Jeeni Blog

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Weekly Round-up #3

/ By Freya Devlin
Weekly Round-up #3

Jeeni's weekly round-up of music and entertainment news.

Spotify Free Users Are Growing Faster Than Paid Subscribers


A report from eMarkerter suggests that Spotify will hit 41.5 million free users in the US this year. That’s an increase of 9.7% over 2020, and part of a trend that finds ad-supported listeners making up an increased share of Spotify’s platform. If that trend continues, Spotify is expected to have as many as 52 million US-based ad-supported listeners by 2025. Spotify's subscriber base has also grown by 19% year-on-year to 172 million. "Looking ahead: Spotify will hit 52.0 million ad-supported US listeners and 52.2 million paid US listeners in 2025, totaling over 100 million."

Radiohead’s Entire Catalog Is Now Available on Bandcamp

On Oct. 21, Radiohead’s entire catalog became available to stream and or purchase on Bandcamp. The collection includes Radiohead’s nine studio albums also offers the band’s live album from 2001 I Might Be Wrong, disc two of In Rainbows, TKOL RMX 1234567, OK Computer reissue OKNOTOK 1997 2017 and the upcoming Kid A Mnesia collection.

“Today, Bandcamp is thrilled to announce that the full studio discography of pioneering UK band Radiohead has come to Bandcamp. Radiohead have forged a career built on constant change, dreaming themselves up anew with each record, but never getting so lost in innovation that they forget to instill every one of their songs with genuine human pathos.” The announcement by Bandcamp stated

Radiohead pulled all their music from Spotify in 2013 “the last desperate fart of a dying corpse.” said Thom Yorke. Although their music returned to Spotify in the following years.

What Spotify, Apple and other streaming services want to pay songwriters from 2023 onwards

Music streaming services such as Spotify, Apple, Pandora and Google are reportedly proposing lower royalty rates for songwriters to the US Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) for five years between 2023 and 2027. Although not released to the public the rates proposed are said to be the lowest ever seen in streaming history, these companies are now coming under fire for disproportionate royalties.

CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), David Israelite told Music Business Worldwide “We will be fighting to raise significantly what streaming services pay songwriters, and we will now see with full transparency to what degree Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YouTube and Pandora are trying to cut what little they currently pay,”

Music industry 'should support struggling small gig venues'

 Greater Manchester mayor and Former culture secretary Andy Burnham, called on the "big players" in music to pay a levy, just as football clubs contribute to grassroots facilities. The Music Venue Trust says 30 venues are at imminent risk of permanent closure because of the pandemic, with hundreds more in trouble. Burnham has said that the music industry should help bail out small music venues that are struggling in a panel with Independent Venue Week.

Burnham suggested the music industry adopts a system like Football Foundation. The FA and Government's charity which he helped set up, helps communities improve their local football facilities through football grants. The Premier League and Football Association gave £53m last year, with another £18m contributed by the government.

"The industry needs to step up for you, and I think we should be mounting a case to say, the industry has to pay a levy to support grassroots venues, because that is their talent production ground. They are the junior football clubs of the country. That's where the talent comes through."

In Jeeni News

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Jeeni is Hiring! We are currently recruiting for the following roles:

• Role 1: Marketing Assistant
• Role 2: Marketing Executive (Digital Marketing)
• Role 3: Marketing Executive (Public Relations)
• Role 4: Jnr Developer
• Role 5: Jnr Developer
• Role 6: WordPress Specialist
• Role 7: Senior Developer
• Role 8: Senior Developer
• Role 9: Sales Executive
• Role 10: Sales Executive
• Role 11: Partnership Co-ordinator

These are Kickstarter Scheme positions (candidate must be aged between 16-24 and on, or have applied for, Universal Credit.

If you'd like to apply for any of the above roles please send your resume to shena@jeeni.com

Jeeni's Pick of the Week

Our Pick of the Week is Colectiva a nine-piece ensemble exploring the spaces between Afro-Latin music and jazz while reflecting on themes of sisterhood and female empowerment. Exploring the boundaries between Afro-Latin music and Jazz, Colectiva are a unique voice on the UK scene.

Read our blog here: https://lnkd.in/en7sSa2C
Check out Colectiva's showcase on Jeeni https://lnkd.in/en7sSa2C

New Music Friday

In our New Music Friday segment we've chosen to showcase Glasgow based Alt-rock band Respite. Respite blends elements of punk, post-hardcore and pop music, with lyrics and vocals heavily inspired by pop-punk and emo. Having supported acts such as Hawthorne Heights, Trophy Eyes and Like Pacific, the band released their first single “Chemical Sleep” on the 3rd of October and dropped their debut EP “Vol. 1” on 29th of October. Available to stream everywhere right now!

