Many of us have just gotten used to the idea of finding unsigned, self-recorded singers and bands on MySpace, then getting to listen to their songs for the first time. The independent, almost socialistic, system gave hundreds of people a feeling of freedom that doesn’t come with buying a CD from one of the major labels.

Now we hear that MySpace Music (music.myspace.com) launched with four major labels, EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal participating with their catalogs. Sure, there is The Orchard, identified as an independent distributor, but something is wrong with the picture, in the minds of the true indie operatives.
Because of the backing of these major corporations and the advertising that is attracted to the MySpace Music world, songs are free, for all practical purposes. Now, it’s true that independent artists and self-produced singers may get some good exposure on this site eventually, and may benefit from the many users attracted to the site by big-name stars.

There isn’t enough space here to get into the legality issues, but some are concerned that the download price could be so low as to raise questions of price-fixing and collusion. I’ll leave that to the lawyers. But with major labels involved, the Web-based MySpace Music may already be a very valuable commodity.
For insight into how some of the indie folks feel about being left behind, read the excellent article from AP Tech Writer Rachel Metz. It’s an eye-opener.

Tags: indie music, whose space, music, indie, independent music