Devotion #8

A word to the wise: If you ever decide to illegally download audio editing software from the Internet, be prepared for a life of online crime. From an update here to a plug-in or two there, it will never end.



I got up early last Saturday morning to get a start on some projects, which was good, but ended up watching The Weatherman over breakfast, which was also good, but completely defeated the purpose of an early rise. I’ve seen the film before, but a second viewing only reinforced my belief that Nicolas Cage is one of the best actors of this generation, and I would have no problem paying good money to watch Michael Caine read a phone book.

Time is still tight with stories and such, but I did want to call attention to some major industry news. Radiohead made headlines recently with plans to release their next album, In Rainbows, on Wednesday in a digital-only format with a price point set by fans. In talking with a colleague last week, we were discussing what such a move means to the business of music, which is struggling to come to terms with falling CD sales and consumers who are unwilling to pay for music they can easily get for free. Even the concept of the “album” is becoming a thing of the past in this new mp3- and ringtone-driven environment.

Two advantages that a now-independent Radiohead has, however, are a massive fan base and widespread respect, both of which were cultivated through their work on Capitol, a subsidiary of EMI, which is one of the “big four” music companies along with Universal, Sony BMG, and the Warner Music Group. While this is not a major label tactic, it is something of a major label reaction, which could become a tool used to benefit these companies in the long run.

But not every artist will prosper in the new model of music distribution, because, quite simply, singles are singles and stealing is stealing. Piracy and digital downloading does cut into revenue generated by the U2s and Kanye Wests of the world, but affects the bottom line for indies and MC No Names even more. Most popular music consumers don’t bootleg 50 Cent albums while going out and actually purchasing something released by their favorite underground rapper. It would be nice, but it just doesn’t happen. What Radiohead is doing is definitely groundbreaking – and brilliant marketing – but they’re just one of a handful of bands that can afford to take such a chance. And the majors, who back many Radiohead peers, are no different.

See, the fat cats are in the business of saving money and making money. They’re not really particular as to how they do it or where it comes from. It’s akin to a drug trade. The product has to remain on the street. Some customers are copping smaller packages for less, and some are even getting their fix for free, but if you have loyal addicts that you’ve strung along for a number of years, you can afford to give a little in order to get a little and maintain status. And if a maverick dealer branches out with some off-the-wall hustle, then it’s a matter of acknowledging that the game done changed and learning to adapt.

Radiohead may be changing the game.

And somewhere, Lars Ulrich just puked in his mouth – or on James Hetfield.