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TIdal has a new CEO — its third since the music-streaming service launched in March, Billboard reports.
After months of heavy turnover in Tidal’s executive ranks, the company has named former SoundCloud executive, Jeff Toig, as its new chief executive.
In addition to his previous role as SoundCloud’s chief business officer, Toig brings an extensive background in music-streaming services.
All of that could bode well for Tidal, which has been fighting to gain traction among a growing field of competitors.
Tidal has proven itself to be an interesting business case. Maybe even an outlier.
Like a bad singer with a broken mic, the company debuted in March with much-hyped fanfare that promptly fell flat.
Two CEOs have cycled through, along with a handful of other executives — including artist and label relations SVP Zena Burns and Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Geisler.
Rumors of Tidal’s demise were the song of the summer, despite cofounder Jay Z’s promise that the seemingly hobbled service would survive.
Recent Jay Z sightings at powwows with Samsung executives appeared to suggest the multi-platinum rapper and mogul was looking for an out. But, if we’ve learned anything from Jay Z (other than the fact that he’s a business, man), it’s that he refuses to lose.
The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
In an interview with Billboard published Wednesday, Toig called Tidal’s business model — music-streaming as an artist-driven creative platform — a “powerful” and “compelling” experience. He says that despite the somewhat crowded field, “there’s clearly momentum building” in the space.
Evidence of that can be seen in Tidal’s subscriber growth, which topped 1 million users earlier this fall.
“Nothing real can be threatened, nothing unreal exists” Tidal is platinum. 1,000,000 people and counting. Let’s celebrate 10/20 Brooklyn.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) September 29, 2015
Though some critics have panned Tidal’s subscription model — one $9.99-per-month “basic” subscription, a $19.99 monthly membership for high-fidelity audio, and no free option — Toig says nearly half of Tidal’s subscriber’s “are on the hi-fi offering.”
It’s not clear how many of those are paying subscribers though, since Tidal still offers a free 30-day trial for new users.
While some uncertainties remain, Toig lays out his vision for Tidal’s future: “We’re deeply committed to this business, and we’re focusing on building a scaled, sustainable, successful business that’s going to be here for a long time.”
Toig officially jumps in the front seat in January.
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