Through water and words, there I am... An overenthusiastic writer with an insatiable thirst for knowedge.
Stuck in the euphoria of having completed a song, video or album, many independent musicians tend to release their work without considering how to promote it. In 2022, achieving success as an artist has increasingly become more about how you market your music.
The impact of the various coronavirus travel and crowd restrictions has hit hard music professionals whose livelihoods depend on live performances. This follows the cancellations of music events around the world in an attempt by governments to curb the spread of the virus.
For 15 years, DIY distributor TuneCore has provided independent musicians the tools they need to release their music, grow their fan base and stay in control of their careers. And now, with its comprehensive campaign, the leading digital music distributor wants to bolster its presence in Africa.
In a cosmetic world laden with alternative musicians who are hopelessly trying to look more intriguing than they are - with unusual pictures and outlandish outfits yet mediocre music - UK-based South African musician Toya Delazy's idiosyncratic vision and authenticity set her apart from the rest.
Global music streaming service Spotify added seven million paying subscribers to its total number of users, taking its tally of global premium users to 195m.
Branding for product catalogue and pamphlets
Amapiano's demeanour is paradoxical: it's soulful and innocent yet carnal with bright melodies and occasional raw and repetitive hooks, which deeply resonate in the Johannesburg and Pretoria townships where it was first popularised by bedroom producers.
American B2B music licensing company Songtradr has launched a new digital rights management tool called Smart Sync, which is designed to track, control and monetise music catalogues.
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the live music sector elevated the importance of the digital music landscape, with distribution services like TuneCore, Ditto Music, DistroKid and CD Baby playing a big role in getting independents' music out for mass consumption.
Apple Music's $12.5bn contribution makes it a significant source of revenue, according to Apple's fourth quarter (Q4) financials released on Wednesday.