- Image via Wikipedia
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.
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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…
