Posted September 19, 200618 yr From Undercover Music Industry Dying, Says Pink Floyd, Clash Manager by Daniel Zugna September 19 2006 The music industry, in its current form, is dying a slow death, according to the former manager of seminal acts The Clash and Pink Floyd. Peter Jenner, in a report published by independent research group MusicTank, said that the music industry must “change or dieâ€. Jenner claimed that the industry is failing to stay in touch with emerging technologies. The Guardian newspaper reported Jenner as saying, “Rapid, consistent and complex change has enveloped the global music industry over the past seven years.†He went on, “The possibility of the era of mass markets turning into an era of masses of niche markets is very real and exciting, with huge implications for the structures of the industry.†With music downloads and community sites creating a new discourse in music consumption, music labels are seen to be gradually losing control of their influence over musicians. Unsigned artists will soon be able to sell their music directly on the Internet through the Murdoch-owned MySpace, a trend likely to be followed by other music sites. The Guardian article: Music business must 'change or die' Former Clash manager Jenner says internet is revolutionising industry Bobbie Johnson, technology correspondent Monday September 18, 2006 The Guardian The music industry must change or die, the former manager of bands including Pink Floyd and the Clash has said. Peter Jenner, who made his name managing artists including Marc Bolan, launched his stinging criticisms in a report exploring the future of the music business for independent research group MusicTank. Mr Jenner accused the recording industry of failing to embrace new technologies, and said labels must find new approaches to business if they are to survive. "Rapid, consistent and complex change has enveloped the global music industry over the past seven years," he said. "The possibility of the era of mass markets turning into an era of masses of niche markets is very real and exciting, with huge implications for the structures of the industry." He said the growth of social networking websites such as MySpace could significantly change the way artists interact with their record labels. Although they have traditionally exerted a powerful influence on musicians, labels could be forced to give up much of their control. "The current record company model might well morph into that of venture capitalist licensors, working in partnership with artists to develop their businesses," he said. The rise of file sharing and digital distribution has had a significant impact on the music industry. Last year digital music sales worldwide were worth $1.1bn (£590m), three times the year before and accounting for 6% of the music industry's revenue, according to industry body IFPI. Analysts expect the percentage of digital sales to rise to 25% by 2010. But the internet is also exerting an increasing influence on the promotion and breaking of new acts. MySpace, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, will soon begin allowing any artist - even those without a record deal - to sell their music directly over the internet. MySpace will take a significant commission from each sale, leading to some artists questioning the interests of such deals, including Billy Bragg, another of Mr Jenner's proteges. LifeLight
September 19, 200618 yr On a simliar note... YouTube in 'landmark' music deal Video-sharing site YouTube has signed a deal with media giant Warner Music to allow its material to be used legally. It means interviews and videos by Warner's artists can be used in return for a slice of advertising revenue. The agreement also covers the use of material in homemade videos, which form a large part of YouTube's content. Both companies hailed it as a landmark agreement, coming days after Universal Music said it was considering legal action over sites such as YouTube. A royalty-tracking system has been developed by YouTube to detect when videos on the site are using copyrighted material and work out how much Warner is owed in advertising revenue. Media 'transformed' The technology would also enable Warner to review homemade videos and decide whether to approve or reject them. Chad Hurley, who helped set up YouTube in a Californian garage just 19 months ago, said: "We are very excited. This is a real landmark for our company." Warner Music Group, the world's fourth largest record company, includes artists such as Madonna, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day, as well as vintage names like Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Ray Charles. Warner Music chairman Edgar Bronfman said: "Consumer-empowering destinations like YouTube have created a two-way dialogue that will transform entertainment and media forever." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5357390.stm
September 19, 200618 yr 'The technology would also enable Warner to review homemade videos and decide whether to approve or reject them.' does this mean that warners will effectively be able to delete any video's whose content they dont agree with? seems very draconian and authoritarian to me and obviously compromises youtubes individualism
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