UNBUNDLED: Democratizing Music’s Future

In this final entry in the Unbundled series on music dynamics, Adam Marx explores the "new unbundled" which removes fractures the power that was once held by the major labels, splintering it among a plethora of new artists and exciting emerging startups. _________________________________ By Adam Marx This is a continuation…

Ujo Attempts Music On The Blockchain A Second Time With: EGO By RAC [Op-Ed]

Blockchain tech’s potential for the music industry has long been discussed and debated, but not always acted upon. Ujo Music is one organization which has worked to make blockchain integration an actual reality, and although its first attempt didn’t exactly go smoothly, hopes are high for round two. _________________________ Op-ed…

Taylor Swift To Keep New Album Off Streaming For At Least A Week, Still On Track For Biggest Debut Of Year

Taylor Swift will keep her new album off streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music for at least the first week of release, according to multiple sources. But even without a streaming boost, she is still on track to deliver the biggest debut of the year. ____________________________________ Taylor Swift’s team…

38% Of The Music Business Now Indie Labels

While it may be a commonly held belief that a choice few major labels dominate the music industry, new data reveals that this simply isn’t the case, with indie labels having generated over $6 billion in the past year, and making up roughly 38% of overall music business. ___________________________________ Guest…

Unbundled: Shifting the Paradigm

[UPDATED] The unbundling, whether as single album tracks on iTunes or the distribution and marketing that once only a record label could do, has affected every corner of the music and the music industry. But a new music paradigm is rising out of the wreckage of unbundling, writes Adam Marx….

Alex Awards Honor Best In Vinyl – Full List Of Winners 2017

After a 12 year hiatus, the Alex Awards returned this week to honor the best in vinyl record packaging at a ceremony at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit. The Alex Awards was last presented in 2006 when it had been primarily a competition honoring the best in DVD,…

Indie Compilations, Playlist Marketing with Alex Rainbird

After developing a passion for under-the-radar music from a young age, Alex Rainbird went on to cultivate a successful YouTube Channel highlighting talented but rarely heard artists and began releasing monthly compilations showcasing some of the best independent undiscovered artists. Here he talks with Rick Goetz about his success and…

Successfully Releasing Music On A Tight Budget

For independent artists on a budget, the prospect of releasing an album brings with it several significant financial challenges, with little guarantee that you will see a return on your investment, or even break even. Here we look at how to execute a successful release on a budget. ________________________ Guest…

Unbundled: An Introduction To The Bundle and Why The Unbundling Of Music Matters

From iTunes to Spotify, the bundling and unbundling music – the practice of combining or separating tracks – has had a major effect on the industry. Here, in Part 1 in a four part series, Adam Marx takes a deep dive into the dynamics of bundling. _____________________________ By Adam Marx…

8 Situations When You Might Need A Record Label

While much is made of operating as an independent, do-it-yourself artist in the modern music economy having a label at your back can, in certain scenarios, be highly advantageous. Here we look at eight situations in which having the backing of a label works in your favor. _______________________________ Guest post…