RIAA has issued its semi-annual report on U.S. music business sales, shipments and revenues through the first half of the year.

According to the report:

During 1H, revenues from music streaming services surpassed $1 billion for the first time, growing 23 percent in 2015 to $1.03 billion, up from $834 million for 1H 2014.

Revenues from permanent digital downloads (including albums, single tracks, videos, and kiosk sales) declined 4 percent to $1.3 billion for the first half of 2015.

Total value of shipments in physical formats was $748 million, down 17 percent versus 1H 2014.

RIAA Chairman and CEO Cary Sherman commented, “The data continues to reflect the story of a business undergoing an enormous transition. There are many positive signs: continuing the trend from 2014, wholesale revenues for the first half of 2015 increased. And revenues from streaming music services continue to grow at a healthy double digit rate. The product of music and the extraordinary roster of artists represented by today’s music labels remains in high demand. That is the bedrock of a successful future.

“At the same time, intense demand and billions of streams does not always equal fair market rates or a fair playing field. Addressing that is an essential element of fulfilling the enormous promise of today’s digital marketplace.”

Click to see the report.

The RIAA has certified 64 Digital Single Awards and 6 Album Awards for the month of August 2015.

Of those that hit the million-mark, Sam Hunt‘s single “Take Your Time” has reached double platinum, while his “House Party” has reached platinum. Carrie Underwood‘s “Blown Away” has reached triple platinum while her 2005 and 2007 singles, “All American Girl” and “Before He Cheats,” have reached double and five times platinum, respectively. Her 2012 single “See You Again” and 2005 single “Wasted” both hit platinum sales.

Maddie & Tae have touched the million mark with “Girl In A Country Song.” Tim McGraw has reached platinum status for “Shotgun Rider” and “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s.” Cole Swindell has touched a million with “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey.”

Maddie & Tae celebrate the platinum single status at their album release party in Nashville in 2015. Pictured (L-R): Back: Dot Records’ Michelle Kammerer, Kris Lamb, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Dot Records’ Chris Stacey, Bernadette Gibbons; Front: Dot Records’ Mallory Allgood, Maddie Marlow, Tae Dye, Dot Records’ Brooke Nixon. Photo: Getty Images for Dot Records

Taylor Swift‘s 2008 album Fearless has touched seven times platinum while her recent singles “Bad Blood” and “Blank Space” have reached a respective three and seven times platinum. Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass” has hit nine times platinum while her “Dear Future Husband” reached double platinum.

MSO (Mitch Schneider Organization), a music, culture and lifestyle publicity company with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, will launch its Social Media Division this October, with services to be provided by San Francisco-based social media expert Michael Brandvold. In addition to MSO’s current and future publicity clients who may elect to hire the Social Media Division as an additional service, the company will welcome artists and projects specifically for social media who are not publicity clients of the firm.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of MSO–we just want to keep evolving,” says Mitch Schneider, President of MSO. “We became aware of Michael Brandvold via some mutual clientsand we admire the social digital strategies for his clients. We’re all excited about this union and how it will strengthen the profiles of our artists, events and brands.”

“I am excited to be providing the social media services to the Mitch Schneider Organization,” says Brandvold. “MSO’s history stands on its own.”

The social media services provided will include, but aren’t limited to: creating a digital strategy that encompasses social media networks; coordinating with and supporting PR, radio, merchandise/e-commerce, record label and tour promotion efforts; the creation of content strategies and management of social networks; and developing a plan to engage with existing fans and acquiring new fans.