USA Today article

[syogusr]

Any way you spin it, music industry in trouble

By Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY

No wonder pop fans are singing the blues. Radio sounds like a broken record. CD prices are heading off the charts. Labels are out of tune with the digital age. New acts fail to strike a chord with listeners. It's time to face the music. The $14 billion recording industry, struggling through its first sales slump in a decade, faces challenges on several fronts, not the least of which is a tarnished image in the eyes and ears of fans who feel ripped off by greedy, tone-deaf bean counters. In 2001, album sales dropped 2.8% compared with 2000, the first dip since SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991.

Read more below

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Stories Cover story: Music industry out of tune
Music fans find radio unsatisfying
CD buyers suffering sticker shock
High prices result in pirate recordings
Current music lacking in quality


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Audio A record company executive offers his thoughts


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The gap widened in this year's first quarter, when sales fell 8.3% from the same period in 2001, far steeper than the 1.2% drop from 2000 to 2001.
Eminem's return with his third album, The Eminem Show, generated some excitement, selling nearly 300,000 copies in its first two days in stores and, it is estimated, up to 1 million more this week.

But industry observers see few other sure bets in the near future. Even the once-robust current-hits CD franchise, Now That's What I Call Music, is slipping, presumably because of a declining inventory of radio smashes.

While the tsunamis of hip-hop, grunge, rap-rock and boy bands drove sales in the past decade, no strong trend is galvanizing the masses. Billboard's top 10, formerly an exclusive club for albums selling 100,000-plus copies a week, now accommodates acts selling half that.

Illicit downloading continues to chisel away at label profits, prompting lawsuits and generally ineffective countermeasures.

As for today's music offerings, well, fresh bands grow stale overnight while The Beatles continue to sell quite steadily. In this singles-minded era, fans forge only feeble bonds with momentary artists.

"Rock bands have hits, but nobody knows who they are," says Alan Light, a former Spin editor preparing to launch a music magazine.

"It's the Nickelback question. They have the most-played song in modern-rock radio history (How You Remind Me), and you can't pick them out of a police lineup. There's no story, and it's part of an enormous problem at the heart of the music industry. Artists are being prematurely dismissed or not signed in the first place.

"Part of me understands that," Light says. "The obligation of a multimedia corporation is to generate money for stockholders, not to make the best records, and it's naive to pretend otherwise."

A frenzy of mergers radically changed the recording industry from a diverse collection of scrappy and independent operations to a monolithic corporate machine dominated by the five "majors": Bertelsmann, Sony, EMI, Warner Bros. and Universal.

Embittered consumers and embattled corporations seem to be at loggerheads over blame and solutions.



Well, there you have it. Does this surprise anyone here? It doesn't me. There were some links listed above, but I am not sure how to get them here!:(

Go to the article, the links are also satisfiying especially the one titled "Current music lacking in quality" It does mention in that article that there is some good music out there, but you have to 'dig' for it; such as the current success of Norah Jones.

[martinimaster]

The same article says that catalog sale are flat. As in steady, no decrease.And add to that that the catalog prices are usually at or near list, thats not bad in this market.

[dolstein]

My message to the music industry (and the major labels in particular) is this: Stop trying to sell me crap and I just might start buying your product.

Virtually every artist I listen to has been making music for at least ten years.

When a band like Wilco gets dropped by a major label, you know the music industry's in trouble.

[Ron Stone]

[i]It does mention in that article that there is some good music out there, but you have to 'dig' for it; such as the current success of Norah Jones. [/B]

And let's ask ourselves whether Norah Jones would have a label deal with some promotional muscle behind it if she wasn't also a beautiful young woman.

I'm not knocking Ms. Jones, whose CD is fine, but I wonder if a young Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald would even get a contract nowadays.

