Tag Archive for 'MP3s'

RIAA Chief Wants to Put Filters On Every PC and Network

Published on February 18, 2008 in Blog. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spotted On: ArsTechnica

The RIAA’s head, Cary Sherman, wants to put encryption on our computer that will force us to decrypt music before listening to it. In other words, the filter will scan all your incoming data and then either allow or deny your ability to listen to it. since this idea likely won’t be popular (who’s going to willingly put a filter on their computer that blocks the files they are downloading?), the next suggestion is to put the filters in our modems.

Despite the predictable public backlash against these tactics (in an environment where the RIAA already has public approval that rivals the US Congress), some ISPs are moving ahead with these filters. The technical specifics are a bit thick, suffice it to say that various file encryptions can bypass these filters unless entire protocols are blocked.

Here’s a video of Mr. Sherman lauding the glories of filtering:

Bottom Line: Being out of touch with your consumers’ needs does not improve your financial picture, or your credibility.

Record Label Uploads Whole Catalog to Pirate Bay

Published on February 15, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spotted on: Torrent Freak

Here’s something novel:

Dependent Records recently uploaded their entire catalog on Pirate Bay (Dependent specializes in aggrotech, electro-industrial and futurepop). Well, sort of. Apparently a group pretending to be Dependent posted the albums on the p2p site.

The quote from label head Stefan Herwig – well, an impersonator – is “I closed down my record label Dependent Records for good. But since I want my music to be heard by the people out there, everything I have ever published is now available on The Pirate Bay.”

While artists are turning to file sharing networks for promotion, it;s unusual to see a label do this (although there are some net labels giving away music, such as Kikapu and Lacedmilk).

Herwig (or his imposter) feels that p2p technologies are killing labels, not boosting sales. However, this article claims file sharing is a boon for new music. Perhaps availability adds to desirability.

Do you think file sharing is boosting or dropping album sales?

Major Labels are Getting Creative in 2008

Published on February 5, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spotted on: Freep.com

Here’s a great article about the new marketing methods we’ll be seeing in 2008.? We will begin to see large scale experiments in subscription based music distribution and other models which eliminate a pay by the track model (such as Imeem).? The death of DRM may come this year, as three of the Big Four labels are already in the process of abandoning it.? There are rumors of deals in the works between major labels and ISPs (internet service providers) to offer unlimited downloads or more bandwidth, and we can expect to see multiple collectible versions of albums released.

As the shift in music sales hits overdrive into the digital realm, 2008 is shaping up to be the year the major labels begin to adapt to environment.? The big question left is: how will artists break into the big time?

Bottom Line:? The Big Four are finally entering the digital revolution.

Amazon Makes A Big Move with MP3s

Published on January 29, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spotted on: Digital Music News

Mega online retailer Amazon is preparing to offer their MP3s in every language.? The company cites an overwhelming demand from customers for their DRM-free music downloads (which includes titale from all of the major labels).

Given the size and power Amazon carries on the internet, they are poised to set a new precedent for selling music digitally.? The largest online retailer of music by far is iTunes, and it will be interesting to see how Amazon’s shift to DRM-free music changes the playing field.

Bottom Line: Amazon offering their MP3 catalog worldwide will shift the landscape and methodology of digital music sales.

A DRM free World

Published on January 9, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Spotted on: Gizmodo

The way the major labels are adapting to the transforming music industry is strange. Somehow, the four largest music labels in the world seem to be the last ones to understand what people want. From the perspective of an onlooker, it seems like they wait till the last second to adapt to everything.

DRM is officially becoming a thing of the past. According to Business Week, it appears that Amazon’s DRM free service and billion MP3 Giveaway has brought the Big Four around to a DRM free world (at least for some albums). Sony BMG, the last of the big four labels to cling to DRM like a liferaft, has announced they will stop using it sometime early this year.

This is the magic moment when the major labels have all given up on the wildly unpopular copyright protection. Sony is using a gift card service, where listeners can buy cards at retail outlets (such as Best Buy and Target) and then redeem them for MP3 albums online.

Considering the 15% drop in CD sales last year, it’s refreshing to see that the major labels are adapting to the desires of their audiences, even if it is forced by pressure from iTunes and Amazon. DRM was instrumental in iTunes gaining dominance in the music download market, and now even they are beginning to offer DRM free tracks, and at the same 99 cent price tag.

Bottom Line: DRM will finally be relegated to where it belongs, on subscription services.

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