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Tag: Spotify

  • Goafest 2025 kicks off with AI, stardom and Gen Z in a high-octane creative melting pot

    Goafest 2025 kicks off with AI, stardom and Gen Z in a high-octane creative melting pot

    GOA: : Goafest 2025 opened its gates with more than just confetti. On 21 May, the industry’s most awaited gathering lit up the Taj Cidade de Goa with provocations, predictions, and panels that sparked sharp thinking and bolder storytelling. The event, themed ‘Ignite ___’, kicked off with performances, power panels, and provocative conversations that challenged status quos and invited fresh perspectives.

    Hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), GoaFest 2025 began with a ceremonial champagne pop, a lamp lighting, and a high-voltage performance by Mika Singh. Amazon MX Player, Mediakart, and other partners set the tone with a theme of momentum, celebration, and transformation.

    Publicis Groupe senior advisor Rishad Tobaccowala opened with a riveting session presented by Set India and Sab TV, titled ‘Staying Relevant in an Age of Machines’. Moderated by Publicis south Asia Anupriya Acharya, the keynote decoded AI’s future impact on creativity. Tobaccowala called AI “underhyped” and said the true differentiator will be “HI” — human ingenuity, intuition, and inventiveness. “Agencies must embrace AI to rethink storytelling and business models”, he warned, adding, “It’s time to burn the old ways of thinking and upgrade your mental operating system”.

    The spotlight then shifted to Hindi cinema royalty. Kareena Kapoor Khan took the stage in a session presented by Amazon MX Player and powered by Times Network. In conversation with Atika Farooqi, she reframed her iconic line “Main Apni Favourite Hoon” as a life philosophy. “Self-love is not just a phrase—it’s the foundation of everything”, she said, while speaking about motherhood, reinvention, and resilience in cinema.

    The final session of the day, ‘Swipe Right for Relevance’, tackled gen z brand affinity. Powered by Whisper World and Eenadu, and moderated by journalist Anuradha Sen Gupta, it featured Amarjit Singh Batra (Spotify), Geetika Mehta (Nivea India), and Vikram Mehra (Saregama). All three echoed the same beat: Gen z wants authenticity, not advertisements. Batra said, “More than 50 per cent of our audience is under 25. Gen z values experiences, honesty, and wellness”. Mehta added, “They’re not distracted, they’re discerning. Sustainability, purpose, and credibility are expectations, not bonuses”. Mehra called it straight: “They see through gimmicks. Micro-influencers and social listening trump celebrities.”

    AAAI president and GroupM south Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar, anchored the day, saying, “Goafest 2025 is about igniting transformative ideas. With 60+ speakers, 35+ sessions, and 20+ masterclasses, we’re not just discussing the future — we’re creating it”.

    The Abby Awards 2025 Powered by One Show saw 4,076 entries from 233 companies, marking its fourth year in collaboration with The One Show. The day wrapped with a sunset Sundowner powered by Truecaller & Big Live, followed by the Publisher & Media Abby awards, co-powered by Amazon MX Player, Mediakart, and Zee. DJ SLG and JioStar lit up the After Hours Party.

    Day one ended on a high, as Goafest reaffirmed its reputation as the pulse of India’s creative economy.

  • Hungama Music pulls plug, India’s streaming scene shrinks

    Hungama Music pulls plug, India’s streaming scene shrinks

    MUMBAI: Another one bites the dust in India’s cut-throat music streaming scene. Hungama Music is throwing in the towel, announcing its service will be switched off from 15 April, leaving users’ downloaded tunes and libraries gathering digital dust. This follows the premature demise of Resso and Wynk Music, making it a proper hat-trick of Indian streaming services hitting the skids in just over a year.

    “Downloaded music and library content will no longer be available,” Hungama Music informed its users.

    Resso, owned by ByteDance, blamed “local market conditions” for its January 2024 exit, while Wynk Music, owned by Bharti Airtel, effectively rolled its users into Apple Music after a strategic partnership. 

    Despite India’s booming streaming appetite – second only to the US in terms of sheer volume – local players are finding it a right pickle to compete with the global giants. YouTube, with its 462 million users, remains the undisputed king, while Spotify’s global clout and Apple Music’s strategic tie-ups are proving too much for many to handle.

