Music existed long before the record industry, and it will live long after it’s dead
April 1st, 2008 | by Jose Miguel Cansado |
“…music existed long before the record industry was born, and it will live long after it’s dead”. This was a wise comment in the agitated discussion that followed Mike Arrington post The Music Industry’s New Extortion Scheme.
I can only agree with Mike position and the comment against those who claim the music creativity is at risk only because of the new Internet order.
Music existed well before labels. Mozart did not signed any contract with Decca, and created wonderful music. Labels grew powerful and rich only because they controlled the distribution when it was constrained by the scarcity of ’shelf space’, and the cost of vinyls and CDs. Now, distribution costs are marginal or zero. Any talented guy can produce video and music from his bedroom, and can distribute it freely.
Look at the Photography industry. Now you can find excellent pictures for presentations, websites or brochures at Flickr with Creative Commons license. Don’t we have now more and better choice than when only pros could sell pictures?
Music labels will transform or die, and music will live long after that.
