Do-It-Yourself is now possible for many musicians. Technology allows musicians/bands to create a professional album, master, and distribute without employing outside help. One of the new methods is fan funding.
Live Nation is the world's largest live enteratainment company, "including live music events,
ticketing software and services, artist management and services, and venue operations" in 40 countries. pages 22 ($1.756 billion in debt) and 51 (annual losses) are of particular interest when evaluating the state of touring. Touring is commonly considered the last haven for revenue in the music business.
This article discusses the major components and some of the pros and cons of this type of record deal, which is employed by most labels when signing artists. This mandatory practice is a result of dwindling music revenue streams.
This PBS site lists a chronology of some of the important events over the past 150 years in music technological advancements. This timeline ends at 2004 and a lot has changed since that time.
Online streaming music site for up-and-coming musicians that also streams videos. This company also functions a new "new model" independent A&R (Artists & Repertoire) system. A&R discovers and develops talent that is a service in which major labels no longer participate.
This paper by Harvard Associate Professor Anita Elberse outlines the economic impacts on overall sales as people switch to digital downloading. Additionally, there are suggestions for future methods of bundling music to potentially increase revenue.
This 2008 article from The Telegraph discusses the quickly morphing music industry and the attempts of entrepreneurs and music labels to find a new industry model that will re-monetize the industry.
This blog suggests that declining revenue streams in the music industry have been impacted greatly by video game sales and not just illegal music downloads.
For when ITunes is just a little too picky about where you got that song from......
Download this software and use any music program you like. It's free initially, but pay after a period of time.