I am currently serving as CEO of a newly formed Berkman Center / Lydon-McGrath venture that aims to deliver much of the recording industry alternative you describe. I put alternative in quotes, because we are hoping to launch and sustain our venture by proving mutually beneficial business models and relationships; we can deliver good, free music and be a friend to the music industry.
An excerpt from our early marketing materials:
"We aim to create a dynamically growing and easily accessible body of music that is royalty-free to nonprofit broadcasters and webcasters. An alternative source of content, it will enhance noncommercial radio's bargaining position with the recording industry and will provide access and outlet for local music and facilitate bookings on campus and near-campus venues.
Many independent record labels have welcomed our efforts. Whatever hurts college radio hurts the Indies. Whatever helps college radio helps the Indies. Many are already licensing their catalogs royalty free for webcasting. Whatever supposed revenue they are giving up is revenue they never had."
We hope to have the chance to tell you much more about our efforts soon.
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An excerpt from our early marketing materials:
"We aim to create a dynamically growing and easily accessible body of music that is royalty-free to nonprofit broadcasters and webcasters. An alternative source of content, it will enhance noncommercial radio's bargaining position with the recording industry and will provide access and outlet for local music and facilitate bookings on campus and near-campus venues.
Many independent record labels have welcomed our efforts. Whatever hurts college radio hurts the Indies. Whatever helps college radio helps the Indies. Many are already licensing their catalogs royalty free for webcasting. Whatever supposed revenue they are giving up is revenue they never had."
We hope to have the chance to tell you much more about our efforts soon.
For more about the Berkman Center, see cyber.law.harvard.edu.