"...when the majors realised that digital downloads were not growing as quickly as they had hoped, they landed on a more adventurous digital strategy. They now want to move beyond Apple's iTunes and its paid-for downloads. The direction of most of their recent digital deals, such as with Imeem, a social network that offers advertising-supported streamed music, is to offer music free at the point of delivery to consumers. Perhaps the most important experiment of all is a deal Universal struck in December [2007] with Nokia, the biggest mobile-phone maker, to supply its music for new handsets that will go on sale later this year. These “Comes With Music” phones will allow customers to download all the music they want to their phones and PCs and keep it—even if they change handsets when their year's subscription ends. Instead of charging consumers directly, Universal will take a cut of the price of each phone. The other majors are expected to strike similar deals.
“‘Comes with Music' is a recognition that music has to be given away for free, or close to free, on the internet,” says Mr Mulligan. Paid-for download services will continue and ad-supported music will become more widespread, but subsidised services where people do not pay directly for music will become by far the most popular, he says. For the recorded-music industry this is a leap into the unknown. Universal and its fellow majors may never earn anything like as much from partnership with device-makers as they did from physical formats. Some among their number, indeed, may not survive. Click here to read the full article.
Who can save the recorded-music industry?You the free thinking musician, singer, songwriter, music producer/composer that takes their craft and business serious. The one who has a burning desire, practical written plan and executes that plan daily may save the recorded-music industry. Those who are able to carve a niche and take full advantage of that niche by giving fans what they want, when they want and how they want it are in the best possible position to create and sustain a fruitful career in the music business -it mat be simpler than you think.
What can you do today to move your business forward?
Start where you are and grow from there. Attend every music conference, music showcase and networking event in your city or town. These events tend to be good ways to network and learn more about the music business. If there are no events locally create some. Read books such as the Music Industry Connection Book Series (authored by me), social networking platforms such as Youtube, Hits-A-Million and others. There are a wealth of resources, tools, blogs, videos, websites and music consultants available to help navigate your course, but you must take action and strike first. By doing this you're doing more than 85%. It has been my experience that if I talk to a room of 100 people and give them a basic assignment to do after the music conference less than 15% will follow through.
What can you do tomorrow to move your business forward?
Repeat what you did that worked yesterday over and over again until your processes and procedures become a well oiled system -the secret. Additionally, you'll want to keep your eyes and ears open to new possibilities, they are within you and surround you all the time, if only you were more aware. No, matter how rich, wealthy and famous you become, you'll always want to remain humble and ask what may I do to improve next time? How may I add greater value to my valued clients, customers and fans? What may I do to give more of myself, so that I may help others achieve their goals and realize their potential? Think of new products and services that you can sell to existing clients and fans -up selling is one of the keys to becoming financially independent in business. For example, super-rich recording artist don't become rich over night, it's only after having a string of number one hit songs, touring extensively over the years, selling a number of different products (merchandise), licensing a number of their songs and often endorsing various products and services do they become rich and super wealthy.
Who may save the music business?
You the emerging music industry executive who believes in developing, protecting and financially compensating great talent. The new music business executive who is willing to try new things, go against the beaten path to chart a new course during these uncertain economic times and shift in the music business model. The person who understands technology enough to either embrace it or move out the way and let those that do, do the work may save the music business.
Throughout this site you'll find a wealth of resources at your disposal. It is your task to use all resources afforded to you, as you are the one who may save the music business.