Check out their showcase on Jeeni https://jeeni.com/showcase/respite-band/

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Weekly Round-Up #9

11
Feb

Weekly Round-Up #9

The latest developments and additions to Jeeni’s mission!  New Content Contributed to Jeeni’s Database of Talent!  New and exciting content is always being added to Jeeni’s library and the past two weeks have not been an exception.   Award-winning rock-star, Eden James has added two more tracks from his extensive rock discography to Jeeni’s database. ‘Don’t Give Up’ and a live performance of ‘Bad Girl’ are now available on Jeeni.  Three new artists to Jeeni have also been uploading new music this week. Hip-hop and electronic collective, Ace Bermuda have uploaded their debut single, ‘WTF Is Ace Bermuda’, as has brand-new Jeeni artist, Julience with his track, ‘Alcohol’. Alana Sukul has also put forward five new additions to Jeeni, including her newest track, ‘Good To You’ and her hit track, ‘Closer’.  Jeeni regulars have also been contributing exciting new music such as Zeeteah’s brilliant ‘Wat A Ting’, Nnaomi’s ‘Hate Me’ and Maple Sky’s ‘Vision’, all three of which have been reviewed and published onto Jeeni’s blog page: https://jeeni.com/blog/ .   Here are more details about the blogs we’ve published in the last two weeks.  Six new reviews for Jeeni artists’ newest projects have been published since our last Weekly Round-Up!   Jeeni published a full review of Nnaomi’s incredible new single, ‘Hate Me’, “Nnaomi evokes even more emotion and sentiment with her swirling, impactful and atmospheric new single, ‘Hate Me’”. Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/nnaomi-hate-me-single-review-blog-jeeni/   Listen to ‘Hate Me’ here: https://jeeni.com/nnaomi-hate-me/   Also, this week, Jeeni ambassador, Zeeteah Massiah released the playful yet important, ‘Wat A Ting’, “Zeeteah’s newest single is a brilliant, tongue-in-cheek poke at misinformation and its relentless spreading, all the while being a dancehall banger in its own right.” Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/zeeteah-massiah-wat-a-ting-single-review/   ‘Wat A Ting’ is available on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/wat-a-ting-zeeteah-massiah/?channel=zeeteah-  Released last Saturday, “Maple Sky broaden their sound once more with this explosive, brand-new funk banger, named ‘Vision’”. Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/maple-sky-vision-single-review/   Check out the jazz quartet’s newest single here: https://jeeni.com/vision-maple-sky/?channel=maple-sky&rtn=btasc&artist=maple-sky   Multi-instrumentalist and folk singer, Daisy Chute blessed the Jeeni library of talent with her newest EP, ‘Cradle Songs’. “Daisy Chute’s newest EP consists of three sonic fairytales, crafted with swelling strings, twinkling percussion and her bewitching vocals.” Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/daisy-chute-cradle-songs-ep-review/  Listen to Daisy’s new EP here: https://jeeni.com/cradle-song-daisy-chute/?channel=daisy-chute&rtn=btasc&artist=daisy-chute-2   Another review published to Jeeni this week was for Nigerian/British rapper, I K 8OY’s debut single, ‘Let You Know’, “Stirring together afroswing with tuneful rapping, the first official release from I K 8OY is a shimmering and glossy UK hip-hop achievement.” Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/i-k-8oy-let-you-know-single-review/   Listen to I K 8OY’s debut single here: https://jeeni.com/let-you-know-i-k-8oy/   And finally, a review of yet another debut was published this Monday for Ace Bermuda’s ‘WTF Is Ace Bermuda’. “If the elusive, grand and electrifying Ace Bermuda were a TV show, ‘WTF Is Ace Bermuda’ would be their theme song. The collective’s first official release perfectly encapsulates the group’s innovative intentions and collaborative nature.” Read the full review here: https://jeeni.com/blog/ace-bermuda-wtf-is-ace-bermuda-feat-jada-freeman-profiiit-single-review/   Check out the collective’s debut here: https://jeeni.com/wtf-is-ace-bermuda/?channel=ixohnlybtrod&rtn=btasc&artist=ace-bermuda   Calling All Graduates Looking for Work, Jeeni Officially Partners with Gradfuel to Create 654 New Jobs! Among the 654 new roles available across England include; 116 sales positions, with a focus in London, Manchester and remote situations, 143 roles in Marketing, also for people based in London, Manchester or remote, 118 hospitality roles particularly in London and Birmingham, 121 admin positions focused on remote and London. There are also 31 roles for those specialised in graphic design such as Photoshop and Adobe for remote and London-based applicants. IT and data have 81 roles for London-based and remote situations and finally, there are 25 roles in finance, also for London and remotely working applicants.  Check out our full blog on Jeeni’s partnership with Gradfuel: https://jeeni.com/blog/calling-all-graduates-looking-for-work-jeeni-officially-partners-with-gradfuel-to-create-654-new-jobs/   Reach out to the Jeeni marketing team at doug@jeeni.com or ella@jeeni.com.   Make sure you’re following us on social media to keep up to date with new releases from our artists, our blogs and any job openings.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeenimusic/    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeenimusic    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeenimusic    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/33222018/admin/ 

