Comments on: Is the music industry returning to street corner busking? http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/ Marketing Technology Musings and Tips by Jeff Larche Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:19:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Digital Solid: Marketing Technology ROI » Today record labels may find digital rights management less easy to defend http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-3453 Digital Solid: Marketing Technology ROI » Today record labels may find digital rights management less easy to defend Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:59:50 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-3453 [...] One of the first artists was Issa, formerly known as Jane Siberry. As I’ve written before, this is an online business model not unlike street corner busking — in a way returning artists to their performing roots. Radiohead is, however, the most [...] [...] One of the first artists was Issa, formerly known as Jane Siberry. As I’ve written before, this is an online business model not unlike street corner busking — in a way returning artists to their performing roots. Radiohead is, however, the most [...]

]]> By: Digital Solid: Marketing Technology ROI » Radiohead and Fake Science meet differing fates in the DRM-free tar pit http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-2629 Digital Solid: Marketing Technology ROI » Radiohead and Fake Science meet differing fates in the DRM-free tar pit Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:01:58 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-2629 [...] protection) on the downloads, and the band was basically doing the digital equivalent of busking: Opening their guitar cases to collect whatever money listeners want to throw their way. (They also [...] [...] protection) on the downloads, and the band was basically doing the digital equivalent of busking: Opening their guitar cases to collect whatever money listeners want to throw their way. (They also [...]

]]> By: Dave Hughes Music » Online Busking! http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-2045 Dave Hughes Music » Online Busking! Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:18:03 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-2045 [...] favourites. I read about the idea of “Online Busking” on quite a few websites here and there, notably Alun Parry who gave a really good introduction to it. So, the rough idea of it is: I will [...] [...] favourites. I read about the idea of “Online Busking” on quite a few websites here and there, notably Alun Parry who gave a really good introduction to it. So, the rough idea of it is: I will [...]

]]> By: Andrew http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1324 Andrew Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:09:52 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1324 Ron, You bring up a good point. Major label execs haven't been known as the torchbearers for change. On the other hand, if a new business model can demonstrate strong incentive, (e.g. dollars and cents) I'd be surprised if I didn't see Major Label execs clamoring to ride the money train. Thinking from the label's perspective - where there's a will there’s a way. I believe that there are win-win solutions available that can complete the entertainment trifecta of consumers, producers, and financiers. The problem comes from one party abusing the other. It wasn't too long ago that CD sales climbed to 21.99 for new releases. It was that kind of abuse that gave piracy a forceful shove forward. If we can create a plan that creates fairness, i see no reason why we won't get what we're after. Ron,

You bring up a good point. Major label execs haven’t been known as the torchbearers for change.

On the other hand, if a new business model can demonstrate strong incentive, (e.g. dollars and cents) I’d be surprised if I didn’t see Major Label execs clamoring to ride the money train.

Thinking from the label’s perspective - where there’s a will there’s a way. I believe that there are win-win solutions available that can complete the entertainment trifecta of consumers, producers, and financiers.

The problem comes from one party abusing the other. It wasn’t too long ago that CD sales climbed to 21.99 for new releases. It was that kind of abuse that gave piracy a forceful shove forward.

If we can create a plan that creates fairness, i see no reason why we won’t get what we’re after.

]]> By: Alyssa http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1318 Alyssa Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:04:06 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1318 Interesting post. A new "street corner" on the web for busking. I think this probably can only be successful for a small few, however. One other possible revenue stream which could help the music industry out -- and which is currently being ignored -- is the simplified licensing for small, personal videos. I"m talking about a few dollar charge one could pay to legally use a song for, say, a business presentation seen by 20 people. Shelly Palmer, a composer, recently <a href="http://advancedmediacommittee.typepad.com/emmyadvancedmedia/2007/01/is_this_a_crime.html" rel="nofollow">wrote about this on his blog</a>. It's an interesting idea whose time has come -- and is slightly more appealing than relying on strangers to drop a PayPal transfer into your tip jay. Interesting post. A new “street corner” on the web for busking. I think this probably can only be successful for a small few, however.

