Moose

Bottom line is that we do business with people/companies we like. Companies across all sectors, especially some in the music industry seems to have forgotten that economic activity is relationship driven.

I say let’s keep empowering artists with new tools, resources and technology. Let the real producers and builders of this world take back control.

The more I read and the more I think about the music industry, the more I realize there will never be any one solution to satisfy so many different interests, goals, ideals and ambitions.

That said… we are very lucky to have so many talented people crafting and recording songs for our enjoyment. The unfortunate thing is that most people don’t have the time to wade through all the new music and just as importantly, only have limited dollars to spend on music.

One idea I’ve add kicking around in my head is that instead of purchasing music or individual tracks, why not sponsor or become patron to the artist (you would obviously be able to buy/download their music). This might help minimize the passing/throwaway nature of music which only serves to devalue the artist.

So, let’s say instead of paying $15 for a CD, I sponsor an artist to the tune of $50/year or even $100/year if I’m a huge fan. They have provided more joy and entertainment in my life than that “one-time” dollar amount. Maybe this will help stop thinking of music as just economic units.

I would argue that the relationship between fans and artists is getting stronger because the middle (we add no value) layer is being sidelined. The unfortunate part is the lingering bitterness, resentment and animosity that exists thanks to the music industry’s approach to protecting their profits at the expense of both artists and fans.

I have thought on numerous occasions, what if the music industry approached the Napster affair with positive vision and foresight? Would things be better today? I guess it’s hard to look forward when your goal is to protect the past.

I think a music fair trade program would work if it’s voluntary, has simple rules/guidelines and is focused on building relationships between artists and between fans. Essentially, creators and consumers come together as a network where we can respect each other and work together to celebrate music that is so ingrained in everyday life.

Great thinking and conversation… we need more of this to come up with different workable ideas and solutions.

There are some online services where fans become directly involved in supporting this project by becoming “investors”, essentially buying shares of a recording, and once enough fans have chipped in, then the artist goes and records something, and there is an open line of communication between the artist and fans. I haven’t participated in these communities myself, but the last I looked into them they were gaining some traction. If anyone can remember the name of one, please share…They were, of course, aligned towards the young singer-songwriters and pop musicians.

Sometimes I wonder: with so many people making music, and so much of the music being of a high quality, does it have any monetary value anymore? A flood of supply, you know? All I know is that the only remuneration I can reasonably expect for my artistic endeavors in this lifetime is the satisfaction that I saw my vision through and captured it as best I could according to my standards and inspiration.

Then again, there is a huge supply of cheap decent coffee, but people willingly pay more for fair trade coffee.

Interesting point about the eco-friendly music medium. Is there such a thing currently as environmentally friendly electronics?