New Methodology For Digital Label Sales

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Hi everybody -

One of the big issues with releasing recorded material as mp3's is that they can easily be copied and distributed unbeknown to the owner of the recorded works. More so as people often share and pod cast tunes for others to enjoy without a) paying for them, or b) paying a royalty to the writers etc. Ideally, it would be a result if a tune went viral and indeed, fans bought versions from their suppliers (iTunes, Amazon etc) or simply streamed them from digital radio sites like Last FM, Napster etc. In this scenario the recording would generate income and finance other potential recordings and keep the wheels of production turning. As all artists and labels are searching for new business models to revolve their catalogue around, the Internet and digital distribution potential gives a little hope for those in the creative business side of things. I have just learnt that the Apple iCloud has agreed to pay royalties somehow, for material uploaded onto its service. I will be interested to see how the Bandtraxs releases generate income in support of this. There also seems to be affiliations now with MySpace, CD Baby, Amazon artist central and the like, where their mission is to sell the recording and in doing so are supporting the owner of the works by coming up with these new and exciting solutions.

In my quest to understand these clever functionalities I have created a playlist in the Bandtraxs MySpace account profiling Spyder and Pree's releases, plus the instrumental version, in full! I will be honest I had no idea they were available like this and is difficult to understand why the company I am selling the tracks through feels the full version will entice people to purchase it. However, these are interesting times and maybe, just maybe this is the way to go. A number of supporters have suggested that various versions be given away to attract potential sales etc. So let's see if I post this link where it goes!

https://www.myspace.c...laylist-1316493

I would be very interested in your feedback if you think this is a good idea or that I am selling my soul!

Edited June 13, 2011 by Carl Dixon

[Guest Carl Dixon]

And for those interested, check out Double Exposure and Chiquita Green releases here:

https://www.myspace.com/bandtraxs/music/playlists/soultronics-1820212

Due to the shite administration these aggregators have they were unable to give Chiquita her own billing on the original release, as she was a featured guest appearance on the DE album etc. And MySpace, even though they have the releases in her name only, have tied it to the DE album release! Therefore, DE do not appear on 'There I go falling in love again'...

Edited June 13, 2011 by Carl Dixon

[boba]

https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/06/acclaimed-reissue-label-numero-group-declined-invite-to-apples-icloud.html

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Boba, thanks for the link. I had not seen it.

It is clear many parties are uncertain about the future of music copyright and how to make sure that with the technology around now, everybody is happy including the fans of the music when it is shared around the globe. Even 'YouTube' are starting to pay a small royalty, and rightly so, they sell advertising space! The professional broadcasters have always paid their dues to writers and labels etc, albeit these days they try and get writers to subscribe to a cheaper less lucrative deal, so I am told. As iTunes said in this article "We have to take a more responsible view." And this clearly says that in the past their view was not responsible along with all the others who have caused the music business to fail. How on earth has a sub standard compression system outwitted the CD and vinyl all within how many years? And I hear many are happy to acquire a recording for example, from torrent sites where the bandwidth maybe poor, and knowingly download risking a virus etc, and all to save 69p (and on some ridiculous sites 30 cents). Why not buy the official CD with sleeve notes, 16bit stereo wavs, and knowing that the sale is reported back to the record label who then pays royalties to featured artists?

What is interesting is that I have Facebook, Twitter, forum, Facebook 'pages' for Bandtraxs and Soultronics, MySpace, SoundCloud accounts where I spend hours learning, posting, interfacing, collaborating etc, when I should be writing songs, which is my passion. I guess it's all part of the fun and I intend carefully watch each of my scenarios I initiate to see what the feedback is,if any. I think new music producers and writers have a tough time, not getting heard so much, but getting recognition in the right way - that's nobody stealing your work and changing it for example (cite: D J Pied Piper - I have my eye on you) although the DJ Pied Piper scenario has made my friends vocal in saying 'it's a back handed compliment' or 'I must be pleased'! I think my age gives the game away a little,because I think the right thing to do would be at least ask, before you steal Mr Piper!

Edited June 14, 2011 by Carl Dixon