High5: In other news #8

Music industry research released

 

According to the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers Global entertainment and media outlook 2014-2018, the live music sector will continue to show growth in the coming years with an even greater share of total music revenues predicted. However, streaming music is forecast to have the highest growth rate in the industry at 14.5% pa for five years. As for downloads, well there seems to be mixed feelings about the future of that medium. Find out more of the latest stats in "PwC Music Report stresses strength of live biz, fate of downloads still hazy".

 

Majors falling out of favour

 

The music industry is currently undergoing immense change, and it seems major labels just aren't keeping pace. Many an artist, and we're talking those with much success, like Azealia Banks, have had enough and want out - or at least want to see some changes within the industry. A lot of artists ar now turning to independent labels to get that tender loving care they believe they deserve. Read "It's not me it's you: Why so many artists want to break-up with major labels" to get more info on this shift in the industry. Will we see things shaken up a bit - we hope so - and in favour of the artist.

 

To share or not to share

 

DJ and record producer Kaskade recently threw his toys out of the cot about not being able to share his music freely on SoundCloud because of copyright laws and ownership held under the Sony label. Yes, he knows he can't legally share the tracks - he believes the laws are antiquated and only benefit a "cagey group of old men". There have been endless arguments over free music sharing helps or hinder the artist - read "Kaskade: 'Sharing helps the artist, the fan, and the music industry'", but don't stop there, make sure you read the comments too.

 

Napster...

 

It's the 15th anniversary of Napster this year - the software service that threw the music industry for a loop. Whether you loved it or hated it, it did change the way we view and value music. Read "15 years after Napster: How the music service changed the industry" to find out what music journalists and editors thoughts were and are on Napster and how it affected the industry.  

 

Millennials killed the music industry

 

Thomas Honeyman, co-founder of FindMySong.com believes Millennials killed the music industry, or least what the music industry used to be. The generation, according to Honeyman, have done this by taking controlling of the supply and demand. The value of an artist no longer lies in their album sales, but in their popularity among Millennials. Read Honeyman's piece, "We killed the music industry."