Jay-Z has won approval for his bid to purchase Aspiro earlier this month, and the company’s streaming service, now known as TidalHifi, is set to launch. The current Tidal website includes a counter that indicates listeners will be able to use the app in 5 days. This position Jay-Z to take on Spotify and Beats headed to headed.
A message posted on the site reads:
Introducing the first music streaming service that combines the best High Fidelity sound quality, High Definition music videos and expertly Curated Editorial.
Revenues are booming from streaming services which surpassed CDs for the first time in 2014, according to a report released by the RIAA. Subscription streaming from services such as Spotify and Rhapsody totaled $1.87 billion as compared to $1.85 billion for CD sales. Streaming’s revenue rose 29% from 2013 while CDs fell 12.7%
The hi-fi service is said to offer 25 million tracks for streaming with lossless audio quality. Recommendations, playlists, interviews, and other features are also part of the Tidal experience. Music fans can try out the service with a 7-day free trial. The monthly rate is listed at $19.99.
There have been reports that Jay met with several high-profile entertainers including Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Daft Punk, Chris Martin, and Jack Black to discuss his vision for Aspiro/Tidal. The meeting supposedly focused on artists’ rights and the performers’ ability to profit from the streaming of their music.