The Pledge: eMusic
Ars Technica is running an article on the eMusic subscription service that offers downloads of non-DRM VBR mp3s. Their catalogue is primarily indie bands and music from "beyond the commercial mainstream", though AT point out that "bands found on the site account for almost 30 percent of sales in the US music market."
The majors are terrified of piracy and so insist on strict DRM controls to safeguard their music. The indie labels that eMusic works with generally don't have that fear. "The indies have always viewed the world differently," says Pakman [eMusic CEO]. "You know, the indies struggle for attention, for customers, so the notion of someone actually digging a track and e-mailing it to 10 of their best friends - doing self-promotion - that's music to the ears of the indie record labels. Whereas an RIAA member says, 'We've got to sue that guy.'"
It should be noted that for $9.99 per month the services allows up to 40 track downloads at 25c each (after the free trail period) which brings the minimum service price to about $20 (€16) a month if you make full use of it.
Personally I don't buy music like that, I tend to go through a period of a month or two when I'll buy a lot: a few new things (less each year), fill holes in the back-cats, chase down some imports. But then I'd stop and not buy anything else for most of a year. So, I think this service is most likely not for me, but if their selling pattern happens to match your buying pattern and you enjoy the thrill of discovering new bands, then there may be something in this for you.
I have to wonder, though, what do we think happens to these bands when a big label gets around to waving a massive wad of stinking sue-money in their faces? In most cases DRM-ahoy, I suspect - or is this too broad a stroke?Technorati Profile
The majors are terrified of piracy and so insist on strict DRM controls to safeguard their music. The indie labels that eMusic works with generally don't have that fear. "The indies have always viewed the world differently," says Pakman [eMusic CEO]. "You know, the indies struggle for attention, for customers, so the notion of someone actually digging a track and e-mailing it to 10 of their best friends - doing self-promotion - that's music to the ears of the indie record labels. Whereas an RIAA member says, 'We've got to sue that guy.'"
It should be noted that for $9.99 per month the services allows up to 40 track downloads at 25c each (after the free trail period) which brings the minimum service price to about $20 (€16) a month if you make full use of it.
Personally I don't buy music like that, I tend to go through a period of a month or two when I'll buy a lot: a few new things (less each year), fill holes in the back-cats, chase down some imports. But then I'd stop and not buy anything else for most of a year. So, I think this service is most likely not for me, but if their selling pattern happens to match your buying pattern and you enjoy the thrill of discovering new bands, then there may be something in this for you.
I have to wonder, though, what do we think happens to these bands when a big label gets around to waving a massive wad of stinking sue-money in their faces? In most cases DRM-ahoy, I suspect - or is this too broad a stroke?Technorati Profile