    Hungama Music, which ditched its freemium model for a subscription-only approach last year, clearly couldn’t keep up. Even a recent partnership with Virgin Music Group, aimed at boosting Indian regional music, wasn’t enough to save it from the digital graveyard.

    “It’s a proper David versus Goliath situation,” a source close to the Indian music scene quipped. “These global behemoths have the cash and the clout to snap up users, leaving local players struggling to get a look-in.”

    With only Gaana and JioSaavn left standing, the question now is whether they can survive the onslaught. Can they whip up subscription packages that are both tempting and wallet-friendly enough to keep punters from straying? Or will they too end up singing the blues? One thing is for certain, the Indian music streaming scene is proving to be a proper dogfight.

  • 7UP and Spotify spice things up with sonic flavour boost

    7UP and Spotify spice things up with sonic flavour boost

    MUMBAI: 7UP, is now aiming to ignite taste buds with its “7UP Spiceit Playlist,” a collaboration with Spotify that marries science and sound. It’s a sensory assault designed to crank up the spice factor in your favourite fiery dishes.

    Backed by research from Oxford University’s Charles Spence, the playlist leverages specific musical frequencies to amplify the perception of heat. “We’re not just selling a drink; we’re selling a spicy symphony,” says shailja joshi, category lead, cola and flavours, pepsico india. “And 7UP’s the perfect cool-down after the sonic spice explosion.”

    7UP has enlisted music maestro Anirudh Ravichander, who stars in a digital campaign film that’s as much a visual feast as it is an auditory one. “Music can amp up anything,” Ravichander quips in the film. “Even the heat of a vindaloo.”

    “This isn’t your average playlist,” says Spotify india director of sales Sanketh Garimella, “It’s a full-blown sensory experience, a collision of refreshment and rhythm.”

    The campaign, conceptualised by Leo India, will be blasted across TV, digital, and social platforms, with limited-edition 7UP packs featuring qr codes for instant playlist access. “We’re turning every meal into a multi-sensory mosh pit,” says Leo south Asia chief creative officer Vikram Pandey.

    So, whether you’re tackling a tandoori inferno or a chilli-laden curry, 7UP and Spotify are promising to crank up the heat, and then cool you down. “It’s a spicy sonic boom,” concludes Joshi. “And 7UP is the aftershock of refreshment.”

  • Big FM launches TheSocialStar podcast showcasing influencer journeys

    Big FM launches TheSocialStar podcast showcasing influencer journeys

    MUMBAI: Big FM has introduced an exclusive podcast series, TheSocialStar, offering an inside look at the rise of India’s most influential digital creators. Hosted by RJ Megha, the talk show uncovers the strategies, challenges, and defining moments that shaped their success.

    The first season features an impressive lineup, including Sonal Kaushal, Simran Balar Jain, Prince Gupta, Aditi Agrawal, Shivani Kapila, Sonika Khurana Sethi, and CA Twinkle Jain. Each episode takes listeners on an unfiltered journey through their early struggles, breakthrough moments, and strategies for building engaged communities and monetising their influence.

    Blending radio with digital storytelling, TheSocialStar aims to inspire aspiring creators, brands, and marketers by providing valuable insights into the creator economy.

    “As the creator economy continues to thrive, digital influencers have become powerful storytellers, shaping new trends and conversations. At Big FM, we have always championed innovation and adaptability and TheSocialStar is an extension of that vision. By bringing these incredible creators to our platform, we aim to celebrate their journeys while offering valuable insights for aspiring content creators and brands looking to navigate the digital space,” said Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran.

    Strengthening its digital focus, Big FM seeks to connect with younger audiences through TheSocialStar. The podcast is now streaming on Big FM’s Youtube channel and major audio platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Gaana, Jiosaavn, Wynk, Hungama, Google Podcasts, Saregama, and Amazon Prime Music.

