There was an interesting story in the New York Post a few days ago. It basically looked at how dwindling CD sales are driving a wedge between record labels and publishers. Previously they had enjoyed a stable and often close relationship, but apparently as more avenues for production are opening up for musicians and bands the producers are taking action to ensure they still receive their slice of the financial pie.
Publishers have realised, perhaps a little later than most, that CDs just aren’t selling as well as they used to. MP3 downloads are increasing in popularity and as they do so even fewer CDs are being sold. This leaves them with no option but attempt to find other ways to make their “hard earned” money.
Publishers are sending out talent spotters, or A&R people, to find the potential stars. They’re also offering recording opportunities and space to their own bands, essentially cutting out the labels almost entirely. While many see it as heartening that the labels are finally getting the poetic justice they have spent years earning, it is likely to mean that publishers will simply step up to the fold and take over.
While the labels will clearly suffer to some extent, it could create more damage to the current state of musical affairs. Labels want hit records more than ever and in order to produce these hits they don’t dare to stray away from what they believe to be a winning formula. This means more of the same redundant tracks that sound the same now as the hit records of the nineties.
Independent publishers with any marketing knowledge will be set to take advantage by offering a greater level of service and a much more musician friendly relationship and environment. There’s never been a better time to be indipendent.
