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.

Filed Under: music, online release, r.e.m.
Companies: ilike, warner music group