[ARSCLIST] music distribution + radiohead

[Jonathan Wise <jonathan.wise@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Of interest to those following the trials and tribulations of digital
music distribution:

Having just released their new album "In Rainbows" as a
pay-what-you-want digital download, the critically acclaimed alternative
rock band Radiohead intend to follow it up in December with a 'discbox'
that will include a second CD, two vinyl records (yes, vinyl!), and
lyric booklets. In January they will release the album as a single CD. 

From an editorial in the NYT: 
"...about a third of the first million or so downloads paid
nothing...but many paid more than $20. The average price was about $8.
That is, people paid for something they could get for free...[This] is
potentially comforting news for the recording business. The industry has
been struggling to find a business plan that will work in an online
market in which - despite billions invested in anti-piracy measures -
fans can pretty much get their music for free if they want to."

Radiohead's approach suggests another way out of the conundrum faced by
the music industry by providing fans with three options: Pay what you
want (or nothing) for a digital download (that many would have probably
got for free anyway), pay a premium price for the CD with bonus material
and related collector's items, or pay list price for a single CD
release.

No question--Radiohead are one of the few bands who, having attained
enough fame and fortune, can afford to take such risks, but kudos to
them for taking such an innovative approach to music distribution in
today's complex digital environment. This approach suggests something
for everyone rather than continued alienation and perceived hostility
from a confused and frustrated music industry...

Cheers,
Jonathan W.
Radiohead: www.inrainbows.com
NYT editorial: http://www.tiny.cc/1Ihf5