Brilliant or Not: The Music Industry
We are keeping track of what's going on in the world, and we're looking at the implications those events or actions may have on the brands and their respective bottom lines. Then, we're plotting them on our handy-dandy uber-scientific graph that takes a look at the relationship between brands and profit.The Business of Music
Almost a decade ago, the music industry found itself in the midst of the mp3/p2p music-sharing fiasco. Today, as the dust clears, we've seen evidence (iTunes) of a new way of looking at the music industry, and lately there's been a new wave of change truly challenging the business model, as detailed here in this great NY Times article that asks "if it's retail, is it still rock?"
Radiohead's new pay-what-you-want record release
Moving away from the norm, the widely lauded band, Radiohead released their newest album, "In Rainbows," by themselves, offering fans the opportunity to buy the album digitally for however much they are willing to pay. Alternatively, die-hard fans can pay for limited-edition box sets.
Is this the future of the music industry? While sales have been robust, the jury's still out on that one. But one thing is certain, Radiohead continues to be a b(r)and on the bleeding edge of music.
Madonna signs largest music contract...but not with a record label!!
Madonna signs a record (nudge, nudge) $100+ million contract with a concert/venue/tour company, Live Nation, for 3 albums and accompanying tours, appearances...etc., etc.
Another example of a huge music brand making waves and seriously challenging the music business model.
Apple and Starbucks: Bringing you wireless iTunes and what's playing now
Apple released a new wireless version of iTunes, in which a user can download songs directly to their iPhone or iPod Touch. Now imagine being in a Starbucks enjoying the music, and having the ability to purchase the song currently playing directly to your iPhone/iPodTouch. Well, you can do that too.
Apple's recent 4Q results should be enough evidence...note that they ALSO witnessed increased sales in their computers (not just media players) too.
Diddy's other corporate title: Brand Manager of Diageo's Ciroc Vodka
In addition to being a music mogul, Diageo recently tapped Diddy to be brand manager of their new Ciroc Vodka (registration required), joining Jay-Z as another high-profile brand manager of a spirit/alcoholic beverage - and we all know how that's working out for Anheuser's Budweiser Select.
We'll see if the widely known "Crystal: A Hip Hop Case Study" can translate to Ciroc Vodka.
Ireland's First Skyscraper...Courtesy of U2
U2 are set to build the first skyscraper in Ireland, creatively called "The U2 Tower." The 200 million-Euro building will stand 120 meters over Dublin's Docklands. And what will be at the top of the tower, you might ask? Why....U2's recording studio, of course!
Seriously. It's not a joke...its address is on a street with no name (badum cha)!
Britney Spears' New Album "Blackout"
Theself-titled title of the album says it all.
A certified chart-topping album will do little to help us forget all of her problems. Especially when her "bad girl" music image doesn't jive well with her mother-of-two image...but then again, people can't help but watch a trainwreck.
Moving away from the norm, the widely lauded band, Radiohead released their newest album, "In Rainbows," by themselves, offering fans the opportunity to buy the album digitally for however much they are willing to pay. Alternatively, die-hard fans can pay for limited-edition box sets.
Is this the future of the music industry? While sales have been robust, the jury's still out on that one. But one thing is certain, Radiohead continues to be a b(r)and on the bleeding edge of music.
Madonna signs largest music contract...but not with a record label!!
Madonna signs a record (nudge, nudge) $100+ million contract with a concert/venue/tour company, Live Nation, for 3 albums and accompanying tours, appearances...etc., etc.
Another example of a huge music brand making waves and seriously challenging the music business model.
Apple and Starbucks: Bringing you wireless iTunes and what's playing now
Apple released a new wireless version of iTunes, in which a user can download songs directly to their iPhone or iPod Touch. Now imagine being in a Starbucks enjoying the music, and having the ability to purchase the song currently playing directly to your iPhone/iPodTouch. Well, you can do that too.
Apple's recent 4Q results should be enough evidence...note that they ALSO witnessed increased sales in their computers (not just media players) too.
Diddy's other corporate title: Brand Manager of Diageo's Ciroc Vodka
In addition to being a music mogul, Diageo recently tapped Diddy to be brand manager of their new Ciroc Vodka (registration required), joining Jay-Z as another high-profile brand manager of a spirit/alcoholic beverage - and we all know how that's working out for Anheuser's Budweiser Select.
We'll see if the widely known "Crystal: A Hip Hop Case Study" can translate to Ciroc Vodka.
Ireland's First Skyscraper...Courtesy of U2
U2 are set to build the first skyscraper in Ireland, creatively called "The U2 Tower." The 200 million-Euro building will stand 120 meters over Dublin's Docklands. And what will be at the top of the tower, you might ask? Why....U2's recording studio, of course!
Seriously. It's not a joke...its address is on a street with no name (badum cha)!
Britney Spears' New Album "Blackout"
The
A certified chart-topping album will do little to help us forget all of her problems. Especially when her "bad girl" music image doesn't jive well with her mother-of-two image...but then again, people can't help but watch a trainwreck.
Britney put out an album?
It's a shame that no one will really know what impact these business deals will have for a while.
I remember Aerosmith teaming up w/ CompuServe to deliver a song online in the mid-90s. It was a HUGE deal, but no one made any money until Apple and other companies started selling songs online many, many years later.
As for Britney, well...
I hope she's saving some of the money she's earning.