The Mu 'sick Industry in 'O9

What to expect in the new year?

We're rounding off the last quarter in 2008. Labels are releasing their biggest (and supposedly most promising) records. The big music companies are repositioning, and yes, people are getting fired. In the music industry, all these things are typical signs that one year is ending a new year is approaching. For some, this is great news but for many, the year 2009 may not look so inviting. The music industry is obviously going through some major changes. Even as we speak 360 deals are becoming the standard, companies are experimenting with different distribution formats, labels are becoming more open to DRM-free downloads and off-center marketing strategies, and things are becoming a lot less predictable. With 2009 on the horizon, anyone who is serious about making a living in this business next year should have a good idea of what to expect. Here are my predictions:

More people will buy music from their cell phones & cell phones will become the dominant music player.
If you haven't heard, the mobile phone industry is one of the only industries that is actually booming during this recession. With most of the big name companies working on new product releases for 2009, and music companies selling more and more music on these new platforms, it's definitely not overstating to say that most music will be purchased on cell phones.

Even more ad-supported online music companies will be seen.
Over the past year we've seen a handful of companies pop up that have adopted a revenue building strategy based on advertising dollars. You better believe we're going to see many more in 2009!

Most new artist will be signed to some variation of the 360 deal.
With music sales down, and touring up, you better believe labels are going to want in on the action if they're investing in you. No question!! Period!! Point blank!! That's the bottom line!!

Major artist deals will consist mostly of touring and endorsements.
This year we've seen superstar after superstar get ridiculous deals valued at record dollar amounts for marketing and touring. Labels want to continue to invest in this growing segment so expect it to get even more the standard. Think about it...if I'm going to invest money in you anyway, why wouldn't I invest more of it in an area that promises me more of it back? It's common sense!

Live Nation & Ticket Master will offer superstar artists unbelievable deals that include touring, merchandising, and endorsements and go on to be two of the most profitable companies of the year reaching record sales and profits.
These two companies have already started offering superstars deals that offer them marketing dollars in return for a cut of more than just touring monies. I really believe people are going to see these companies functioning more and more like the traditional "record label". The big four is either going to join the band wagon or fall as victims of time (what goes up must come down)...we'll see.


Existing and new Streaming Music sites like Rhapsody will flourish. Internet Radio services, not as much.
People in this age appreciate their options. Streaming music services has given people the power to choose exactly what they want to listen to and access it immediately. Whereas Internet radio forces you to listen to what they play...it's not that hard to see why this sector won't be able to compete unless they figure out a way to give listeners more direct power over what they hear.

Kanye will release an album where he's rapping again...lol (I had to!)
Just a joke...no but seriously...he will.