[trilogia]

i have been buying mostly albums by bands on small labels the past year or so. there is more creativity usually and the cd's and even vinyl costs less than an album on a major label. it isnt even about music for most of the "musicians" anymore out there it seems. if you come out and immediately sign to a huge label thats usually not a good sign that you are in it for the music. the big labels dont look for talent, origninality or creativity like the smaller ones do. im kind of suprised the sales are down though. i mean, anything is passing off for music these days and people are buying it like its goin out of style. theres never a shortage of crappy videos or songs on the radio thats for sure. maybe if the radio would play songs from bands who dont normally get played would help boost things up a bit? who would a thunk of it? think about actually hearing something honestly "new" on the radio for a change. that would be grand. i could think of hundreds upon hundreds of songs and bands that should be played. doesnt the music "industry" get hurt when it limits itself like any other business? do radio stations even bother looking for new non-mainstream bands to play?

[Cousin It]

Originally posted by Ron Stone


I'm not knocking Ms. Jones, whose CD is fine, but I wonder if a young Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald would even get a contract nowadays.

So true !!
Aretha Franklin wouldn't have a hope today.In country music,Hank Williams with his spina bifida,alcohol problems,receding hairline and bony appearance would have also had no chance.Hank Snow with his bag rug,yep not a hope.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Ron Stone


And let's ask ourselves whether Norah Jones would have a label deal with some promotional muscle behind it if she wasn't also a beautiful young woman.

I'm not knocking Ms. Jones, whose CD is fine, but I wonder if a young Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald would even get a contract nowadays.

Jill Scott was signed and sold a lot of records too. She is not a petite woman.

[Grant]

Could Don Kirshner have actually been able to release six Archies albums and many singles?

Could Columbia/Screen Gems ever have been able to sell tons of Partridge Family albums?

Could Paramount have marketed seven plus Brady Bunch albums?

Did you all know there are Bobby Sherman 2-fers being sold at Borders?:D
:D :D :D :D

[Richard Feirstein]

Well there were giants like John Hammond Sr. tucked away at major record companies, that had the clout to sign new acts and get their records out without getting corporate and commettee approval. Mostly, those days are over. Just look up his bio to see what super acts he signed to Columbia from the 40's through the late 60's. He even signed a young 17 year old Bob Dylan, and spent $600.00 of Columbia's money to record his first album in a few hours, and fought management agressively to get his second album recorded and released when the first had sold but 5,000 copies. Could that happen at today's major music companies. I think you know the answer. Little Bruce Springstein was also signed by this guy with a great ear for talent. When music is the priority sales will follow.

[Grant]

Originally posted by Richard Feirstein
Well there were giants like John Hammond Sr. tucked away at major record companies, that had the clout to sign new acts and get their records out without getting corporate and commettee approval. Mostly, those days are over. Just look up his bio to see what super acts he signed to Columbia from the 40's through the late 60's. He even signed a young 17 year old Bob Dylan, and spent $600.00 of Columbia's money to record his first album in a few hours, and fought management agressively to get his second album recorded and released when the first had sold but 5,000 copies. Could that happen at today's major music companies. I think you know the answer. Little Bruce Springstein was also signed by this guy with a great ear for talent. When music is the priority sales will follow.

Let's not forget how many new talants Clive Davis signed to CBS in the late 60s and early 70s. Davis signed, or was instrumental in signing Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, and made the deals with The Isley Brothers for their T-Neck label and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff for Philadelphia International Records.

This brings a question, when was Springsteen signed to Columbia?

The 50s, 60s, and 70s were the good old days when new artists were signed by independent labels and were allowed to thrive and compete right alongside the majors.

[Dan C]

Originally posted by Grant


Let's not forget how many new talants Clive Davis signed to CBS in the late 60s and early 70s. Davis signed, or was instrumental in signing Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, and made the deals with The Isley Brothers for their T-Neck label and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff for Philadelphia International Records.

This brings a question, when was Springsteen signed to Columbia?

The 50s, 60s, and 70s were the good old days when new artists were signed by independent labels and were allowed to thrive and compete right alongside the majors.

Don't forget Billy Joel, although I don't know if it was Hammond or Davis that signed him.

Few of these acts' first few albums were big sellers. Billy's first 3 or 4 albums sold rather modestly at first, but the label kept him on the roster as he built a fan base. It sure paid off, and it paid off with Springsteen and Dylan and Chicago, etc.

