In the wake of lawsuits swimming around the ethics of downloading music illegally (think Napster, and the Metallica tiff), I find it odd that artist's would go out of their way to remain exclusive to one distributor -- essentially cutting off access to fans that might be interested in their work.
Exhibit A: AC/DC turns off iTunes for "Black Ice" And, not only are they refusing to offer their new album to millions of adoring fans via charged internet downloads; they've sold rights to distribute the album ONLY AT WAL-MART.
The Rolling Stones and the Police did it with albums and DVDs at Best Buy. Bob Dylan made a CD just for Victoria's Secret shoppers (In all fairness, I think his main motivation was being featured in a TV commercial next to Adriana Lima). Dave Matthews Band and Elton John recorded songs available only at Starbucks.
So if artists (or the powers that be, for said artists) limit the purchasing power of their audience, aren't they taking the risk of losing out on more fans hearing their music? And worse, not getting all their monies?
If you limit access to your music by exclusivity, you risk giving listeners the opportunity to use other means to get it, à la Napster, Kazaa or Torrent.
Some musical talent has looked for other ways to distribute their music. Radiohead started by offering their latest album, "In Rainbows," exclusively on the Internet as a download before the hard copy release date, letting listeners name their own price to download and hear it.
That's not to say I don't have some issues with downloadable music; like not having the physical evidence of it's existence. I want to be able to hold my music. Plus, buying an album supports that band. But, I'm also really good at destroying said CDs, so burned copies work just as well for my car when I don't have an axillary adapter for the iPod.
And more and more, artists profit just as much off downloads.
Bands have also started releasing songs via downloads for video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero, or free downloads on iTunes. I'm also a big fan of Pandora, where I've been introduced to a variety of kick ass songs and new bands.
So there might be hope for AC/DC yet. Come November, they're releasing their own version of "Rock Band" for avid players, with songs from their 1991 "Live at Donington" DVD.
But then again, that game too, will only be available at Wal-Mart.
1 comment:
"But then again, that game too, will only be available at Wal-Mart.". BS but you know that.
Pirates will pirate. There is no point of going to extreme measures (ruining legitimate customers experiences), in order to stop people from pirating.
Take me for example, album available only at walmart? Shit... I will have the album along with fucking bloopers, backstage conversations, and their whole discography a full week before it comes out... pleeeasee.
Instead they should be making their music available for purchase at any available joint really. People who will steal it will anyway. Why make it hard for people who want to buy it?
Do they have Bush as their advisor?
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