I guess I missed that company... and they are no longer in business?
Today, the record companies charge about $3 for a single and between $11 and $20 for an entire CD. I buy both, depending on whether or not I want more than two songs. Cassettes are going out...but I still buy those too. The record companies have also started releasing several songs on one cd as opposed to the one or two they released years ago. You get more for your money and record sales have not really increased all that much in 15 years. They are not much higher than they were in the 80's.
I think everyone is missing a big element to make this fly. Truly, the key into this entire business is pulling in the radio stations (groups), because they are the ones that drive the record sales, or they have so far. No one seems to understand that outside of the industry. Radio drives the record business. Mel K. (CBS) has gotten smart and he is making big money now to play the labels songs. So is Mike Curb, because he has thrown major money in the way of the radio companies. It really is a business and not always the art that it used to be. I think someone needs to bring the radio players into this business. There is so much bad music out there. I get a lot of cd's from people who want to hear their songs on the radio. Usually they are very bad song and to date, the company where I work has never played one. Even the good ones get overlooked and there are not many.
So far, the artists have really needed a label behind them to make the sales fly. And, they have needed promotion (a video) and major airplay. Everyone wants to be a songwriter or singer. It is a tough business to break into and it you don't sell enough cd's your label drops you. I can think of so many talented people who have not sold enough records. Even Gloria Estefan and Madonna have had stiffs. One of my favorite artists is Jude Cole, but he has not sold as many cd's as they needed him to sell. He is very talented, but that is not enough. Even the Goo Goo Dolls newest record has not sold what you would think it would sell. As of a few months ago, the sales were lukewarm. And, I love Chicago, but they are not even well received in radio anymore. They are considered out of date...
It is a complicated business and many days it is very boring... The creativity is slowly going out of the business as it becomes more of a money machine. And I can think of a lot of other ventures I would rather do!!
So when I see people talking about downloading from the Internet, it is an exciting concept. But, you will need to be able to offer all of the best artists, from the biggest labels, for the best price. And, you will need radio as a partner, to drive the sales. That is my two cents worth of sense.
:) I think you got more of an answer than you asked for, but I love to discuss this industry and I am looking forward to the changes that are going to revolutionize the industry. Just don't count out the radio groups (and there are fewer everyday). AMFM, CBS, ABC, Jacor, Clear Channel, Cox and the other remaining groups are forces to be reckoned with. And, I think their partnership in these ventures could be a catalyst for record sales. Just think of the strength of the Chancellor stations as they promote these services and play the songs on the air. It would make you want to to your computer and download a song, right?
Just some thoughts to consider! LW |
