Spotify and the National Independent Venue Association have announced a year-long partnership intended to strengthen independent live music in the U.S.  As the live-music business has expanded and consolidated, independent venues have found themselves facing daunting odds competing against giants like Live Nation and AEG. “Independent venues are the heartbeat of live music,” said Spotify’s Rene Volker. “They’re where artists take risks, build devoted communities, and where fans discover what