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Artist Focus: Maple Sky

21
Jan

Artist Focus: Maple Sky

Although this refreshing four-piece has its foundations firmly planted in modern jazz, Maple Sky harvests their inspirations from a rich and varied crop. Classic rock, 50s lounge jazz, RnB and gospel are all contributed from various members to result in the exciting final product that is Maple Sky.  Maple Sky's origin began with keys player, Joel Bamigboye (far-left in pic above) in 2018 as he was compiling “a small archive of musical material, with the aim of forming a band” to translate his initial creative vision. Olivia McKeon (mid-left) entered the scene and brought a lyrical and vocal element to Joel’s work. From there, with the addition of two others, the Maple Sky prototype formed by the name of ‘NOVA’. Quickly becoming a theme of our Artist Focus blogs; the pandemic forced a change in the group and created a make-or-break scenario for the founding members. Luckily, after releasing their self-titled EP as a duo, the two adapted and survived the obstacle and re-emerged as ‘Maple Sky’ with a key change in personnel. Ed Jordan (mid-right) was introduced as both the drummer and in-house producer, and Christian Rivers-Martin (far-right) was welcomed to contribute his classically trained bass skills as the groove backbone of the group. Since then, the group has been hard at work, whether that’s creating new, sweet jazz tunes or performing their stellar collection of tracks live.   Maple Sky specialise in a broad and flexible portrayal of jazz with influences from Esperanza Spalding, Yebba, and D’angelo. Their eponymous debut EP certainly showcases that range of their influences and inspirations, particularly that of jazz legend, Lester Young and current wunderkind, Arlo Parks.   The group are currently excited for the upcoming single, ‘Vision’, set to be released on the 5th of February, which will join the romantic and heart-aching ‘Free Her’ as the teaser tracks for their future second EP, which will be released later this year. The group also plan to upload a roster of exciting live videos which were shot just before Christmas. Maple Sky promises more big things for those with their ears on the ground for more from the stellar jazz act, “We'd advise making sure you have us followed on all our social media to stay up-to-date with what we've got going on because there is a lot coming up!”  Follow Maple Sky on socials:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/mapleskyband   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MapleSkyBand/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapleskyband/   We've loved supporting and following Maple Sky and we're happy to say that the group have enjoyed being a part of Jeeni, too, "Jeeni have been amazing to work with and we have loved collaborating with them." If Jeeni's mission interests you as an artist or a viewer, sign up for free, today! Check out Maple Sky’s showcase on Jeeni here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/maple-sky/   How can Jeeni support artists like Maple Sky?   JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.   • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. 

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Daisy Chute, ‘Cradle Songs’, EP review

04
Feb

Daisy Chute, ‘Cradle Songs’, EP review

Daisy Chute’s newest EP consists of three sonic fairytales, crafted with swelling strings, twinkling percussion and her bewitching vocals.   Daisy has been an important and keen part of Jeeni by creating and uploading her incredible tracks to Jeeni's folk channel. She was also a key part of Jeeni's artist partnership programme alongside Arianna May. Check out Daisy's showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/daisy-chute/ The opening track, ‘Cradle Song’ is a theatrical piece which expresses an implacable feeling of uneasiness. This tempting and crafty opener is intentionally overcompensated with syrupy amounts of serenity and reassurance as an attempt to calm and lull the listener, “Now, hush”.   The near-sinister nature of this track is thanks to the dark guitar notes, rumbling bass and sultry vocals from Daisy that coaxes you further into something that you just might not be able to back out of.  Daisy’s voice here utilises the non-sensical melodies heard in the oldest of lullabies and folktales in a hypnotic repetition, which further pushes the feeling of being enticed and convinced. This track creeps along slowly and regularly, like a rocking cot and totally succeeds in lulling the listener to concede to a peaceful, warm state, despite its dark character.  Contrary to its name, ‘Melancholy Air’ feels much more sincere and warm than the first track, due to the flittering strings, traditional folk percussion and uplifting plucked string instruments. The piece is medieval and traditional, but brought together and realised in a way that could only be done now. The atmosphere and space given to each instrument is reminiscent of the delicate and sparkly quality that Thomas Newman gives to his motion picture scores such as ‘American Beauty’ and ‘Finding Nemo’. This cinematic essence could be what inspired Daisy to include an instrumental version of the track, focused purely on the orchestral impact and story-telling.  The final track, ‘Mary’s Song’ has all of the charm and sentiment of a typical dedicated piece. This is because the arrangement is formed around a specific person and the emotions that that person evokes. As a result, the piece is interwoven with feeling in each instrument and note. Daisy’s capabilities for writing sweet, gliding melodies are utterly enchanting and are showcased quintessentially throughout this dream-like project. Check out Daisy Chute's Jeeni showcase here: https://jeeni.com/showcase/daisy-chute/ Follow Daisy on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisychuteofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisychuteofficial/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/daisychute How can Jeeni support artists like Daisy Chute?   JEENI is a multi-channel platform for original entertainment on demand. We’re a direct service between creatives and the global audience.   • We give creatives, independent artists and performers a showcase for their talent and services. And they keep 100% of everything they make.  • We empower our audience and reward them every step of the way.  • We promise to treat our members ethically, fairly, honestly and with respect.  • Access to artist liaison and a supportive marketing team. 

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