THINGS JUST AIN'T THE SAME FOR GANGSTERS...

Remember back when CD sales meant something? Nope…me neither. But, let’s think way back. Like when you had the red and black lumberjack…with the hat to match. I think anyone with a pulse would agree that the music industry is ever-changing and moreover, facets of this business that were once relevant no longer have much, if any significance. Allow me to get you up to speed. Say good-bye to the compact disc and hello to the ring-tone. With the emergence of media download powerhouses like Napster, Bear-share, Ares Galaxy, Limewire, and of course, everyone’s favorite: I-tunes, a weekly trip to the record store has become an event as ancient as the proverbial “field trip”. So, let’s get to the infamous (in your best James Earl Jones voice) RING-TONE. Sound scary, huh? Ok, maybe not. But, it’s true. Americans have grown increasingly attached to their phones/PDAs/Nextel chirps etc. and with this growing affinity comes the need for ring-tones and caller-tunes. Ground breaking discovery? Nope. Shift in the industry? Yep. Understand, this is just something to keep in mind when you’re developing your marketing campaign. (Yes, YOU have to do that now…per record company request) Just leave no stone un-turned. Ring-tones are a great way to achieve your success. Just ask artists like Chamillionaire, Rihanna, and Shawty Lo. Charlie Sheen and Chris Tucker once co-starred in a movie titled Money Talks. Suffice it to say, I share that sentiment. Ring-tones may be able to get you “talking” faster than you think. Until next time, do YOU, do music.

-Gilles