The Money And The Future

So maybe you've heard of this Internet thing, where a lot of people get their music for free and only sometimes get busted by the RIAA - big time. Anyway, the bottom line is that less money is being spent on music - and that means musicians aren't making as much as they used to. So how are they getting by?

According to this BBC News article, they're doing something that's unthinkable for people creative enough to carve out a music career - they're being inventive.

I know, I could hardly believe it either.

Yes, be it signed EPs and thank-you letters from Allison Weiss (for a price) or a meet-and-greet with KISS (for even more of a price), musical artists are finding ways to connect with their fans. And their money, I suppose, but let's allow ourselves to romanticize this a bit. Artists are getting to attach personal meaning to their work for their fans. Can you imagine buying a digital version of the concert you were just at? Or better yet, getting a song sung about you? We could ALL be Lucy! In the sky! WITH DIAMONDS!!!

Anyway, here's an interesting idea from French tech company MXP4's Albin Serviant: In the next 10 years, the music experience will be revitalised in the same way that 3D has revitalised movies and innovations like the Wii and Rock Band have revitalised gaming.

Just think about it for now. And feel free to pay artists a little extra for that extra touch. It's not like they don't want to let you know you matter to them.