Apple Wooing Smaller Labels

Death to Big Labels by Deton8 · 2003-06-03 23:04 · Score: 5, Interesting

Done properly, this kind of move by Apple could eventually kill the big record labels by removing their need to exist. Bands could get their product to market without the absurd overhead imposed upon them by the big labels. You all know the scam -- the big label "advances" the band a seductively huge blob of cash, then leeches it all back in fees and charges, to where the band become their indentured servants.

Re:Death to Big Labels by kincade · 2003-06-04 00:12 · Score: 5, Interesting

If Apple were to go one step further and provide free genre-based streamed music channels they could easily mix in independent artists. The artists gain free exposure to a potentially huge market, and Apple would increase sales in areas that would usually be low. It's very tedious and time consuming to wade through pages of free samples attempting to find tracks you like. Having them streamed with some easy method of selecting 'favorites' would be an enormous benefit to the process. Personally I have purchased several CDs based on songs I've heard via Shoutcast streams, and would consider using Apple's service if this type of free sampling mechanism were available -- provided they release Win software in a reasonable amount of time, and work on lowering that $.99 price where practical..

That makes me wonder... by frs_rbl · 2003-06-03 23:05 · Score: 4, Interesting

...the decision to join the iTunes store would come down to the compensation package that Apple is offering, which he has not yet seen

What else, other than a percentage of sales, can Apple offer to a music company, and whether this alone will make the more RIAAistic ones join this or any other online music distribution system

just wondering...

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This is not my opinion. Actually, it's not even an opinion. And I'm nowhere to be seen near it

making money from music by lingqi · 2003-06-03 23:10 · Score: 4, Interesting

is it possibly conscievable that, if EVERY mac owner (on average) is going to spend some bux on the music store, that Apple can actually subsidize the price of the hardware, and create a circle of more-and-more sales?

say if they found out an iPod owner chokes up an average of 300 dollars over the life of the iPod - then they can price the iPod at maybe a 150-200 discount from where they are right now - which means MANY more people would be buying iPods, and buying more music, and probably a few extra Mac sales on the way.

One heck of a job Jobs is doing.

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My life in the land of the rising sun.

Much more attractive that indielabel inclusion... by Noodlenose · 2003-06-03 23:19 · Score: 5, Interesting

...is the prospect of a deal between Apple and Amazon.com that was mentioned.

The synergetic effects would be impressive for both companies, as Apple would have their products available on the biggest online retailer on earth and would benefit from amazons itunes link up. Amazon would get exposure to the big - spending Apple users.

Clever..

Finally! Now to see... by Chroneos · 2003-06-03 23:20 · Score: 5, Interesting

...which labels show up on iTMS, I'm hoping to not only see spinART and Rough Trade, but also smaller labels like Mezzotint who seem to have most of their old catalog out of print aside from vinyl and cassette. I've been saying since its debut, iTMS can be a vehicle for low budget labels to get digital media out with less cost than a run of discs.

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------------ Ben Chroneos

Think Different, Think Nirvana by the+end+of+britain · 2003-06-03 23:25 · Score: 4, Interesting

I love this service but ach, it is going to be a nasty business to be in. Apple has entered center stage with a model based on .99 cent downloads. Way cool! But the most obvious way for someone to compete with them is to offer a download service at a lower price--so expect someone to do that shortly. Apple's margins haven't been published, but I'd guess they're razor thin to begin with. Now .99 cents is already so low that there isn't much further to fall--if a price war ensues, it won't be long before corporations are running online music services as a loss-leader. In Apple's case, it promotes their hardware; other companies will have other ideas. Eventually, these services might very well lead back to where we started--corporate sponsored music-on-demand, with free content that is used as a tool to peddle something else. Look at the way Apple chases these labels--this is brand-name association for them. Think Different, Think Nirvana, etc. It entrenches Apple deep into the popular culture. So those who want free music--it may be coming sooner than you think.

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"Oh, the tragedy of math gone wrong. I can't even talk about it." -Wil Wheaton http://www.wilwheaton.net

making money from music, but not that way by adzoox · 2003-06-03 23:25 · Score: 4, Interesting

I disagree with a hardware subsidy. You almost always have to make a contractual agreement like Columbia or BMG's "11 for a Penny" scam (pay 6.95 each shipping / handling) or two years of internet paid up front or two years of cell phone service. Also, those 5 year MSN plans for $300 cash off a computer are ripoffs. What if you want to move to broadband? You're stuck! Besides, broadband is only $9-$12 more. Less with a special.

Do you know that if you signed a contract for cell service two years ago you're probably paying out the wazoo! I'd much rather get 1 or 2 songs free with an iPod and see a monthly 2 for 1 special or 3 Indie songs for a dollar. The way that Apple will be able to expand this service and make even more money will be the Windows implementation and even better, a deal with Amazon. After all, one click is already implemented!

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Yell & scream & rant & rave... it's no use... you need a shaaaave ~ Bugs Bunny

Trust by N8F8 · 2003-06-03 23:32 · Score: 4, Interesting

The amusing part is that for some unknown reason we "trust" Apple more than probably any other company to make this work. Heck, I havn't owned an Apple since the 80's and for some reason I just trust that Apple will do the right thing.

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"God fights on the side with the best artillery." - Napoleon, Marshal of France - speaking truth to power

Re:Trust by thatguywhoiam · 2003-06-04 02:10 · Score: 4, Interesting

The amusing part is that for some unknown reason we "trust" Apple more than probably any other company to make this work. Heck, I havn't owned an Apple since the 80's and for some reason I just trust that Apple will do the right thing.
Not so hard to understand, really. Humans, believe it or not, are inherently trusting. We tend not to doubt unless there's been repeated infractions against us.
In contrast to, say... Microsoft (heh)... all Apple has to do to retain goodwill is not be utter bastards all the time. MS actually sets the bar pretty low in this regard.
On a personal note you've touched on the reason I always give people who ask Why Mac?.... because, much of the time, I get the distinct impression that Apple is one of the few compaies that tries. Even debacles like the Cube, I give 'em points for trying new things.

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If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.

One step closer to the artists by klang · 2003-06-03 23:45 · Score: 4, Interesting

Next thing we'll see is probably "unsigned artists" in the music store. The first step for Apple to become a record label, or?

iTunes best sellers? by easyfrag · 2003-06-04 00:01 · Score: 4, Interesting

Does Apple or anyone else post iTunes' best selling tracks and albums on a website? I'm curious to see the difference between the music industry charts and what iTunes users buy. I know you can see it from within iTunes but I am not yet an Apple owner.

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