Now how much would you pay? But wait...


Bob Mould writes about Radiohead's announcement this week that they will release their next album online, allowing fans to state their own price for the music. Whatever they're willing to pay. Even free.

The Big Bob is basically saying he can't quite ditch the "traditional" model of music distribution yet, but if he could, he throws several variations of a new paradigm out there to ask his fans which they would choose...

Here's three that I have long thought are reasonable. Please be mindful of the following expenditures: studio cost, musician fees, equipment upgrades, rent and utilities, web site maintenance, management, publicist, other professional services. My parts and labor.

Individual songs, $1 - 2
When I finish a song, you are notified by e-mail. You are directed to a secure site, some sort of unique password is generated, and you download the DRM-free file.

Album length release, $10 - 20
When I finish a group of 10 songs, you are notified by e-mail. You are directed to a secure site, some sort of unique password is generated, and you download the DRM-free files.

Annual fee, $20 - 40
Artist subsidy. In return for underwriting my work, you receive all music as it is completed, as well as exclusive content (video, artwork, stuff from my storage space). When tours are scheduled, additional consideration at each venue (VIP seating, etc.).

Realistically, it would depend on the musician. For Mercury Rev, I would pay the annual fee (assuming they really are putting out enough music to make it worthwhile). For Bob himself... Maybe individual songs. But then, what difference is it really from iTunes Store?

Posted: Tue - October 2, 2007 at 11:32 PM        

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