AOL remains quiet while its employees reveal on Twitter that AOL Music is shutting down

Online music service AOL Music, and its associated properties, has been shut down with immediate effect according to AOL employees on Twitter. The news initially came from editors at Spinner magazine, part of the AOL Music group. The Spinner account sent a message to its 48,000 followers saying: "Hey guys. Just found out from AOL that we're shutting down. Today is our last day. Seriously.". The tweet was then deleted. Spinner editor Dan Reilly then tweeted from his personal account: “Well, we all just got laid off. AOL Music is finished.”

Sitting in an HR meeting right now, trying to negotiate keeping our computers for a few more days.

— Dan Reilly (@danreilly11) April 26, 2013

Well, at least I found a good reason to finish off the whiskey at my desk.

— Dan Reilly (@danreilly11) April 26, 2013

Oh, sweet. They're serving beer in the office today while we pack. That makes it easier.

— Dan Reilly (@danreilly11) April 26, 2013

Fellow Spinner editor Paul Cantor sent a similar message.

Just lost my job. Actually I'm in the room losing it right this second, while tweeting. So yeah, hit me with any opportunities.

— PaulCantor (@PaulCantor) April 26, 2013

AOL Music's other music news sites reportedly facing the axe include The BoomBox, The Boot and Noisecreep.AOL has yet to make an official announcement, however reports are suggesting that poor performance due to competition from independent bloggers may be to blame. AOL Radio will not be shutting down, according to program director Thomas Chau who tweeted amidst online confusion: “AOL Radio will continue but everyone I work with will be unemployed as of today.”

It's a sad day here at @aol. We'd like to say goodbye to our colleagues at @aolmusic, @thebootdotcom, @noisecreep, @spinner and @theboombox

— AOL Radio (@AOLRadio) April 26, 2013