Music's new frontier

Clearly at a crossroads, the music industry is looking increasingly at the mercy of what has been blamed for its demise over the last decade: technology. And as new business models for music delivery continue to emerge, it is apparent that music's future is linked to new technologies and devices.

But with record labels now embracing new platforms such as Apple's iCloud Match service, what does this future hold for artists who have largely been ignored while the greater music industry unsuccessfully tried to hold back the digital tide?

Some artists are already embracing technology to create new and innovative approaches to reach listeners with their music, but to set the scene for what lies ahead for artists it helps to first look at the past – and also how new business models in the music industry are evolving.

A tale of two industries: rise of the gadgets

The fortunes of the music and technology industries over the last decade are in stark contrast, and highlight how consumer spending has shifted away from music towards gadgets.

The numbers of Universal Music and Apple, the two largest companies in each industry, tell the story: Universal has seen its revenue shrink from US$5.7 billion in 2005 to US$4.7 billion last year, while Apple's iPod revenue alone grew from US$4.5 billion in 2005 to US$9.2 billion by 2008.

But it's not just devices. Music is also struggling in the fight for consumers' wallets as they populate their new devices with digital content and applications.

It's highly likely that many customers would spend $10 on a couple of new apps for their iPhone without a second thought, but probably think very hard before handing over the same amount for digital music. In fact, many would choose to download the album from a BitTorrent site for free instead.

Indeed, last year the popular Angry Birds app had around 50 million sales compared to 17 million digital track sales from Lady Gaga, the world's top-selling digital artist during the same period. Third-biggest seller, Eminem, had around 10 million sales – about the same number of downloads for the app of social networking player FourSquare.

But with services like iCloud empowering mobile devices, the music industry could be poised to ride the wave of popularity of this growing number of mobile devices and apps.

Independent Record Producers - News


Music's new frontier

Independent approaches such as Hersh's look set to benefit further as new devices open up wider independent distribution possibilities for artists. Even if the record labels are trying to hitch a ride with Apple by taking a cut of future iCloud



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Jamie xx - The sounds of a reluctant superstar DJ

And crucially, this might ensure him a degree of longevity in the ever fickle industry of music production. Perhaps the fact that the only one not buying into the Jamie xx hype is Jamie Smith himself will be what keeps the producer's head above water



Indie musicians adapt to change

It's an unstable but exciting time to be an independent musician." The weakness of record labels is what has inspired independent musicians and given them a new focus in creating music. "The major label format will remain an institution for the



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Major record companies or independent record producers ...

Recording studios london

Let me tell you that if you are a start up record label producer, you are never alone in this business; there are people like you that are thriving in this business as well.

Of course, you will need to understand every inch of the business before you actually start. Understanding the business you are about to get into will give you a step on the door.

Record label start up requirements

Learn how to recognize a great music that you will produce.

Learn some basic business management including marketing, bookkeeping and negotiating.

Because you are in a record label start up business, you need a lot of patience. There is no overnight success in this field. This is because you stand to compete against major labels and other independent record label producers.

It may be worthy to mention at this point that the global music industry is a $48 billion dollar business. Independent record labels and record label start-ups share $12 billion of this.


Independent Record Producers - Bookshelf

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide

Independent producers often own their own production companies, and some launch their own independent record labels. Qualifications and Preparation. ...

This business of music, the definitive guide to the music industry

This business of music, the definitive guide to the music industry

THE ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT RECORD PRODUCER Independent record producers perform a number of important functions. They serve as talent scouts; ...

Pro Tools for music production, recording, editing and mixing

Pro Tools for music production, recording, editing and mixing

Fully illustrated in colour throughout with screen grabs demonstrating step-by-step examples packed with helpful tips and notes, this book will enhance your ...

Career opportunities in the music industry

Career opportunities in the music industry

Records and CDs may also be produced by a staff producer working at a record company or by an independent producer who freelances his or her talent. ...

Confessions of a record producer, how to survive the scams and shams of the music business

Confessions of a record producer, how to survive the scams and shams of the music business

Provides an exposâe on the record industry, discussing how musicians and producers can protect their rights, and includes information on how producers dip into ...

Day-to-day Info Directory


Record producer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, ... In the mid-1950s a new category emerged, that of the independent record producer. ...

HOME - INDEPENDENT RECORD LABEL
Independent Record Label Online Music Distribution, Helping Music Artists

Record Producer Career Profile - Work as a Record Producer ...
Record producers can be as important (and let's be honest - more important in some cases) that the musicians in the studio. ...

Canadian Independent Record Production Association
Music industry trade association celebrating 20 years as the voice of Canadian independent music.

independent record
The <span class='searchmatch'>Independent</span> <span class='searchmatch'>Record</span> (often abbreviated to IR) is a daily paid-for newspaper printed and ...