Current news and features we unearthed from around the web we thought you might like to read today...

Celebrity endorsements: They say money doesn’t buy happiness, but $187,500 for a few seconds on YouTube might make anyone smile.  And the best part?  The check isn’t coming from YouTube; it’s paid directly to celebrities that subtly (or not so subtly) promote products on their channels – Daniel Adrian Sanchez

On-demand streaming services Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Rhapsody, and others collectively paid nearly $1.6M in guaranteed payments a day to just three major recording labels last quarter.  Total ‘minimum guarantees’ topped $144 million… -- Paul Resnikoff

What is it that makes a Billboard #1 song? Why do some songs make it to the top while others flop? The answer seems to be a difficult cocktail made up of formulaic songwriting mixed with a few unique ingredients… -- Katie Lott

Apple rolls out its new, personalized playlists to Apple Music subscribers on iOS, macOS betas – Sarah Perez

Turning used CDs into playable vinyl: Mobile Vinyl Recorders (MVR), has been making vinyl records from used CDs by over 600 artists, including The Flaming Lips – Keith Nelson Jr.

5 expert recording tips to help hone your craft – SonicBids Blog