Jay-Z, Rihanna, Madonna And Other Stars Launch 'Tidal' First Ever Artist-Owned Music Streaming Service to Beat Spotify

By Maria Slither - 31 Mar '15 10:56AM

Jay-Z, Rihanna, Madonna and Beyonce stood among other music artists present in the second launching of the music streaming service, Tidal on Monday in New York City.

Reports from the New York Daily News said that the four are also co-owners of the first ever artist-owned music platform. Other co-owners present during the launching include Kanye West, Daft Punk, Alicia Keys, Jack White and Nicki Minaj.

Said to have its silent first launch in October last year, Tidal is aimed at changing the course of music history and thereby ensuring the viability of the industry, as what Alicia Keys told the audience of the Skylight at Moynihan Station in Manhattan.

"So we come together before you on this day, March 30th, 2015, with one voice in unity in the hopes that today will be another one of those moments in time, a moment that will forever change the course of music history. For today we announce Tidal, the first ever artist-owned, global music and entertainment platform," Keys said representing other artists present during the event.

According to Pitchfork, during the Tidal launch on Monday one can also see the first exclusive TV appearance of White Stripes and Daft Punk's Electroma. One may also enjoy the especially-mixed playlist conceptualized by Beyonce. And what's more, a sneak peek of Todd Rungren's Runddans collaboration with Lindstrøm and Emil Nikolaisen has also been presented. These are available on Tidal's homepage.

In respecting the artist's rights for his/her music, Tidal do no provide free music and ad-supported plans in the site and subscribers who want to listen to CD-quality audio and video will have to purchase a monthly plan of $19.95 for high quality streaming and $9.95 for standard quality.

It is also assured that Tidal has made their music streaming service legal by making previous deals with all other major record labels. One can also enjoy curated playlists and editorial in the site.

Tidal is aimed to be Spotify's closest competitor considering that Jay-Z has close affiliations with other artists in the industry, Perez Hilton said.