Today's DigitalMusicNews.com e-news blast contained two interesting tidbits for those of us in the music industry at large, but more precisely for the Christian music business in particular and for independent artists (of all genres).
Warner Music for Sale?
In a niche industry such as Christian music, it's already a monumental challenge for three major labels/distributors to exist simultaneously and profitably. With Warner Music owning Word Entertainment and EMI the parent of EMI Christian Music Group (which includes Sparrow Records), any deal involving the merger of the two music giants will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the operations of their respective Christian music divisions. I won't speculate on the various scenarios that could result, but between the FTC anti-trust issues and the relative miniature size of the Christian music arena, commonsense dictates that major shifts in the Christian industry would have to take place should Warner and EMI come together as one.
Superstars Bleed, Too
For indie artists and labels of all genres (including Christian music), it's always been a challenge to be competitive and profitable. The web-induced promise of a more egalitarian music business where indie artists/labels could thrive and experience significant revenue growth may actually be more of a pipe-dream. The IFPI report is worth a read. Download it from the link in the article.
As Dylan stated, "The times they are a-changin'"; and as "Duke" Wayne stated at the beginning of his 1970 film, "Chisum": "things usually change for the better." In our case, things are a-changin' almost daily...but I'm not sure how much is for the better just yet. But I do know it makes me go, "Hmmm..."
What say you?
Most people think.....
10 years ago