Now an act is expected to go triple platinum in a month with their first CD.
If their next CD "only" goes single platinum, the labels kicks their asses out the back door. The suits are new getting what they deserve!:mad:
Dan C

[syogusr]

Well, the figures are in; and Eminem sold 500,000 copies LESS in the first week, than his last release. Haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa!! There just might be hope after all, (for quality music), his 'fans' aren't even scoffing this up compared to his last release. Or, maybe, people are just wising up??:rolleyes:

[Mike]

Originally posted by syogusr
Well, the figures are in; and Eminem sold 500,000 copies LESS in the first week, than his last release. Haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa!! There just might be hope after all, (for quality music), his 'fans' aren't even scoffing this up compared to his last release. Or, maybe, people are just wising up??:rolleyes:

Ummm, I hate to tell you but you are WRONG!! Haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa!! Eminem's cd went on sale early due to the downloading scare and therefore he only had 2-3 days of sales for the first week. Guess what, if you add up the first 7 days the brilliant Eminem sold MORE this time! Woo hooo!!! :D

[Grant]

Originally posted by syogusr
Well, the figures are in; and Eminem sold 500,000 copies LESS in the first week, than his last release. Haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa!! There just might be hope after all, (for quality music), his 'fans' aren't even scoffing this up compared to his last release. Or, maybe, people are just wising up??:rolleyes:

Well, I bought his new one and it just isn't as good as the last one. I suppose many teens don't like it because it's too introspective, too much about himself, and there's not enough of the sick or shocking stuff. The public doesn't care about his anger towards his parents anymore.

But, his new CD is selling better than many have in recent months, so under that, he's not doing too bad.

The industry and consumers are going to have to lower their sales expectations for all artitsts.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Grant


Well, I bought his new one and it just isn't as good as the last one. I suppose many teens don't like it because it's too introspective, too much about himself, and there's not enough of the sick or shocking stuff. The public doesn't care about his anger towards his parents anymore.

Who's saying the teens don't like it? It's selling great and Without Me has been number 1 for a month on my local Top 40 station. Even the rock station is playing the Dream On song in heavy rotation.

What bugs me is the people who refuse to acknowledge Eminem's talent at writing lyrics. You can call him disgusting, shocking, crude, responsible for the downfall of western civilization, etc. But you can't say the man has no skills and have any credibility. He is one talented dude. :)

[Grant]

Originally posted by Mike


Who's saying the teens don't like it? It's selling great and Without Me has been number 1 for a month on my local Top 40 station. Even the rock station is playing the Dream On song in heavy rotation.

What bugs me is the people who refuse to acknowledge Eminem's talent at writing lyrics. You can call him disgusting, shocking, crude, responsible for the downfall of western civilization, etc. But you can't say the man has no skills and have any credibility. He is one talented dude. :)

Wait a minute, Mike, I like Emniem and I think he is very talented! I understand that what he does it "skits" or fantasy. That's much of what rap is. I just don't think "The Eminem Show" is as good as "The Marshall Mathers LP".

[Mike]

Originally posted by Grant


Wait a minute, Mike, I like Emniem and I think he is very talented! I understand that what he does it "skits" or fantasy. That's much of what rap is. I just don't think "The Eminem Show" is as good as "The Marshall Mathers LP".
Hey Grant:

I know! That was just my general statement to all the rap haters. :D But you did give a reason that many teens "don't like it". I'm not sure if that's the case. Although maybe they don't, I don't hang much with the teen crowd these days. I'm no R. Kelly. :D

[syogusr]

Originally posted by Mike


Ummm, I hate to tell you but you are WRONG!! Haaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa!! Eminem's cd went on sale early due to the downloading scare and therefore he only had 2-3 days of sales for the first week. Guess what, if you add up the first 7 days the brilliant Eminem sold MORE this time! Woo hooo!!! :D


Uh, Mike, I hate to break the news to you, go to Billboard.com yourself, and see. It sold appro. 260, 000 the 2-3 days it was out before the scheduled Tuesday release, that coupled with the 1.3 mil. during the course of the normal sales week. Due the math yourself!! 1.3 million plus 260,000= 1.56 million. The last one was 1.8 million, and that was just the 'normal' sales week, COMPARED TO 1.3 MILLION THIS TIME AROUND!!Get it?? Go to the horses mouth, Billboard, and see for yourself!!

