To end with the Music Business posts for today, a very interesting video:

Since completing his earlier major record label contract, musician Trent Reznor has been experimenting with a variety of new and unique business models for his band, Nine Inch Nails, to reach and connect with fans. This case study explores Reznor’s experiments, examining what has worked and what has not – and why.
Speaker: Michael Masnick (Editor/President & CEO, Techdirt Blog/Floor64)

More options to release yourself from “pressed cd” past and embrance de digital future:

TuneCore: Digital Music Distribution

Things like that are becoming more and more common. Despite what the media and record companies tell us, we are living a in a very exciting age for music!

“Alamo Music is a truly independent Record Label; conceived, funded, set-up & run by music fans and dedicated artists… “

Alamo Music Website

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville

Four out of five independent music store customers cite a recommendation of a friend as being an important factor in a purchase, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Independent Music Stores (AIMS). The online survey queried 1,067 consumers from AIMS stores around the country about the spending habits, concert-going frequency and relationship with the stores. Seeing a live performance was also cited by 80% of those surveyed. Only 39% cited radio as being important in their purchase decisions while newspapers and television were cited by 16% and 15%, respectively.

More than three in five respondents said they visit an independent music store more than once a month. While they may be avid music buyers, 63% of those surveyed say they go to a concert either once a month or less often than once a month. Respondents most often go to medium-sized clubs (85%) and small clubs (76%). Less than 20% of respondents said they go to arena and amphitheater shows.

iTunes was by far the most popular digital store named by respondents, with 85% saying they have purchased music there. Amazon.com’s MP3 store was second with 23% and eMusic was third at 14%. Insound got 6% of respondents and Lala and Rhapsody both got 5%. But most of the independent store customers surveyed – 65% of them – said they spend 10% or less of their total music spending at digital stores. Only 11% spend half or more of their total music spending at digital stores.

Seventy percent of respondents said they use YouTube, 62% use MySpace, 46% listen to Pandora and 32% have used Last.fm. Imeem came in at 7%, Playlist at 5% and both Qtrax and Spiral Frog (which had not yet gone under) claimed to be used by 0% of respondents (or so few of them that the figure was zero when rounded down).

Of those who read blogs or music Web sites, 78% said they have read Pitchfork while 44% cited RollingStone.com and 38% cited Stereogum. Other popular music blogs were Brooklyn Vegan (28%), My Old Kentucky Blog (23%) and Largehearted Boy (14%).

There’s a new music business short movie called “Kill the Labels”. It focuses on hip-hop but the principles can be transferred to any musical style. Let’s get independent!

“For decades hip hop has been controlled by the record companies. They invest millions and profit billions from global cassette, cd, and now ringtone sales. Music moguls afford a lifestyle comparable to what we see on mtv cribs. Eventually hip hop artist would adapt the record company formula, and start to strategically promote and market there own music. This has created a conflict inside the industry. The Record companies, in conjunction with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), have declared war. Offices have been raided, Mom and Pop stores have been closed, and many have been arrested. Hip Hop Artists, Djs, and producers have decided that the only way to survive in the music business is to Kill The Record Labels.”

Watch – Kill the Labels DVD Full 51 min

Martin Atkins (drummer of Nine Inch Nails and The Killing Joke) released a very interesting book called “Tour:Smart : And break the band” with tips and ideas about the music business, touring, promoting your material and everything a independent artist should know.

Based on the small sections I read it seems like a great book with a lot of good advice. Recommended!

Tour:Smart website