Major record labels - could they disappear?
Much criticism is often associated with the music industry and largely this is aimed at the major record labels. Before the internet became widespread and used daily by consumers, there was little the major record labels had to do in order to make money. They signed artists they wanted, pushed their product into the shops via their chosen (or own) distribution chains and radio and TV stations were provided with the “playlist” they were to use.
With the launch of the CD (although slow to pick up at first) another big injection of cash came to the record companies as consumers replaced their old vinyl and cassettes with this new durable format but little did any consider at the time that the start of CD replication could go towards changing the shape of the music industry.
The internet grew in the background and because music was now digital, it could be transferred as data files as well as on plastic! The record labels were too slow to react to this new “format” and rather than providing consumers with choice for their products, the consumers found ways of getting what they want themselves which has resulted in the major labels just moaning about loss of revenue but really they largely have themselves to blame.
Even many named artists are doing pretty much what they want these days with their music instead of being tied to the rules of the major labels and a good thing that has developed over recent times is the number of smaller independant labels and artists self releasing titles.
With the cost of CD replication at an all time low, there is no need for these contracts with the major labels and in fact with the advertising platform that reaches the world the consumers have in fact gained with the extra choice of product available. No longer are the labels controlling what is to buy - no longer do artists have to strive to get the attention of a big label. So the labels are complaining that CD sales are down so much but is it because the labels do not carry the product the consumers want?
Digital Disc Duplication USA provide quality CD replication services at great prices - all with the knowledge your product will be Made in America! Consumers still want and still buy CDs but they get to choose what CD they buy rather than have a select few on a shelf from record labels. It is the time for independants again and who knows - the major label may just become a distant memory!