Monday, June 27, 2005

Online music stores singing a new tune: No big labels allowed - The Boston Globe

Online music stores singing a new tune: No big labels allowed - The Boston Globe: "As more online businesses begin to pop up in support of independent music, it's clear that musicians can get a good deal. While artists get more direct revenue, usually 50 percent or higher, most companies like Audio Lunchbox and Magnatune are nonexclusive, allowing musicians to distribute their music anywhere."

Good story about the push around distribution channels for unsigned bands. The story goes on to say...

"With artists now receiving revenue from downloading, fans don't mind supporting the artists. However, on sites like iTunes and Napster, artists only receive eight to 14 cents per song, according to downhillbattle.org, a Worcester based nonprofit organization working to promote a fair music industry."

Of course, the question is... why do these sites have to be indie-only? As a consumer, I want a single service that exposes both major label and unsigned artists in a single interface with a recommnedations engine that will surface the latter based on my preferences for the former.

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