Or do record labels need artists?
In 2007 we are in the age of the Internet where everything is just a mouse click away. Music distribution readily available 24 hours on the Internet, and burned into our I-Pods within seconds from the comfort of our homes. We the consumer are more inconvenienced to actually go out and purchase a disc and as a result albums sales have taken a nosedive and major artists have noticed.
Prince left his label years ago and has successfully continued his career. Paul McCartney broke ties with his label and has signed a deal with Starbucks to promote and distribute his records. Trent Reznor has commented that Nine Inch Nails is delighted to have the freedom to take their career into their own hands and develop a direct relationship with the fans. Now Madonna has left Warner and signed a multi-million deal with concert promoter, Live Inc.
The smartest, and most internet-savvy idea was that of Radiohead who took their new album, In Rainbow and released it online for fans to download at whatever price they saw fit. This is genius because no matter how you slice it really everyone wins. The fans get the music and the artists get sales and the profit. Think about it, even if a fan only donates 50 cents to download the album this is equal to or more than what the artist would receive through album sale percentages.
So do artists really need record labels? Well, there’s the reality that Radiohead, Prince, Madonna and company can get away with this trend because these artists are well established and are able to sale on name alone. They have the money to finance their own recordings, and the talent and fan base to continue on with their success. At this point it is believable that lesser known or new artists need their labels if they wish for international success. These artists may lack the means to develop, promote and distribute their own products worldwide. Labels must worry about losing their superstars, but for the time being they don’t have to panic over possible banishment, as many other artists do need them. However, I do think this label-less movement is the future. Many more independent artists are to come.
What are your thoughts?
Monday, November 5, 2007
Do Artists Need Record Labels?
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2 Comments:
Great article. I do agree that Radiohead and others were successful at going their own way due to their pre-established presence and exposure. This is not as easy with smaller artists.
Large record labels have taken on a "one size fits all" approach to producing and publishing talent. Meaning, they will promote and sell what they think will satisfy the largest number of people to increase sales. This is not a bad thing from a business prospective, but does leave people thirsty for fresh new sounds that are often disregarded as non main stream by major record labels.
The bottom line is if an artist can get their work out there on an unbiased platform that increases their chances of finding the right people that will connect with their music, then it will get heard, talked about, sold and ultimately recognized. The internet has provided this platform, but has not mastered it.....yet!
Well said, Shaun :)
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