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Posts about Business
On December 19th
covering Business, Creativity, Culture, Music
In today’s Wired magazine site, David Byrne has written a small textbook on the recorded-music industry that summarizes the major approaches that are available today. The included audio clips of his interviews with innovators of different business models are well worth the time.
He sets out six models of recorded-music distribution, which he calls The Six Possibilities:
Where there was one, now there are six: Six possible music distribution models, ranging from one in which the artist is pretty much hands-off to one where the artist does nearly everything. Not surprisingly, the more involved the artist is, the more he or she can often make per unit sold. The totally DIY model is certainly not for everyone — but that’s the point. Now there’s choice. Read more »
On December 13th
covering Business, Music
These are interesting times. The musicians I talk to are all scratching for new ways to make a living. These anxieties filter into their daily lives and I hear about it constantly. So even though I am not remotely a player in the industry, I’ve become interested in the topic. As I wrote a few days ago, 1000 years of history shows this is not a new problem.
I personally believe that creative solutions are out there. One colorful and energetic, if intemperate, commentator is Bob Lefsetz, who delivers unbridled observations in his email letter. His take on the Aspen Live conference of industry muckymucks is posted on Seth Godin’s blog. I’d be interested in hearing what you think.
On December 12th
covering Business, Music
This has been so commented upon, I’ve been afraid there’s nothing to add. The NYTimes has a follow-up piece today.
But I think it boils down to this: Radiohead treats it audience with some trust. It’s so easy to treat them as the enemy. If you treat your audience / fans / customers as the enemy, they will become your enemy.
On December 6th
covering Business, Music
Greg sandow is a wonderful writer about the professional classical music world. His post from today is even more important for rock/pop musicians to read than for classical musicians. Read the comments as well.
Here is the point that I would develop if I had more than a couple of minutes today: making a living in music has required constant inventiveness, with a few exceptions. There have been more or less stable arrangements throughout history, but these have always been uneasy compromises. I’m thinking of Franz Josef Haydn working as a servant of Prince Esterhazy, and Kapellmeister J.S. Bach always kvetching to his employers at Thomaskirche for more money and more musicians. Or today, the arrangements where musicians find university residencies or faculty appointments. But mostly they have to invent ways to make money. Read more »
On November 29th
covering Business, Leadership, Music Ensembles, Performance Psychology
Here’s a blog post about business startups that has a lot to offer for people in performing groups. Go read it.
