Monetizing music

YES, international stars like George Michael and Prince have painted major record labels as Big Bad Business that cramp their creativity (which could be true). But money does make the world go round, and it also helps keep those CDs spinning merrily and spewing music. Of course, the music may not stop altogether should the record companies disappear. It’s likely, though, that many of our musical talents would then start searching for other means to make a living. At the very least, they may cut down on their gigs. Which still means less music to listen to and enjoy.

The closing piece in i Report‘s Himig Pinoy series thus looks at how the local recording industry has been faring in the face of an increasingly complicated market and the rise of piracy. It finds an industry that, while still alive, is not exactly doing very well. For sure, local record labels have managed to find new revenue streams, which have helped keep them going. But all indications are that this is one industry that is unlikely to be singing “Hallelujah” anytime soon.

The piece comes with a sidebar that discusses composers and the issue of copyrights. Read on at pcij.org.