RIAA, Trent Reznor, downloading music, and more.
Sanctusorium
Posts: 10
I was wondering what everyone's views on this issue are. We all know that some bands are testing a "Pay $5, download MP3s" or flat out just giving albums. Is this the future of how the industry? Is this going to work, or is it going to be something that just comes and goes? What about music subscription services like the Zune Pass?
As a pure consumer, and as a unbeliveable poor college student, I like the idea of being able to legally obtain an album that I love for around $5... And skip all the packing. I love the idea of if I really want the CD, go to the store and buy that version, but having the option of accessing just the music that night legally for chump change... And either way, I'm going to have it that night whether is paid for or not.
Future of the industry? I hope so. Will it catch on? Dunno. I am just a consumer. However, the idea of subscription services like the Zunepass makes me happy too. Unlimted LEGAL music for $15/mo? And every 5 months you get five songs to keep for good? I'd do it. (I still need to look into other things though.)
I don't think that the physical album will ever die.. But will it become less prominate? And, is this the right way to go?
Whats everyone's thoughts?
*Edit*
Also, is Trent going to be known as the architect in this new model? And the IRAA... Oh the IRAA... Their advancement should be interesting.
As a pure consumer, and as a unbeliveable poor college student, I like the idea of being able to legally obtain an album that I love for around $5... And skip all the packing. I love the idea of if I really want the CD, go to the store and buy that version, but having the option of accessing just the music that night legally for chump change... And either way, I'm going to have it that night whether is paid for or not.
Future of the industry? I hope so. Will it catch on? Dunno. I am just a consumer. However, the idea of subscription services like the Zunepass makes me happy too. Unlimted LEGAL music for $15/mo? And every 5 months you get five songs to keep for good? I'd do it. (I still need to look into other things though.)
I don't think that the physical album will ever die.. But will it become less prominate? And, is this the right way to go?
Whats everyone's thoughts?
*Edit*
Also, is Trent going to be known as the architect in this new model? And the IRAA... Oh the IRAA... Their advancement should be interesting.
Post edited by Unknown User on
0
Comments
Ultimately I think the RIAA is fighting a losing battle. Its absurd to think now that file sharing is the way most people get music, that they think that somehow, fining and jailing mothers of four, who download twenty songs.
The RIAA and anti-downloaders dont get it. I even wonder if Pearl jam gets it. I am going to see them both seattle shows, but I wonder why they didnt do a digital release/radiohead type thing for backspacer.
No one buys cd's anymore. We can moan and groan and say, "I wish it was the old days", but those days are long gone. Few people pay for cd's anymore.
I think RIAA will continue to fine and jail people, and the record industry will continue to demonize those who download music. Its sad really. How could people be so out of the loop?
what are you but my reflection? who am i to judge or strike you down?
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when you told me 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em'
i was thinkin 'death before dishonor'
i still love, love, love physical CDs, probably always will. i grew up on vinyl, then cassettes :oops: ....hahaha.....so i am just too accustomed to getting a physical product, and i LIKE the full package. so you bet, i will continue to support artists i truly like by buying their CDS but i do also buy from itunes as well. my husband buys a LOT of music thru itunes, so i definitely see how that instantaneous purchase will be the way to go in the future. i forsee a lot of options, which hopefully will benefit artist and consumer alike.
Let's just breathe...
I am myself like you somehow
Why would I pay $.99 a song and get nothing tangible in return?
Retail CD (full album) = +/- $15
12 songs @ $.99/song = $11.88
+ CDR cost; say $1
+ Labels; ink...say $1 (assuming you get album art w/dl...)
+ your time to burn and print it all....
You end up with a more expensive, inferior product, and a lot of wasted time...
$1/song is a total scam. theft, almost
This breakdown shows just how greedy and inflexible the recording industry is being...what is the overhead costs when supplying digital files? They saw it as another opportunity to fuck their customers and increase margins, rather than try to save face and right a sinking ship.
Doing the digital thing like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails is really only an option that band that have REALLY made it can exercise. The young bands are still at the mercy of record companies because they don't have the means to circulate and promote their music on their own. They sign with a record company, and IF they end up being successful (i.e. their record sells enough for the record company to decide the band is worth raping of money on a second album), they're locked in to the contract for a long time. You're talking about a band that has at least a good 8-10 years under its belt and a good amount of money if you're talking about the whole digital download thing.
Basically, I think it's a good option for bands like Radiohead and NIN that really want to go out of their way to be fair to their fans. But for the most part, it takes a certain amount of fame and fortune to get to that point, which is why the CD and the $0.99 digital download aren't going away any time soon. For every Trent Reznor, there are 10 record company CEOs that will find other bands to feast on.
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And as far as the comment made by someone about Pearl Jam "getting it", my assessment is they don't. For as much as I love the band, their albums can be fairly expensive, they still release their albums on vinyl (it might be a novelty, but it still is what it is), and they went to war with Ticketmaster only to have their ticket prices at almost $80 a ticket just 15 years later, which can hardly be blamed on Ticketmaster. Again, I love the band, but at some point between then and now it just feels like they lost touch with their original message and methods. People are still gonna buy the albums and go to the concerts obviously, but especially in a time when NOBODY has money, it'd be nice if they could make themselves a bit more accessible to the kids and whatnot. I'm a college kid in Philadelphia; $77 for a concert ticket isn't really in the budget when I need to pay for housing and food and books and everything else. I'll find a way to pay for it, but it really shouldn't be that way.
Let's face it; the music industry is a dirty business. Like you said, less experienced bands and artists are at the mercy of their labels and only the successful ones can do what Radiohead and Reznor are doing. I think the future belongs to these two in particular, as they've shown innovative potential to branch out on their own and try things differently. Only the innovative ones will be successful in determining the future. They predict it all, basically by risking everything. Record companies won't risk the chance of losing money, therefore, they boringly play it safe.
PJ is showing that they're relying on their management to handle things, which is showing us that they're playing it safe, and not showing any innovation at all towards distribution of music and their fans (which is fine, I suppose, for most fans). I agree what you've mentioned, that they've lost their ideals that they once stood for, in keeping tix prices low and it all being about the music. PJ management is showing us that they're controlling the reigns, or perhaps, the band has just grown old and is conforming. Who knows. But I know that I'd love to see the guys rally up to the likes of Radiohead and Reznor in molding the future of how we get our music. I know they can do it.
Here's more from Trent, from this thread on nin.com regarding the issue of new artists and surviving.
There's more and he goes on to update the post based on some questions/comments of people. Definitely worth reading.
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