With the successful release of
Radiohead's 7th album, '
In Rainbows,' today, an experiment in treating fans like fans and not just empty-headed money dispensers has begun. We thought we'd take a look at the other artists going the label-free route.
British pop rock stars and Beatles worshipers
Oasis recently parted ways with their record label. The band has already announced that their next single, '
Lord Don't Slow Me Down,' will be available only as a digital download for 99 pence.
Jamiroquai and
Madness are also rumored to be following in Radiohead's footsteps, offering their next albums for free (or cheap) directly to their fans. Meanwhile, The
Charlatans have powered their comeback in part by offering their new album for free through the website for
XFM Radio.
Last, but certainly not least, yesterday Trent Reznor, of Nine Inch Nails fame,
announced that he had left his record company behind and was looking forward to bringing his music direct to his audience. He gave no specific plans, but did say he would announce details soon about 2008. He then summed up our feelings about the whole situation quite well -- "exciting times, indeed."
From
The Telegraph and
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