award-winner Cameron Crowe and Judd Apatow and entries in the John Wick and Spider-Man franchises. Rolling Stone named the multi-platinum Tacoma, Washington native one of the greatest guitar players of all time. His catalog mines the best of metal, rock, blues, and Americana.

 

Joining Cantrell is rock band Filter. Filter’s debut album Short Bus was released in 1995 and went platinum, largely due to the success of their first single “Hey Man Nice Shot.”  The follow up, 1999’s Title of Record, also went platinum driven by the huge crossover success of the song “Take a Picture.” Celebrating 30 years of Filter, 2023 saw the much-anticipated release of a new Filter album The Algorithm.

 

Show date & performance

Jerry Cantrell I Want Blood Tour with special guest Filter
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025

Showtime: 8:00pm

Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

 

Tickets for Jerry Cantrell I Want Blood Tour with special guest Filter go on sale Friday, October 18 at 10:00am.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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