  • Guru Randhawa strikes the right chord with Warner Music India deal

    Guru Randhawa strikes the right chord with Warner Music India deal

    MUMBAI: Guru Randhawa is hitting all the right notes as he embarks on a new musical journey with Warner Music India, marking a landmark partnership that promises to take his artistry to the next level. With a fresh creative direction and new management led by Gurjot Singh of BeingU Studios, the Punjabi pop icon is set to drop his highly anticipated studio album, Without Prejudice, later this year.

    Packed with nine electrifying tracks, Without Prejudice fuses Afropop with Indian pop, delivering a genre-defying experience. Fans can expect bangers like Snapback, Sirra, New Age, Qatal, From Ages, Jaaneman, Kithe Vasde Ne, Surrey Connection, and Gallan Battan, the latter set to drop on 28, March 2025, alongside its music video. The album will also feature exciting collaborations with artists like Zehr Vibe, NSeeB, Bob.B Randhawa, Kiran Bajwa, and Prem Lata.

    Speaking about his evolution as an artist, Guru Randhawa shared, “This album is about breaking barriers and embracing fresh sounds. I want to connect with a global audience while staying true to my roots. With Warner Music India by my side, I’m ready to create something truly special.”

    Warner Music India managing director Jay Mehta stated, “Guru Randhawa has been instrumental in bringing Punjabi music to a global stage. This album marks an exciting new phase in his journey, and we’re committed to supporting his artistic vision while helping him build a well-rounded brand.”

    As one of India’s most influential music exports, Randhawa has amassed over eight million monthly Spotify listeners and more than 14 billion streams across platforms. Known for crafting chart-topping anthems, his music transcends borders, cementing him as a true global force.

    With Without Prejudice, Guru Randhawa isn’t just dropping an album he’s making a statement. And with Warner Music India backing his vision, the world is about to hear him louder than ever.

  • Music industry to hit $184.69 billion by 2029, riding the digital wave

    Music industry to hit $184.69 billion by 2029, riding the digital wave

    MUMBAI: The music industry is tuning up for a record-breaking encore, with projections forecasting a $184.69 billion leap in market value between 2025 and 2029. According to Technavio, the industry’s setlist for success includes digital music adoption, AI-driven innovation, and the ever-growing streaming revolution. With a CAGR of 18.1 per cent, the industry is not just keeping up with the beat—it’s rewriting the entire score for how we consume music in the digital age.

    Streaming services and AI

    Gone are the days of cassette tapes and MP3 downloads. The streaming era is in full swing, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tencent Music, and YouTube Music leading the charge. In 2024, streaming contributed to a significant chunk of the industry’s revenue, with consumers increasingly opting for on-demand access to their favourite artists rather than owning physical copies or digital files.

    AI is also playing maestro, transforming music discovery, personalisation, and even composition. From playlist curation to predictive analytics for record labels, AI-driven models are rewriting the rules of engagement between artists and audiences. As businesses fine-tune algorithms to keep listeners hooked, the industry continues its transition towards a more data-driven, user-centric model. AI is even entering the creative process, with some companies experimenting with AI-generated music compositions, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of human artistry in the industry.

    Where is the music industry humming the loudest? North America leads the symphony, contributing 40 per cent of the global market share, thanks to a massive subscriber base and an appetite for premium content. Europe, APAC, south America, and the middle east & Africa follow suit, each playing a crucial role in the global expansion of streaming services.

    Key markets driving growth include the United States, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and the Netherlands. These regions are witnessing a spike in digital music consumption, boosted by faster broadband speeds, affordable smartphones, and a younger, tech-savvy audience. The rise of smart speakers and voice-assisted technologies like Amazon Alexa and Google Home has also contributed to the seamless integration of music into daily life.

    Music Market Scope
    Report Coverage Details
    Base year 2024
    Historic period 2019 – 2023
    Forecast period 2025-2029
    Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 18.1 per cent
    Market growth 2025-2029 $ 184692.4 million
    Market structure Fragmented
    YoY growth 2022-2023 ( per cent) 15.6
    Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
    Performing market contribution North America at 40 per cent
    Key countries US, Germany, Canada, UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and The Netherlands
    Key companies profiled Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Curb Records Inc., Deezer SA, Kobalt Music Group Ltd., NORTHERN MUSIC Co. Ltd., Pioneer Music Co., Sirius XM Holdings Inc., Sony Group Corp., Spotify Technology SA, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, THEME MUSIC Co. Pvt. Ltd., TIDAL, Universal Music Group N.V., Vivendi SE, Warner Music Group Corp., Yamaha Corp., YouTube, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

    Industry heavyweights? The music industry is no longer just about record labels. Today, it’s a battlefield where tech giants and traditional players are battling for dominance. Key industry movers include Amazon, Apple, Warner Music, Universal Music Group, Spotify, Tencent Music Entertainment, and YouTube, among others.

    Strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions have become the name of the game, with companies aggressively expanding their footprint. Whether it’s Amazon Music integrating voice-activated streaming with Alexa or Spotify’s push into podcasting, innovation is at the heart of market competition. Additionally, artists are increasingly taking control of their own music distribution, bypassing traditional labels in favor of independent digital distribution platforms, enabling them to retain a larger share of their revenue.

    Now despite the roaring success of digital music, challenges persist. Piracy remains a major headache, especially in regions where copyright enforcement is weak. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands are grappling with rampant illegal downloads, impacting revenue streams for artists and labels alike. Efforts to combat this include advanced watermarking technologies and blockchain-based rights management systems, which help trace music usage and ensure fair compensation.

    Another hurdle is the intensifying battle between traditional record companies and digital platforms. While streaming services provide unparalleled reach for artists, they also disrupt conventional revenue models, raising concerns over fair compensation and artist royalties. Some artists have voiced frustrations over the paltry earnings from streaming platforms, prompting new discussions around fairer pay structures and potential regulatory intervention.

    Future trajectory? 

    Looking ahead, the music industry is expected to lean further into AI, metaverse concerts, and blockchain-powered rights management. Live performances and immersive digital experiences are set to be the next frontier, allowing fans to engage with their favourite artists in new and exciting ways. Some companies are already developing virtual concert venues in the metaverse, enabling artists to perform for global audiences without the need for physical tours.

    Additionally, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are emerging as a revolutionary way for artists to monetise their music, offering exclusive digital collectibles, album releases, and even fractional ownership of song royalties. These blockchain-based assets provide a new revenue stream, reducing reliance on traditional streaming platforms and giving fans unique ways to engage with their favorite musicians.

    As the industry dances to the rhythm of digital transformation, one thing is certain: music consumption will never be the same again. Whether through AI-generated beats, VR-powered gigs, or hyper-personalised playlists, the future of music is as thrilling as its past. With constant innovation, the industry is ensuring that music remains an integral part of people’s lives, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements at an unprecedented pace.

  • Spotify Q4 strikes a chord with record-breaking 16 per cent revenue uptick

    Spotify Q4 strikes a chord with record-breaking 16 per cent revenue uptick

    MUMBAI: Spotify has cranked up the volume on success, wrapping up 2024 with a Q4 that hit all the right notes. The music streaming powerhouse saw nearly every key metric outperform expectations, proving that when it comes to growth, Spotify is playing a chart-topping hit.

    The platform’s monthly active users (MAUs) surged to 675 million, marking a 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase, while premium subscribers climbed 11 per cent to 263 million. Clearly, more people than ever are hitting play on Spotify’s offerings, and the company isn’t skipping a beat.

    Revenue swelled to €4.24 billion, reflecting a 16 per cent YoY increase, with both premium and ad-supported segments driving the momentum. The premium segment alone raked in €3.7 billion, up 17 per cent, fueled by strong subscriber growth and an uptick in average revenue per user (ARPU). Meanwhile, ad-supported revenue reached €537 million, a seven per cent annual rise, even as the global ad market faced turbulence.

    Spotify’s advertising business continued its ascent, with both music and podcast ad revenue showing solid gains. However, pricing softness in some regions tempered overall ad growth. Automated sales channels played a pivotal role in pushing ad revenue higher, especially in fast-growing markets. The ad-supported gross margin rose to 15.1 per cent, an increase of 351 basis points (bps) YoY, reflecting smarter monetisation strategies and enhanced content efficiencies.

