HighNotes: YouTube vs Independents

YouTube vs the indies put in perspective

 

All the hullabaloo about YouTube removing video content from independent labels who have not signed a contract with regards to its music streaming offering is really just sensationalised media hype. Yes, YouTube will be removing some of the content, but consider that 95% of the labels it deals with has already signed, including the three majors - Universal, Sony and Warner. Read "Why YouTube's indie music brawl is not as dire as it sounds" to help gain some level-headed perspective on the issue.    

 

 

Should the remaining 5% of indie labels, currently not on board with YouTube's new streaming service's terms and conditions continue putting up a fight, or should they just sign on the dotted line and be done with it. It's starting to seem like a futile battle, as indie labels have much more to lose in the long run. Be that as it may, the whole scenario does beg the questions: "Does the music business really need YouTube?"   

 

Lossless FLAC streaming

 

You're probably thinking, not another streaming music service! But wait, this one comes with a kick. It's called Baboom; it's the project of Kim Dotcom and he's looking to shake up the industry once again. Baboom is said to offer a higher revenue share for artists than any other platform or label, and it offers users lossless FLAC streaming - say goodbye to your bandwidth! Read "Dotcom's disruptive music service first to support FLAC streaming" to get the gist of what's coming. If Dotcom gets this right, he'll be more than just a thorn in the side of the majors. 

 

 

The future of music festivals

 

The music scene is in upheaval - but the sky is not falling just yet. While South Africa may not see this for a few years to come, there's a trend developing at North American music festivals: bookers are turning to a new type of headliner, according to an article on National Post. They're turning to modern nostalgia. Read "Could the future of the music festival be looking to the past?" to learn more about this trend.

 

Labels still winning

 

Regardless of the disruption the internet brought upon the music industry, don't believe everything you hear about the labels struggling to make ends meet. Record labels, particularly the majors, are still on their winning streak as they continue raking in cash. In the streaming market, it's the labels who are cashing in, the artists get mediocre royalty rate, while the streamers themselves are teetering on survival. Read "The music industry is still screwed: Why Spotify, Amazon and iTunes can’t save musical artists" to consider the future of music and the artist.