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Lepton · 1:41+ Arse Scratcher

Last summer's high-grossing tours by Paul McCartney, Bruce Stringstein, and others serve as a reminder that record sales no longer dominate the money in today's music industry.

Unconfirmed statistics tell me that only about 1/3 of the income of popular artists is derived from record sales. [corrected, thanks jadesmar] The rest comes from concerts, promotion, etc.

The advent of Napster-style peer-to-peer music sharing has taken on the role of the ultimate promotional tool. Today's younger generations have access to a virtually unlimited database of music. This allows them to delve into bands and styles of music that they might not otherwise. Who here has glanced at DP's Top-100-or-so music list and downloaded a few of the top songs?

The disadvantage to artists whose music is available online is that *all* their music is available. This is unlike the traditional radio, which would only play a few selected songs. For the others, one would have to purchase the record. Fortunately for the artists, most of the file sharing involves the very songs that are released to the radio stations.

Artists should release free high-quality tracks, perhaps the same songs that are released to radio stations. If they do it now, with a well-written program, they can take back a big part of the market. Yes, there will continue to be free music, which will lead to loss of record sales. However, this allows the artists to give the music out on their own accord - the tracks that they want, and probably some sort of advertising.

The everyday user, who feels just a little bit uncertain about music piracy, will gladly switch to a completely legal service.

Whether artists make this step or not, the future of popular music is in concerts and promotions. Would KISS be what it is without the face paint? Hopefully, more emphasis will be placed on innovation and experimentation. I look forward to the day when we can go to a "Rock Opera".
late....I'll correct the grammar in the morning, maybe...

[This message has been edited by Lepton (edited 06-06-2003 03:39 PM).]

ML · Table Master

jadesmar · Bad Puppy

quote:

Unconfirmed statistics tell me that only about 1/3 of popular artists derive their income from record sales. The rest comes from concerts, promotion, etc.

Is that correct, or should it read, "popular artists derive 1/3 of their income from record sales."

NightOwl · Daedalian Member

Easy. RIAA and similar companies are trying to fight basic economics. They won't win.

This is only one of the results of such a loss. Good thing, too. I had stopped going to concerts because they were boring, and not much different then listening to the CD's, just really really loud and with a big annoying crowd. Maybe this type of attitude will make more artists produce worthwhile concerts.

Lepton · 1:41+ Arse Scratcher

Thanks jadesmar, your correction is what I meant.

Snail · Daedalian Member

Perhaps boring concerts with annoying crowds reflects what type of music one enjoys. Nothing will ever match a live music concert.

extropalopakettle · No offense, but....

"Match" in what sense? Studio and live are two different things, and there are certainly many great studio recordings that no live performance could ever match in quality.