Again, there is hope for the USA after all. Haaaa!

And please do MOST people a favor, and do not use brilliant and M&M in the same paragraph, let alone the same sentence. If people really saw him as brilliant, we will all go to hell in a bucket very quickly. Even his mother said that, poor woman. Period!

[Scott Wheeler]

After reading this thread it reminded me of the fact that the majority of my favorite recording artists are far to butt ugly to make it in today's MTV market. Who would have thought those wacky Buggles would be so prophetic, "video killed the radio star"

[lennonfan]

One of the things different between today and yesteryear, is that the emphasis was not on an album but on a -song-. True, albums themselves were thought about, but the -song- was everything.
Bring back the 45 rpm single, I say:)
If companies weren't so greedy, and the quality of the -song- was there, there wouldn't be a problem.
(outside of piracy, of course)

[Mike]

Originally posted by syogusr



Uh, Mike, I hate to break the news to you, go to Billboard.com yourself, and see. It sold appro. 260, 000 the 2-3 days it was out before the scheduled Tuesday release, that coupled with the 1.3 mil. during the course of the normal sales week. Due the math yourself!! 1.3 million plus 260,000= 1.56 million. The last one was 1.8 million, and that was just the 'normal' sales week, COMPARED TO 1.3 MILLION THIS TIME AROUND!!Get it?? Go to the horses mouth, Billboard, and see for yourself!!

Again, there is hope for the USA after all. Haaaa!
I did go to Billboard and it says this:

Last album - 1.76 million in the first 7 days

New album - 1.60 million in 10 days

So I guess we are both wrong. :D If you want to call that 500,00 less in the first week, then be my guest! :D Boy, that Eminem is tanking! :rolleyes:

For all you fans, the DVD only comes with the first 2 million copies. Get yours now! :)

[syogusr]

Originally posted by Mike

I did go to Billboard and it says this:

Last album - 1.76 million in the first 7 days

New album - 1.60 million in 10 days

So I guess we are both wrong. :D If you want to call that 500,00 less in the first week, then be my guest! :D Boy, that Eminem is tanking! :rolleyes:

For all you fans, the DVD only comes with the first 2 million copies. Get yours now! :)

OK, I concede, 440,000, but that the main thing is that it is down. That is all that matters, that being on a positive note!:) The article says, 1.32 in the first FULL week, and the last was 1.76 mil. in the first week. So, around 440,000. No need to look at the 10 day figure, because this was released a little earlier than planned. And on that note, I would not be surprised if that was more than intentional, because they new figures would not match 2 years ago, and this makes it SEEM a little better to their camp!

[Mike]

Originally posted by syogusr


OK, I concede, 440,000, but that the main thing is that it is down. That is all that matters, that being on a positive note!:)
:D You wish poverty on Eminem? Don't you know he just settled lawsuits with:

1. His ex-wife

2. His mom

3. Some guy he hit

4. Probably some other people

If we don't buy Eminem's album, then we are to blame when he is on the street committing crimes for money. Think about it. :D

[syogusr]

Originally posted by Mike

:D You wish poverty on Eminem? Don't you know he just settled lawsuits with:

1. His ex-wife

2. His mom

3. Some guy he hit

4. Probably some other people

If we don't buy Eminem's album, then we are to blame when he is on the street committing crimes for money. Think about it. :D

No, Mike I don't wish poverty on M&M, but in the end, he will wish it all on himself, when he burns in hell just like the other a-holes down there are already doing! Enough said.

[Grant]

Originally posted by syogusr



Uh, Mike, I hate to break the news to you, go to Billboard.com yourself, and see. It sold appro. 260, 000 the 2-3 days it was out before the scheduled Tuesday release, that coupled with the 1.3 mil. during the course of the normal sales week. Due the math yourself!! 1.3 million plus 260,000= 1.56 million. The last one was 1.8 million, and that was just the 'normal' sales week, COMPARED TO 1.3 MILLION THIS TIME AROUND!!Get it?? Go to the horses mouth, Billboard, and see for yourself!!

Again, there is hope for the USA after all. Haaaa!
Than difference is so small! Think about it, if it had been a normal sales week instead of a hiliday weekend, he probably would have sold more!

So there!