The Big Record Labels' Not-So-Big Future

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Well, I'm just glad that I outgrew my strong desire to get rich and famous with music.
None of this crap can effect me now.
But, as you know, I always pipe up on this topic because as far as I saw, one of the "Big Record Companies" was the greatest thing to happen to my friends, and, their CD was the price of two okay burritos at a food court, which would be converted into poo in no time.

Now, it's just like, every couple of years you hear, "Hey, guess what?! Adam has a new album out with his new band."
"Cool, what're they called?"
"I can't remember but I got the link to their site."
*go to site*
*download and play song*
"Hmm, cool. Pretty good."



And, that's the extent of it.
The piece I see that's missing, is a "Big Record Company".

*shrag*

 

[jaguarr]

Well, I'm just glad that I outgrew my strong desire to get rich and famous with music.
None of this crap can effect me now.
But, as you know, I always pipe up on this topic because as far as I saw, one of the "Big Record Companies" was the greatest thing to happen to my friends, and, their CD was the price of two okay burritos at a food court, which would be converted into poo in no time.

Now, it's just like, every couple of years you hear, "Hey, guess what?! Adam has a new album out with his new band."
"Cool, what're they called?"
"I can't remember but I got the link to their site."
*go to site*
*download and play song*
"Hmm, cool. Pretty good."



And, that's the extent of it.
The piece I see that's missing, is a "Big Record Company".

*shrag*

You could also take the perspective that the Big Record Company was also a huge enabler for your friends to self-destruct, too. Without the Big Record Company giving them stupid sh1t like a private jet to chase a transcript and things of that nature, spoiling them with their success, maybe they'd have done better.

At any rate, it's not just about putting your music out on a website or Myspace and calling it good. The bands that are successful with using the 'net as a promotional tool are every bit as aggressive about it as all the a-hole bands on the Sunset Strip that used to tear down each other's show flyers and put up their own. They have a marketing STRATEGY and the internet is but one tool in all of that, using websites, email lists, indie artists sites, torrent networks, viral marketing campaigns and more to get the word out about themselves. They take an active, concerted role in their own marketing as a BUSINESS, and that's what helps them get that success.

jag

 

[PLAS]

Here's some good articles to help people understand how unsigned artists are changing the game from their side:

http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue6_8/pfahl/

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=10894

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2005-03-31-diy_x.htm

http://tunecore.typepad.com/tunecorner/2006/05/sell_your_music.html

http://visualizemusicgroup.com/visualize/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=51

http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2006/01/unsigned_artist.html

And there is a TON more where that came from. If you're an unsigned artist, you can start making money off of your work with an international fanbase and not have to share the profits with anyone. This was incredibly difficult if not impossible in the past. Not anymore. Power to the artists.

jag

have I got reading material for the weekend now