One other possible revenue stream which could help the music industry out — and which is currently being ignored — is the simplified licensing for small, personal videos. I”m talking about a few dollar charge one could pay to legally use a song for, say, a business presentation seen by 20 people. Shelly Palmer, a composer, recently wrote about this on his blog. It’s an interesting idea whose time has come — and is slightly more appealing than relying on strangers to drop a PayPal transfer into your tip jay.

]]> By: Michael De Boer http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1294 Michael De Boer Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:10:02 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1294 The music industry as a whole is changing very fast and we can only guess (in an educated way) where it will go. Labels were once required to gain distribution and to generate radio airplay (hmmmm, remember "payola"). However, with the purchase of music shifting to download vs. buying a tangible piece of vinyl or plastic and radio listenership (especially among Gen Y) in a free fall, they are rapidly losing their place in the business model. Yes, with digital recording everyne can (and does) record their own tunes. This has also somewhat commodotized recording studios where they now are working harder for less. And, means much more "product" on the market. But, listeners still need to be made aware of, or hear the music. This is where licesning to TV and Movie properties has come into play. Being featured in the latest episode of the Sopranos puts your song in the ears of millions of people and also. more importantly to professional musicians, it helps pay the mortage. The music industry as a whole is changing very fast and we can only guess (in an educated way) where it will go. Labels were once required to gain distribution and to generate radio airplay (hmmmm, remember “payola”). However, with the purchase of music shifting to download vs. buying a tangible piece of vinyl or plastic and radio listenership (especially among Gen Y) in a free fall, they are rapidly losing their place in the business model.
Yes, with digital recording everyne can (and does) record their own tunes. This has also somewhat commodotized recording studios where they now are working harder for less. And, means much more “product” on the market.
But, listeners still need to be made aware of, or hear the music. This is where licesning to TV and Movie properties has come into play. Being featured in the latest episode of the Sopranos puts your song in the ears of millions of people and also. more importantly to professional musicians, it helps pay the mortage.

]]> By: Ron Shevlin http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1287 Ron Shevlin Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:36:39 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1287 I think you're right, Andrew, that the Korn model could emerge as a new model. But I see one potential point of discord in that model: By getting their money upfront, the band has every incentive to "get the music out there" (ie, give it away) in order to pump up ticket sales and merchandising. But is this aligned w/ the label's perspective? It could be, but here's what I've found: That execs in certain industries find it hard to adopt new models. My bet is that the old fogies at the labels will still want to rely on CD sales vs. ticket sales and merchandising -- two sources of revenue they're less familiar with (ie, have less control over?). I think you’re right, Andrew, that the Korn model could emerge as a new model. But I see one potential point of discord in that model: By getting their money upfront, the band has every incentive to “get the music out there” (ie, give it away) in order to pump up ticket sales and merchandising. But is this aligned w/ the label’s perspective?

It could be, but here’s what I’ve found: That execs in certain industries find it hard to adopt new models. My bet is that the old fogies at the labels will still want to rely on CD sales vs. ticket sales and merchandising — two sources of revenue they’re less familiar with (ie, have less control over?).

]]> By: Andrew http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1283 Andrew Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:29:17 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1283 I agree with you Jeff, The model will change. But I'm not all together convinced that the film, television or commercial royalties are the only place where profits can be found. Still, endorsement deals continue to be viewed by many as selling out. Will a new model emerge? Hard rock group Korn could be an example for something new. Upon completing their record deal with Sony, they sign to Virgin Records and struck a deal with EMI. EMI paid Korn 25 million upfront in exchange for a share in the profits of their next two LPs, including tours and merchandising. In exchange, EMI received a 30 percent stake in the band's licensing, ticket sales and other revenue sources. Could this be a new business model emerging for musicians? We'll see. CD sales to my knowledge have never been where it's at for musicians, so the changing business model could mean that labels are cut out all together. With the advent of UGC it seems that more people are creating fame for themselves (e.g. Myspace phenom Tila Tequila). I expect that unless the labels are able to redefine their business, OR create a new model to capitalize on we'll see a shift in the musician label dynamic. As Ani DeFranco proves it is possible to take the label out of the equation. What I'm interested in finding out is whether or not the tremors felt by the big three will resonate down to the indie level. I agree with you Jeff,

