A Month in the Life

This month marks a crucial point in the history of the music industry as you and I know it. To put it plainly, the record industry is dying. Radiohead, a British band with an enormous, cult like, underground following decided to put out their latest record, "In Rainbows", by themselves. They grew tired of bickering with their label and haven't been represented by a label for a few years now. On the band's website they offered two options for purchasing the new album. You may order the disk box, or simply order the digital download. If you order the disk box the price is 40 British Pounds (about $82). It includes 2 cds, 20 songs, and original cd artwork. If you order the download you receive half the songs, and may pay as much or as little as you like. That's right, you can pay $0.00! Radiohead has always been one of the bands who had no problem with fans downloading and sharing their music online in communities like Napster. The labels that represented them have, of course, fought it tooth and nail. Radiohead understands that they make most of their money from touring. This is true of all bands. The real money is made at the shows, not in Sam Goody or Best Buy. They are turning heads too! Trent Reznor, whose band Nine Inch Nails is currently unsigned, has said that he will strongly consider going the route of dealing directly with the fans when it comes to music distribution in the future. Madonna, who has been with Warner Bros. since she was a teenager is reportedly signing deal worth about $117 million with Live Nation, the concert promoters responsible for the Live 8 events. The deal includes $50million to put out 2 records, $50million for two tours, and a nice $17million signing bonus. Think this doesn't irritate Warner Bros? Madonna's last North American tour garnered a cool $86million. The numbers overseas were even higher. So, it is with fond memories that I bid farewell to Capital, Sony, BMG, and Warner and paying $20 for a CD. They'll still be around in the future. But, the business will be radically different. The best bands will be able to deal directly with the fans. Check out Radiohead's newest CD. http://www.inrainbows.com/