First unsigned band in the Top 40
The BBC reports:
Essex rock band Koopa could become the first unsigned group to land a UK top 40 hit thanks to new chart rules.
Their download-only single Blag, Steal & Borrow is on course to enter Sunday's top 40, early sales figures suggest.
Chart rules were changed at the start of January to count all digital single sales, even if there is no CD version.
[snip]
Record labels have already contacted them on the strength of this week's chart showing.
"If someone comes along and gives us an offer, we'll talk to them," [singer Joe Murphy said.]
"But it depends whether we need it. If we can get enough exposure and get in the top 40 by the end of the week, do we necessarily need a large label?
"Probably nowadays, no you don't. We'll get the exposure ourselves just from being in the charts."
Chris,let's talk about the witkey phenomenon here,shall we?It's all the rage right now in China.I was wondering whether there was anything in there that is relevent to Long tail theory.
Posted by: Dane Cao | January 13, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Imagine a world where artists don't need to sell their souls for money.
With this, we come one step closer to that world.
Posted by: Mike Abundo | January 13, 2007 at 07:12 AM
The trend of musicians finding new ways to make money is just beginning. I believe the services angle has been under-explored. My company sells custom music services.. check it out: TailoredMusic.com. We just launched.
Posted by: James Peel | January 13, 2007 at 12:58 PM
from the lefsetz letter you posted:
"And don’t tell me about the indie acts you love. Most are deservedly marginal. It’s great that the Net allows them to stay alive and do business, but they ARE NOT the future of this business. The future is credible acts that speak to people. NOT MAKING ALBUMS!"
hmmmm....point/counterpoint.
Posted by: james | January 14, 2007 at 05:24 AM
I still listen to one hit wonders from the 80's, was a napster..uh...user?...and now have attached myself to the Indie scene. The music is much better and the lyrics meaningful AND I'm a normal dude, have three kids and a mortgage. I look forward to "albums" being released with multiple Indie bands on it. The over-promoted bands are going away and only talent will work. What a cool world we live in.
Posted by: David Armstrong | January 15, 2007 at 12:22 PM