R.E.M. Puts New Album Online Via iLike
from the a-step-in-the-right-direction dept
R.E.M. is the latest big name band to take a step in the right direction, as it's making its new album available via iLike, the popular social networking app, even before it releases the actual album. As R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe said:"I think you can either go with it or sit back and watch it happen, and I would rather be out on the field than in the bleachers."This one is interesting, as the band is still on a major label (Warner Music), unlike many of the other, more radical, experiments we've been seeing. The band had also made news a few weeks ago by allowing fans to create videos of the first single off the album. It's not entirely clear why they are doing this through iLike. It never makes sense to me to focus on one app or system. After all, the music can go anywhere, so why not make it available however people want it? Either way, it's certainly a step (if just a small one) in the right direction, especially from a big name artist on a major label.
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Filed Under: music, online release, r.e.m.
Companies: ilike, warner music group
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5 inch plastic disks
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Well, Sort of...
That's why they are freaking out...they are losing their mafia-like control. Musicians and fans care only about the music and are only interested in rewarding the musician (a diametrically opposed view point).
In the end, doesn't matter if you're a musician or what. If you have lots of success everyone wants a piece of you.
GO REM!
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possible reason for single app/system
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Well....
Real change will happen when the 20-somethings adopt this model!
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Re: Well....
Er... I think this model is even *more* popular with the 20-somethings out there...
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Re: Re: Well....
I agree that the audience is the younger generation -- it is too bad only the geriatrics are willing (or able to) pull off this type of offering.
$50 says Rod Stewart is next... any takers?
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Re: Re: Re: Well....
That's what I meant. Check out how many 20-something artists these days are adopting models like this that involve giving away or sharing their music. I'd say it's a lot more than the older artists who are still tied to the old idea of selling the music directly.
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Re: Re: Re: Well....
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Agreeing with comment #3
I might suggest that someone involved -- Michael Stipe, for instance -- knows this, and limited the "official" release to a single app as a sop to Warner Music. Warner gets to blame "pirates" for sharing the album through sites like The Pirate Bay, and REM gets their much-needed free distribution. Sure doesn't hurt REM to try to keep the label happy.
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A little cynical
If I were a little less cynical I'd believe otherwise. The fact that REM is still with a major label would tell me that iLike is paying big bucks to have REM do this. That's why they are only doing it there.
As for REM needing to get their name out because they are old, check out the top grossing bands of 2007. Only one in the twenty-something set.
The Police - $212 million (£105 million)
Genesis - $129 million (£64 million)
Justin Timberlake - $126.8 million (£62.9 million)
Kenny Chesney- $71.2 million (£35.3 million
Rod Stewart - $70 million (£34.7 million)
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Re: A little cynical
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meshuggah and myspace
d.
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Old VS New
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RE: Old VS New
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The Nice Thing About The Internet...
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I thought Michael Stipe Died From AIDs?
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