Blake Morgan president of Engine Company Records has written an article in the Guardian newspaper around the premise that price reductions on iTunes and the removal of DRM will damage the interests of independent artists. He explains why; I will let you read it for yourself, rather than needlessly reiterate his ideas here:
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=51795952181&h=rBI6D&u=PQ7lz
He’s generated a long string of comments, mostly people disagreeing with him. The battle for what defines the music business goes on.
Blake Morgan is talking complete rubbish. Here’s a couple of points I’d like to comment on….
DRM doesn’t work. Anyone can download DRM tracks from iTunes, burn to a music CD and then re-upload and re-distribute DRM free, if they so wish. Illegal, but true.
CDs are cheaper now than they have ever been. I’ve just bought the Lily Allen album for £7 whereas 15-20 years ago I would have been only able to buy a CD for £12-£15. If the big labels put up the prices, then people will just get their music from CDs or illegally. The reason DRM free tracks are more expensive, is that they’re at a better bit rate.
By: pcogle on February 17, 2009
at 10:18 am