[NewMusic] [BA-NEWMUS:50] Re: utopian cd death article

[Sarah - 21 Grand]

I'm sorry, I don't buy this death of the label/power to the people business.
In theory, it sounds swell, however, there are several major factors that
this article occludes.

1. advertising - let's look at how websites make money - advertising is the
major revenue source. Look at myspace for chrissakes - the quantity of ads
are visually painful. Major labels still have the advertising dollars to
place their product more prominently, which also translates into
content/coverage. Instead of power through placement in physical stores,
major label artists/records will just get bigger ads and more prominent
placement on sites, from being "featured tracks" to the Amazon
recommendation model of "if you liked this, you should buy blank."

2. power in numbers - let's say cds become the specialty market that vinyl
is and music is predominantly available electronically, following the
formula the guy lays out in his article.  An aspiring band will want to
associate with a more established entity, and perhaps hire the same manager
or share resources. There will still be other media opportunities that pay
money as well as concert appearances that pay money. Who negotiates this? In
this guy's article it's "the manager" - well, undoubtedly some managers will
have the brilliant idea to come together and form an entity to promote their
bands as a group.  Maybe it's not "a label" per se, but it will serve a
similar function. 

3. laziness/desire to be "in the know" - while "Joe and Jane Public want
music" what determines what music they want? This is the success of the
Starbucks record label, it appeals to laziness and the desire to get
something you'd probably like for your money (which in this envisioned
future - replace money with time and effort). Labels have often functioned
well for this. Radio has served this function for years, and now we have
Pitchfork and the Wire. There will still be entities that filter and
"curate" cultural offerings for the clueless consumer. These entities will
undoubtedly want to be compensated in some way for their work. The level of
"pay to play" will probably vary, but providing "something for nothing" has
a limited appeal.

4. capitalism stops at nothing - these major labels are parts of large media
conglomerates that own most everything. They will either adapt (often by
buying new media entities) or try to maintain the status quo.  For example,
either Sony will buy Soulseek or try to drive it out of business.


sl