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.

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

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.

Spotify and Universal have reached a multi-year publishing agreement, which will see new subscription tiers and a richer content catalogue.

Universal Music Group NV and Spotify Technology SA reached a new multiyear distribution agreement that includes compensation for recorded songs and publishing rights.

Spotify and the Universal Music Group have struck a new deal that will expand platform monetization and change how songwriters get paid for streams.