The past couple of years a placid battle has been brewing between record labels, recording artists and their fans but it seems their plan is backfiring according to this New York Times Article. In an attempt to sway users from popular p2p networks such as Napster and gnutella, in December ‘01 the Recording Industry unveiled 2 internet services aimed at supplying users with the popular music they so desire (Pressplay) (MusicNet). Both are pay-to-use subscription services where users can listen to or download a specified number of songs each month. Pressplay is a joint venture between Universal and Sony Music, and MusicNet teams BMG, EMI and AOL Time Warner with Real Networks.
The article goes on to state that artists will only be compensated roughly $0.0023 per download and artists have recently begun to demand their music be removed from these services sources say. But while some artists are removed, some are still being shared and that’s where part of the problem is. “All of my clients had their attorneys advise the labels that if they did use my clients’ music on Pressplay or MusicNet, they would be in breach of contract,” said Simon Renshaw, who manages the Dixie Chicks and others. “Some artists they took off, but some they didn’t. It’s becoming very obvious to me and my peers that we’re becoming victims of what is a huge conspiracy.” Go on to read the whole story, its becoming clear that consumers NEED to voice an opinion because record labels still don’t get it. This is not the answer!
Related
- Artists organize efforts against Record Labels
- The MP3 Economy – How labels and artists divvy up your MP3 dollar
- Nine Inch Nails Joins List of Artists Dumping their Record Labels
- Are indie artists/labels rallying against RIAA, CARP?
- Massive New Artists Rights Coalition Launches – Takes Aim At Major Record Labels
