Free the music pt 1 - Why Independents must look to a brave new world.

The promise was great, new music in the charts, back catalogue tracks flying in at number 1 etc etc. But the reality is that as far as the UK charts are concerned nothing has changed. The charts are still dominated by the majors, radio playlists are still favouring major priorities and well indie labels are being locked out. Could it be because their music doesn't cut it compared to the majors' ?
I actually don't think that is the case. The current system is heavily in favour of the majors and as such those outside the system have no chance of cracking the charts. Not without a clever plan. UK act Cushh managed to crack the top 40 and sold over 10,000 singles in the process.

Did you hear about them or their achievement ?
I didn't think so. The mainstream media just passed them by. At the same time 'ad created' band Shocka featuring Honeyshot got playlisted by BBC Radio 1 before they got outed and then got their record pulled from the playlist.
Furthermore those who are selling downloads, can forget about getting rich on their download sales. In fact the whole recording industry has to think hard about their future income.

One solution being touted around in many guises is 'free' music ad-sponsored. Many formats have emerged and many have disappeared without a trace almost as soon as they launch. There is one solution which already is a hit with Internet users. It is user generated video made popular by Youtube. Indie label collective WIN must now start negotiating 'major label' style content deals to ensure members repertoire get paid for by Google. Alternatives to Youtube are Revver which already share ad revenue with content creators and Adbrite which enables labels to embed discreet ads in the stream. Couple that with Google ads and indeed Emusic subscription ads, you can make $6 for each Free Trial (you need to join their affiliate programme) and a good alternative to selling downloads while building up your fan base. Oh don't forget to capture visitors email addresses for your mailing list.