Record labels are to start suing users of peer-to-peer (MP3) file swapping software. It seems that the record companies still haven’t worked out how to tackle the problem of users swapping their record collections online. They’ve move on from taking on the software creators to the individual users and will be hauling their asses into court one by one. Record companies are dinosaurs of artefact distribution. Artists no longer need them to distribute their music. Pearl Jam have left their old record company (Sony) and now distribute files through the net. They make recordings of every gig available to download from their site. Other artists should follow suit.
People hear about music through radio, the press, by going to gigs and by surfing the net. Massive record company funds are used to promote plastic fluff like Gareth Gates and S Club 8 rather that the real talent. Stations such as Radio 1 and XFM are promoting new, unique talent and will continue to do so. OK, so multi-million promo videos for the likes of MTV may no longer be available without the record companies and the artists’ cribs may have to be downgraded a little but, Christ, wasn’t it always about the music? The first nail in the coffin of the record company has well and truly been hammered in.