"If you look at what's going on, it's the first time that there has ever been an industry impacted by illegal activities," says UMG chairman/CEO Doug Morris. "Thousands and thousands of jobs have been lost, and it is an untold story that no one has rallied behind. It is one of the saddest things I have ever seen."
Well, I have not heard much about this but it seems like "thousands and thousands" of jobs would not be being lost just because people download music. I think Doug Morris is trying to find a place to point the finger. The fact is due to all the ways music can now be distributed and the major labels reliance on retail product they have become sort of irrelevant now haven't they. It's not required to sign with a major label to get a record out, distributed, and promoted...and Pearl Jam and the Eagles have gone off on their own now haven't they? These were big label bands, good product for these guys but now they don't need the labels anymore. Personally, I would think from an artist standpoint they would be saying "Ha! How's it feel guys! Now we don't need you!"
David would probably have interesting insight into this situation. Are the major labels the dinosaurs now? Who needs them? They seem to only want to be involved with sure thing product now anyway right? If jobs are being lost shouldn't they stand up and take responsibility for the fact that they don't run a very tight ship and it's their own fault for not gameplanning their future, not blame some kids downloading music from the net. Frankly this whole thing reeks of bullshit...but then that's what they're good at isn't it?
One last minor note on this, I bought Joe Henry's last record when it came out and it was priced new at $6.99. I thought that record was great but it tanked. You can't say it wasn't priced to sell. I mean how much profit could be made on a $7 sale? Why wouldn't someone spend $7 to try a record that has Joe, Brad Mehldau, Ornette Coleman and other cool musicians on it? What I'm saying is what did the major label do for Joe Henry to help make that record succeed? What did Lost Highway do for David Baerwald? Why does anyone need these guys? I guess I just don't understand the need when the do it yourself options are always there. Sure, maybe it doesn't feel as "big" as when a label is involved if you're doing it on your own but with all the label horror stories...and that Wilco movie had an interesting one...what's the point? David? You probably know better than anyone else here.
Reg
