How record labels view the future of music:
Universal Music Group is hoping to team with other record companies to launch a new industry-owned subscription services called Total Music. The label is in talks with Sony BMG and Warner Music Group as potential partners. If the service is launched, the three would control almost 75% of the music sold in the U.S. MP3 manufactures and/or cell phone carriers would absorb the cost of the estimated $5.00 a month fee that would give consumers "all-you-can-eat" music. Music companies would collect the subscription fee while hardware manufactures would sell more MP3 players
But would that $5 mean I can download, rip and keep DRM Free high quality mp3's?
Comments (1)
Rhapsody subscriber here. I don't understand those who respond to subscription services and ask "well, can I keep the free mp3?". You're not thinking clearly about what using a service will be like.
As long as you're a member you can here any song you like at any time from any computer. Having the mp3 is almost redundant. If you do want the mp3 so that you can give it to friends that don't have the service and whom you want to get into the band so you can both get drunk and see the band together (High On Fire for instance) you'll buy the CD or pay for a download. How could a subscription service where you get to keep all the DRM-free mp3s you like possibly stay afloat?
End result, you'll get to hear more music and spend less money on it. Remember that these services have a HUGE selection to keep you busy.
Posted on October 16, 2007 6:28 AM