Wednesday, March 05, 2008

The Long Tail of Destruction

NIN is making serious money.

Between this and Radiohead's In Rainbows release, I think the math is pretty clear. The music industry as it stands is virtually obsolete. Any musician with half a brain is going to figure out that they're leaving money on the table. If you're tied to the music industry, or any creative industry, figure out who your fans are quick, and speak directly to them.

Also, read this piece about the Long Tail and True Fans. You don't need a million fans. You need one thousand. Just make sure you take care of them.

1 comment:

Enigma-Machinist said...

My roommate and I discuss this very situation over and over again. We feel that this could very well be the future for many artists that show a little backbone and self produce. We would joke that Radiohead should join our record label; yet to be named. We wouldn't charge them a cent, but they would gain prestige from our label. Makes sense to me, ya know.

Still, its going to be a battle. Everyone wants a piece of the pie in this day and age. But while we have a chance, say goodbye to all-controlling record labels and hello to no-name, bend-over-backwards-for-the-artist labels