Spotify-UMG deal close

THREE OUT OF FOUR IN THE BAG? Spotify could finalize a deal with UMG “within a few weeks,” according to a Reuters report picked up by Digital Music News (and now us). That leaves Warner Music, whose Edgar Bronfman is believed to have somewhat softened his stance of last February, in which he stated unequivocally that "free streaming services are clearly not net positive for the industry, and as far as Warner Music's concerned will not be licensed. So this sort of ‘get all the music you want for free and then we can with a few bells and whistles move you to a premium price strategy’ is not the kind of approach to business that we will be supporting in the future." (2/24a)