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The music industry and internet industry have been butting heads for years on the issues of music piracy on the internet and lost revenues for record labels and artists (not that artists get much of it anyway).
A few models have been put together, like the 3 strikes law and some other subscription models, however, neither industry has come to an agreement without a fight, and Australia is still to decide on a strategy.
It’s clear in my mind that the music industries old world model is quickly dying, someone needs to show leadership to bring forth some new ideas and ways to monetise the industry in an ever digitised world.
UPDATE (9.20pm) File sharing is perceived by the music industry as music piracy without exception, in this case it isn’t, but it’s something the industry just can’t get over.
I was therefore excited today to read that Bacardi and Groove Armada announced the launch of a completely new approach called B-Live Share which embraces music file sharing.
From Reuters UK
Bacardi is partnering with the dance act Groove Armada to pioneer a new music model that rewards listeners for sharing songs online.
The first track from the band’s new mini-album is available for downloading via the website www.bliveshare.com, and fans have the chance to ‘unlock’ a further three tracks if they share that first track with enough friends.
Reuters Technology Correspondent Matt Cowan reports.
[vodpod id=Groupvideo.2015726&w=425&h=350&fv=]
You simply sign-up, send the first song to some friends and then you get access to the next one… Free music for everyone, free distribution for Groove Armada and brand awareness and database aquisition (opt-in) for Bacardi.
I’m not sure if it’ll work, but at least its an attempt at a new approach to solve a growing problem.
Nick, over at waycooljnr, predicts some changes in the music industry.
Mark Earls seems to agree with me on this one…
January 27th, 2009 on 7:28 pm
It’s a good experiment with a new model of marketing – but it isn’t piracy. File sharing is only piracy if copyright is being broken. In this case it isn’t. This is simply creative viral marketing. Good work, Groove Armada!
We’ve just started a new blog dedicated to discussing some of these issues. First few posts are up – come check it out:
http://secretarchivesofthevatican.wordpress.com/
January 27th, 2009 on 8:24 pm
Hey Vincent I agree.
The point I was trying to make is that the music industry sees music sharing as piracy without question and can’t open their minds to work with it as opposed to against it.
I like your blog, will subscribe and stay tuned
January 28th, 2009 on 12:31 pm
Hi Guys
The interesting thing here is that the “music Industry” is now about who it should be about and that is the artists, if only they can make money out of it.
What this model does is put the artist back in control of their own music but once agian that is only good if they can make a buck out of it.
What I am looking forward to seeing is who is going to pull this all together and make something out of it.
Will it be Myspace? Its a logical sand pit to play in for this. Maybe Myspace will become a record label?
I dont think Bicardi is the right vehicle but I do think this is a good model that artisit will look seriously at and if there can be a way to make money even if it is indirectly then it will be a winner.
The model should be that Myspace becomes an online record label and pays artisits to join up. This would be an ongoing royalty for as long as the songs are downloadable from the site. It wouldn’t be a “per download” but a flat fee me thinks per month.
I’ll also subscribe to the blog.
January 28th, 2009 on 2:41 pm
hey vince, I also agree with you
and hell yeah, this attemp is great and I support it
FREE and great music.. so let´s continue sharing!
http://www.bliveshare.com
January 28th, 2009 on 4:57 pm
Shaun, when the internet first started featuring music, websites used to pay artists for their music. Then it rapidly turned around so that artists paid to be on websites. Sites like MyFace becoming record labels is not the answer. They will soon charge artists to host their music. Social networking sites are a useful marketing tool but I don’t believe there is any need for record labels at all.
What do labels actually do? Register music with rights collecting agencies? Do that yourself. Arrange recording sessions? Do it yourself. Design or commission cover artwork? Do it yourself. Arrange for physical production of CDs etc? Do it yourself. Upload to download sites? very easy, do ti yourself. No need for labels. I know this is possible because I’ve done it. It takes effort and that’s the downfall of many artists – they’re too lazy to put the hours in.
February 9th, 2009 on 6:08 pm
Amen Vince