The net helps music sing new songs…
The BBC technology page wrote an interesting article recently entitled “the net helps music sing new songs”. It is a great article outlining the many ways which the internet is changing music, and how musicians are utilizing the internet to empower themselves. Discussing the continuing role of major labels, the article points out that “Some would argue that with an international reach and incredibly low entry costs, that the internet itself is the newest “major” label”. This arguement is in fact quite strong, for the many of the key roles that a major record label performs (recording, distribution and marketing) the internet also performs, and with a greater volume of music. Technological developments within music recording and production, coupled with the international reach of the internet has made it easier for musicians to record and “release” their music globally. The internet can be seen as the new “major label” for it enables far more music than ever before to be shared on a global platform, while simultaneously putting this music in a close proximity to listeners who can discover and enjoy it.
Such a powerfull and open channel to distribute and market music has never been available to musicans before, and the result is that a lot more potentially great music has become available to listeners all over the world. The article also hints that the tension between the free distribution of music that the internet facilitates and the monetizing of this process might not be as pinnacle as one may think. “The music is the sample, but capturing and nurturing fans so they are happy to support the band is key”. So we need not fear that music has been “devalued” or that the only resort is that music should be “free”. When listeners appreciate and feel a connection to what they are listening too, most will be happy give the artist something back in return. So artists and bands need to focus on engaging new listeners and building a strong relationship with them, and by seizing the many opportunites which the internet provides for reaching out and nurting fans, artists can do exactly this.
To read it the full article, click here.
Tags: bbc, distribution, dogblog, internet, Music, online music, online music industry, Promotion advice, record, record industry, Recordunion, The new music industry, union
