Why not Music?

[daboosh]

Apple has made it possible for just about anyone to create and sell an iPhone/iPad app, an E-Book, and/or mac software through their "i-stores".
But why not music/songs? Independent Artists and bands must have "a middleman", such as a record label, CD Baby, or Tunecore to get in.

Wouldn't it make Apple another gazillion $$$ if they would allow every local band to upload and sell their tunes directly, while apple takes their 30%, and get rid of the middleman altogether?

 

[roadbloc]

Because most of it would be trash, just like most of the Apps and Books.

 

[LethalWolfe]

My guess would be that the record labels still hold enough leverage that Apple doesn't want to compete with them (same thing with movies and TV). And/or maybe there was language in the contracts saying that Apple wouldn't distribute acts on an individual basis.


-Andrew

 

[daboosh]

My guess would be that the record labels still hold enough leverage that Apple doesn't want to compete with them (same thing with movies and TV). And/or maybe there was language in the contracts saying that Apple wouldn't distribute acts on an individual basis.


-Andrew

Ahhh, the evil record labels and movie studios!
I wonder why they even care? They have enough $$$ to promote any artist, and any movie right to the top. There would be no competition from the small artist or indie filmmaker.

It just amazes me that the record and film companies even have control over the Artists that they DON'T have signed to a contract!

 

[LethalWolfe]

I'm not sure if it's the studios and labels directly as much as it could be their distributors (TV networks, pay-per-view, premium cable channels, other retailers, etc.,) pressuring them to keep Apple on a short leash. These other distributors obviously see Apple as competition and they generate a ton more money for the studios than Apple does which gives them leverage.

There's also the long, but finally over, legal battle between Apple Inc and Apple Corp. Maybe part of the terms of that settlement restricts Apple Inc w/regards to their music store. Who knows.


Lethal