About a month after reports of its hi-fi streaming tier surfaced, Spotify has announced a new licensing partnership with Universal Music Group, one which will favour the idea of streaming exclusivity.
As The Verge reports, the deal will see the streaming giant allow albums from UMG artists to remain exclusive to Spotify's paid premium tier for up to two weeks following release. During this time, free Spotify users would then not be able to stream these UMG albums.
The publication also reports that, according to sources close to the situation, Spotify will also pay slightly less to UMG per stream.
"We know that not every album by every artist should be released the same way, and we've worked hard with UMG to develop a new, flexible release policy," Spotify CEO Daniel Ek stated. "Starting today, Universal artists can choose to release new albums on premium only for two weeks, offering subscribers an earlier chance to explore the complete creative work, while the singles are available across Spotify for all our listeners to enjoy."
The Verge also reports that similar deals with Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group are also in the works.
As The Verge reports, the deal will see the streaming giant allow albums from UMG artists to remain exclusive to Spotify's paid premium tier for up to two weeks following release. During this time, free Spotify users would then not be able to stream these UMG albums.
The publication also reports that, according to sources close to the situation, Spotify will also pay slightly less to UMG per stream.
"We know that not every album by every artist should be released the same way, and we've worked hard with UMG to develop a new, flexible release policy," Spotify CEO Daniel Ek stated. "Starting today, Universal artists can choose to release new albums on premium only for two weeks, offering subscribers an earlier chance to explore the complete creative work, while the singles are available across Spotify for all our listeners to enjoy."
The Verge also reports that similar deals with Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group are also in the works.
