Jay Z’s Tidal Is Already Firing People–Including the CEO

Amber Healey writes in my sister website, Geeks&Beats:

News broke Friday that Tidal CEO Andy Chen, along with more than 25 staffers, is no longer with the company.

First reported by Swedish website Breakit and later picked up by VentureBeat andDigital Music News, Peter Tonstad is rumored to be stepping in as CEO for the time being.

In a statement sent to Breakit and translated by VentureBeat, the company says it “continues to ignite a global conversation; one that puts the artist and music love at the center of the experience.

As the new interim CEO of TIDAL, Peter Tonstad is focused on the company’s industry-leading content quality and connection to the fans.”
Tonstad himself says “I believe in TIDAL and what the team is doing to the effect the change the music industry needs. We’re streamlining the company and refocusing our resources to ensure the platform continues to grow, and listeners can make a connection to their favorite artists. No one else is doing this.”

At the same time, however, there’s been some bad press for TIDAL, which went live on March 30. Many artists are speaking out in opposition to the platform, owned by Jay-Z, saying the royalties for musicians aren’t sufficient and that smaller label or independent artists aren’t well represented.

The whole story can be found here with additional coverage here.