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Culture

by Mike Masnick

Mon, Jun 9th 2003 3:03am





Pearl Jam Ditches Music Label, Goes With Internet Strategy

from the is-this-the-beginning? dept

I'm somewhat surprised this story hasn't been making more news. Plenty of people who realize what's happening have pointed out that the music industry is going to be forced, kicking and screaming, to realize that their old business model just doesn't cut it any more. The latest sign in this ongoing process is that a big name band like Pearl Jam has ended their contract with Sony, and decided they don't need another deal with a major label. Instead, they're fully embracing an internet distribution strategy - and so far, it appears to be working. It's stories like this one that should "worry" the music industry. Their old business model is being swept out from under them. Instead of adjusting they're just whining. That's never worked in the past, and it doesn't look like it's going to work this time, either.

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  1.  
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    Anonymous Coward, Jun 9th, 2003 @ 6:23am

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    This should work well for established bands but new artists trying to break in will probably still need a label in order to get the recognition from the public. Once known though, they should try to route of the free agent.

     

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  2.  
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    Anonymous Coward, Jun 9th, 2003 @ 1:14pm

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    I disagree. The RIAA has embraced an exciting new business model. Extorting children. Yes, just like the bullies at the playground the RIAA will beat up any college kid that writes a search engine. So far this year, out of court settlements alone have yielded $40,000 and some bubble gum. And the cost of this madness is of course passed on to the consumer. I love America!

     

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  3.  
    identicon
    Joe Black, Feb 19th, 2004 @ 8:07am

    Free to all

    Established bands should be able to switch successfully to the new model in the same manner as Pearl Jam without too much hassle.

    New artists will also benefit from a similar model as they can cheaply and easily make their music available online without requiring access to huge budgets or needing to kow-tow to the mighty monolith that is the music industry.

    At the end of the day, any band worth its salt will be making the majority of its money from performing live. And, until you can download the experience of being at a live gig, that's the way it's going to stay so record companies might as well get used to it and charge a fair price for music.

     

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