Universal to ban streaming exclusives following Frank Ocean’s Blonde.

Labels and artistes exclusively handing their material to streaming platforms like TIDAL, Apple Music and Spotify has become increasingly popular. Universal Music Group is however, bringing the streaming of exclusives to an end as they shall no longer allow artistes signed to their label do so following Frank Ocean’s Blonde release.

According to Bob Lefsetz, Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, sent out a company-wide email on Monday, just two days after Ocean’s Blonde release, saying the company would no longer allow the practice of exclusive streaming.

UMG is home to seven of 2015’s 10 best-selling albums and the decision will affect acts under the Universal umbrella, including all five of this year’s album of the year Grammy nominees: Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes.

Now that Universal has made this notably impactful decision, what other labels will follow suit?

Source: The Guardian