Spotify and Universal announced a new deal that sources say improves the payment structure for the streamer's controversial music-audiobooks 'bundle.'

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 Music Group have struck a new multi-year agreement focused on driving subscriber growth and advancing music monetization.

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

The publishing agreement establishes a direct license between Spotify and UMG across Spotify's current product portfolio in the U.S. and several other countries, they said in a statement. The partnership will ensure constant innovation,

Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, and streaming behemoth Spotify on Sunday announced a multi-year direct deal that will affect both recording and publishing royalty rates.

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