Artists in the Driver's Seat

For over 50 years recording artists have been bound to one primary system for their careers -- involving getting signed to and distributed by a major record label. Since the Internet age kicked into high gear, the playing field has been leveled. With avenues like dedicated band web sites, iTunes, and MySpace, artists are finding more ways to connect directly with their fans -- and keep more of their own proceeds. This means they can sell fewer copies of CDs and make as much if not more money than they could have tied to a label deal -- because they keep the majority of the proceeds (in some cases 90-100%) vs. the 10-15% they might have gotten through a deal with a major record label. There is still room for the label to partner with an artist -- in terms of marketing and distribution, but the artist now has options and no longer needs to give up their masters or publishing for a label deal. I will explore more specific examples of emerging models that empower the artist (& which allow for a more impactful and direct connection with their fans) in future blog entries.