Reply #114: Well, some changes are coming about as a result of artists [View All]

[GumboYaYa]

starting their own labels. Additionally, artists will be able to use the internet to directly reach their fans and sell music or give it away without the huge obligations to the labels.

Olu Dara is a great example. He cut two albums and refuses to do anymore. He says he can make more money touring with his existing albums as he could working his ass off in the studio to make an album that makes money for the label.

Nevertheless, the big problem is the prevalence of radio in promoting artists. Lots and lots of the listening public are not proactive enough to find good bands on their own. They rely on radio to discover new artists. As long as that is the case, payola will rule and the labels will continue to hold power. The internet is one way to make music more avaiable, but how do you get consumers to be more active in their listening? I don't know.