The model will change. But I’m not all together convinced that the film, television or commercial royalties are the only place where profits can be found. Still, endorsement deals continue to be viewed by many as selling out.

Will a new model emerge?

Hard rock group Korn could be an example for something new. Upon completing their record deal with Sony, they sign to Virgin Records and struck a deal with EMI. EMI paid Korn 25 million upfront in exchange for a share in the profits of their next two LPs, including tours and merchandising. In exchange, EMI received a 30 percent stake in the band’s licensing, ticket sales and other revenue sources.

Could this be a new business model emerging for musicians? We’ll see.

CD sales to my knowledge have never been where it’s at for musicians, so the changing business model could mean that labels are cut out all together. With the advent of UGC it seems that more people are creating fame for themselves (e.g. Myspace phenom Tila Tequila). I expect that unless the labels are able to redefine their business, OR create a new model to capitalize on we’ll see a shift in the musician label dynamic.

As Ani DeFranco proves it is possible to take the label out of the equation. What I’m interested in finding out is whether or not the tremors felt by the big three will resonate down to the indie level.

]]> By: Jeff Larche http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1272 Jeff Larche Mon, 26 Feb 2007 04:22:03 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1272 Great perspective, Ron. Elbow and The Decemberists might feel better about me "stealing" their music once they see legal copies of their CDs on my shelves, and learn that I would never have come to appreciate their complex songs in the first place those songs hadn't grown on me over time, through those contraband copies. I'm hoping another friend will respond with the perspective he share with me over lunch on Friday. He contends both live performances and CD sales are not where the big money lies nowadays. It's striking it rich when your song is chosen for a film soundtrack, television show or commercial. Michael, if you read this, I hope you can add some more detail to this interesting approach to a changing business model. Great perspective, Ron.

Elbow and The Decemberists might feel better about me “stealing” their music once they see legal copies of their CDs on my shelves, and learn that I would never have come to appreciate their complex songs in the first place those songs hadn’t grown on me over time, through those contraband copies.

I’m hoping another friend will respond with the perspective he share with me over lunch on Friday. He contends both live performances and CD sales are not where the big money lies nowadays. It’s striking it rich when your song is chosen for a film soundtrack, television show or commercial.

Michael, if you read this, I hope you can add some more detail to this interesting approach to a changing business model.

]]> By: Marek http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1271 Marek Mon, 26 Feb 2007 04:18:46 +0000 http://www.digitalsolid.com/2007/02/23/is-the-music-industry-returning-to-street-corner-busking/#comment-1271 Jeff, great post. Music is fun. MP3s and other digital formats have revolutionized the industry. I think that the CD labels are suffering in part due to their resistance of jumping on the band wagon of digital music formats. For me the local public library is a great source of new music. I rend the CD, I rip it to my iRiver mp3 player, I listen for a few weeks. If I like it I purchase the mp3 online, if I don't like it I simply delete it. Support the artists! Lets pay for their music! Jeff, great post. Music is fun. MP3s and other digital formats have revolutionized the industry. I think that the CD labels are suffering in part due to their resistance of jumping on the band wagon of digital music formats.

For me the local public library is a great source of new music. I rend the CD, I rip it to my iRiver mp3 player, I listen for a few weeks. If I like it I purchase the mp3 online, if I don’t like it I simply delete it.

Support the artists! Lets pay for their music!

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