    Not to be outdone, Spotify’s gross margin soared to 32.2 per cent, a resounding 555 bps increase YoY. And for the real showstopper: the company recorded an operating income of €477 million—its highest ever—securing its first full year of operating profitability.

    In the realm of free cash flow (FCF), Spotify turned the dial all the way up. The company generated €877 million in Q4, pushing its total FCF for 2024 to a record-breaking €2.3 billion. That’s a lot of cash dancing to the beat of Spotify’s success.

    With the company in full growth mode and its financials singing a happy tune, 2025 looks like another year where Spotify will keep the hits—and the numbers—rolling.

  • Simran Singh advances to director of sales – ecommerce & retail at Spotify

    Simran Singh advances to director of sales – ecommerce & retail at Spotify

    MUMBAI:  Simran Singh, a seasoned sales professional with extensive experience in digital marketing and branded content, has announced her new role as director of sales – ecommerce &  retail at Spotify. She was earlier director of sales at the audio streaming service.

    Previously, Singh served as the regional head of ad sales at Sony Pictures Networks India, where she significantly contributed to revenue generation and business development over a span of two years and eight months. She also held the position of vertical lead for global business solutions at TikTok India, managing key strategies that drove growth in a competitive market.

    With a master’s degree in marketing management from the Army Institute of Management, Singh’s career has been marked by her expertise in developing innovative media formats and achieving revenue targets. She has a proven track record of establishing new business ventures, including her leadership role at Optimal Media Solutions and her tenure at Viacom18 Media, where she oversaw revenue generation in south and east India.

    In her new role at Spotify, Singh aims to leverage her experience to enhance the company’s ecommerce and retail strategies. Her appointment signifies Spotify’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in India and expanding its digital sales capabilities.

  • Arijit Basu joins Spotify as sales director – media, entertainment & finance in India

    Arijit Basu joins Spotify as sales director – media, entertainment & finance in India

    MUMBAI:  His new job is like music to his ears  like it was around 12 years ago.  Arijit Basu, a distinguished professional in sales and business development, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the director of sales – media & entertainment and finance, India at Spotify. Basu brings nearly 20 years of experience to the world’s leading music streaming platform.

    Sharing his enthusiasm for the role, Basu announced on social media:”Am really excited to share that I will be starting a new position at Spotify as director of sales – media & entertainment & finance, India! Looking forward to collaborating and doing some stellar work.”

    Basu’s career is defined by a series of impactful roles that showcase his expertise in sales, business development, and digital marketing:

    * Vice-president – growth & strategy at BC Web Wise (Feb 2022 – Sep 2024): Championed growth initiatives, spearheaded digital marketing campaigns, and drove business development for two and a half years.
    * Head of business development at Arré (May 2018 – May 2021): Led strategic partnerships and sales..
    * Director – Head of sponsorship (west) at Viacom18 (Jan 2013 – May 2018): Played a pivotal role in driving sponsorship strategies for youth and English entertainment segments.
    * National sales lead for Sunburn Music Festival at Percept D Mark (Jan 2010 – Dec 2012): Contributed significantly to establishing Sunburn as a leading music festival in India.
    * Senior manager at Vh1 India (Apr 2006 – Sep 2009): Expanded the channel’s business footprint during his tenure.

  • bigbasket & Spotify partner to make Diwali more lit

    bigbasket & Spotify partner to make Diwali more lit

    Mumbai: bigbasket, a Tata enterprise, has teamed up with Spotify to add music to Diwali celebrations. Each Diwali-themed delivery bag will feature a Spotify QR code, linking to three playlists tailored for the festival: preparation, puja, and party. Through the ’10 Minute…Diwali Lit’ campaign, customers can scan the codes for instant access to music that fits each Diwali moment.

    bigbasket head of digital and marketing communications Anand Bhaskaran said, “At bigbasket, we believe that festivals are all about creating memorable moments with loved ones. Our collaboration with Spotify adds an extra spark to Diwali by blending music with convenience, so our customers can enjoy their celebrations even more.

    Alongside this musical partnership, bigbasket continues its 10-minute delivery service, meeting customers’ Diwali needs from decorations and gifts to groceries and sweets. Whether it’s last-minute prep or a quick grocery run, bigbasket has every Diwali essential covered.