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.

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Hello people! Two and a half weeks after our “trial run” we are happy to say that you can now purchase the music of Motherpearl on iTunes, Amazon, Peoples Music Store, Rhapsody and soon many others. The Gothenberg based band are, as you can imagine, really happy about the news, as is Record Union. Time for champagne perhaps? Not QUITE yet…there is still much to be done! We are eagerly awating the beta launch of our distribution platform, which will be up and running shortly. However, this news is still a call for celebration!

The term “unsigned” has historically been used by the music business as an almost derogatory remark to denote artists and bands who haven’t yet signed to a label, be the label independent or major. Almost as if to say that the band isn’t “good enough” to be offered a record deal or that since they haven’t signed a deal, they have not yet reached “success”. There are a number of things wrong with this.

Firstly, there are many great bands and artists without record deals playing superb music on local scenes and circuits around the world. Playing smaller and more intimate gigs, they are the lifeblood of local scenes and perform a important cultural role. Moreover, the internet has served to make a lot more music open to discover by a lot more people, and we realise there is a wealth of talent out there untapped by record labels. Being signed to a label is by no means a necessary measure of an artist’s talent or their capacity to create great music.

Secondly, there are a number significant benefits to the independence associated with being unsigned, and it is possible to enjoy a successful career in music without signing to a Record Label.

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So, what has Record Union been up these past weeks? Well, we are happy to say that we have secured some great new contracts with international Digital Service Providers. This has put some extra clout in the reach of our distribution, which we now estimate is around 95% of the global download market. Not bad eh? Other than this, we have eagerly been recruiting A&Rs around the world, and now have Record Union ambassadors representing us internationally. We have had great feedback from our A&Rs concerning our offer, and are sure that the A&R network will continue to flourish.  We have had a great response from artists too, who seem to really like the details of our offer. Other than this, we have been working like only possessed human beings can to get our service up and running. As we get closer to launching, members of the Record Union team have been discussing the phenomenon of the infinitely expanding “to do” list. You may have encountered this tendency yourself – what seems at first to be a simple “to do” on the list, on closer examination, becomes several “to dos” which in turn multiply exponentially, until the list takes on a life of its own. But after some things taking longer than anticipated, and new contracts to integrate into the platform, we are glad to say that the final hurdle is in sight. The website is looking great and it definitely won´t disappoint! Hefner, at least, is pleased with it. To keep updated with the latest news, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter or join our facebook group.

Record Union´s expedition to the MIDEM music conference was a huge success! Everyone we spoke to were enthusiastic about our concept and especially our business model, which guarantees no upfront costs for artist wishing to distribute their music. This enthusiasm reinforced our belief that having no upfront costs will make our offer more attractive to artist, who realise that engaging in a digital distribution agreement with Record Union caries little risk and has the potential for great rewards. We put faith in our artists that their music will sell, and do not want to bog them down with payments before they have tasted the benefits of digital distribution.

During the conference, we secured oral agreements with half a dozen powerful music stores, which now puts the reach of our distribution to well over 95% of the global download market. This is a great achievement; for now we can confidently say we are one of the most, if not the most, powerful digital distributer on the market!

With approximately 8000 visitors at the conference, there was networking going on by the plenty. And as you can imagine, a mass exchange of business cards. What was particularly popular were the Record Union pens, which, whether taken for practical purposes or a reflecting a genuine interest in Record Union, now require a new order! What is especially encouraging for us of the new music generation is that online services dominated the conference, and there were many great ideas being developed by entrepreneurs all over the world. There was a shared feeling that the music industry is uncertain of where it is heading, which presents itself as a great opportunity to forge new ideas. One thing is certain, however, and this is that online services will play very important role in the new music environment.

Other than this, there were great live performances from a diverse range of artists showcasing their talent, and it was quite the party!

MIDEM is the place for people and organisations working with music to meet, network and get exposure. It is not surprising, then, that Record Union will be there! If you would like to meet up and chat with what will soon be a major player in the online distribution market, contact us at proposals@recordunion.com and we would be more than happy to organise a meeting.

Heads up! This is the first post of the Dog Blog, wohoo! (wild clapping and raucous hooting). Thats right my friends, the Dog Blog is live! wahhhhh! (vicarious fainting and exaggerated gesticulation).  Now, the first thing to cover (for those who may be curious) is why this is called the “Dog” blog. Well, you may have met Hefner, the Record Union pug and mastermind of our web service. This is his blog; hence, the “dog” blog. However, since Hefner is very busy these days securing DSP contracts, schmoozing with the music industry elites, flirting with Pugesses and smoking large cigars, his ideas will be mediated via the Record Union blog team. We are a collection of hyper intelligent and well informed music enthusiasts originating from planet Zarathustra (next to Arkintoofle Minor). The direction of this blog will change over time, but we assure you it will be interesting, informative and maybe even a little bit headucational. But fear not, there will also be plenty of stuff to make you chuckle too!