UMG chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge called the agreement “precisely the kind of partnership development” the company hoped for when describing Streaming 2.0. That presentation envisioned a “Super-Premium” subscription for superfans that could mean things like early access to music,

Discover the details of Spotify's new licensing deal with Universal Music Group and how it may impact its content and royalties approach.

Spotify is probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians.” Despite new agreements between the world’s largest music label and one of the largest providers of music streaming services, the Icelandic artist’s words continue to ring true.

The new publishing agreement establishes a direct license between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group.

The deal focuses on what the companies call "Streaming 2.0" - the "next stage in the evolution of music" rooted in new paid subscription tiers and an expanded content catalog, as well as artist and user perks.

Spotify and Universal Music Group have announced a new, multi-year direct licensing pact that will cover the United States and several other companies, according to a Sunday release. "When we first presented our vision for the next stage in the evolution of music subscription several months ago -- Steaming 2.

Universal Music Group and Spotify on Sunday announced a huge multi-year direct deal that will affect both recording and publishing royalty rates.