Some tuneage and analysis
Music and the music business is changing, we have seen interesting things like Radiohead adventure, Trent Reznor first attempt, REM iLike Release, Trent second attempt and finally we have the iTunes WiFi Store. In between we have many stuff like lasf.fm, MySpace Music, and a long etcetera.
The model of pay what you want seems not to work in the end, Treznor more complete offer was a win-win and pointed the possible way to go, even when the content of “Ghost I-VI” was not that great, is important to make a precedent like this. Also on “Ghost I-IV” you can choose between great options to fit into every taste and pocket. Today’s torrent generation only know music as free stuff you can get on the net to feed your iPod, but is willing to pay 5 bucks for a download, that is the most important thing of the “Ghost I-IV”, they proved the concept. You can say that Treznor and NIN are really known and the result is likely not so easy to replicate on a unknown band, but hey there is a opportunity to a new business, think a little and you will see the gap to be cover.
Now the RIAA and such are trying to get the Internet Music Fee, but… not everybody will understand why they are paying for somebody else’s music. That is just as crazy as the random lawsuits. The truth is that the current music business model is dead and now they are struggling to keep their status of Gate Keepers.
The new Gate Keeper? Apple, with the iTunes Store, they control one of the main distribution channel of digital content which and getting more important at fast pace. Is really easy to find and buy music on iTunes, even now with iTunes WiFi Store is possible to get the music direct on your device which is even more pleasant. More people are likely to buy music this way than drags their asses to the next music store and wait in line to pay for some CD.
In the other hand we have the piracy gang, but your know all I’m going to say about it, then, let’s move on.
Along with music there are few project aiming to make something passive as music listening in something more exiting. We have seen NIN Remix and now the copycat Radiohead attempt. That is a good way to go, keep your public motivated and get them spread your content.
Of course they are retrogrades-lazy-mediocre-self-called-artist who can’t see beyond their next CD sale or the next concert profits. Those will certainly pass away like the generation who make them famous. The others, who can think (or hire someone to think for them) will prevail and be rewarded for that.
Keep flowing.
