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Publishers Weekly Review
* THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
David Kusek and Gerd Leonhard. Berklee, $16.95 paper (216p) ISBN 0-87639-059-9
In what could be one of the most provocative music books published this year, two innovators in music technology take a fascinating look at the impact of the digital revolution on the music business and predict "a future in which music will be like water: ubiquitous and free-flowing." Kusek and Leonhard foresee the disappearance of CDs and record stores as we know them in the next decade; consumers will have access to more products than ever, though, through a vast range of digital radio channels, person-to-person Internet file sharing and a host of subscription services.
The authors are especially good at describing how the way current record companies operate--as both owners and distributors of music, with artists making less than executives--will also drastically change: individual CD sales, for example, will be replaced by "a very potent 'liquid' pricing system that incorporates subscriptions, bundles of various media types, multi-access deals, and added-value services." While the authors often shift from analysts into cheerleaders for the über-wired future they predict--"Let’s replace inefficient content-protection schemes with effective means of sharing-control and superdistribution!"--their clearly written and groundbreaking book is the first major statement of what may be "the new digital reality" of the music business in the future. (Feb.)
Click Here to Buy the Book or Visit the Future of Music Website.
Quotes from Industry About the Future of Music Book
"The billions of songs downloaded from the Web monthly has shown that the digital music revolution is well underway. The Future of Music shows us where this is all headed and how music fans and artists are going to benefit from the new paradigms and new business models that are emerging."
-Ted Cohen, Senior Vice President, Digital Development & Distribution, EMI Music
"Some may find this book controversial while others will consider it prophesy. Kusek and Leonhard have managed to tap into the problems-and possibly the solutions-of an industry at the crossroads. For those of us who left the record business to go into the music business, video games are the new rock 'n' roll. But no matter where this revolution begins or ends, the industry must learn to respect and react to its consumers. This book contains valuable insights for us all."
-Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music, Electronic Arts
I know of no other text that as beautifully and concisely presents the fundamental challenge that music now faces. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand what is at stake in this debate."
-Lawrence Lessig, Professor of Law, Stanford University and founder of Creative Commons.
"Amid all the shouting and confusion, along comes The Future of Music, which in a calm and clear voice explains the essential issues roiling the music business today. Most importantly, this is written directly for musicians and their fans, rather than business people in the music industry. If you want to know what you're getting into as you develop your music career, and where music will be coming from in the future, you have to read this book."
-Gary Burton, Grammy-winning vibraphonist
"The Future of Music clearly and succinctly explains what will happen to the way we consume music. Anyone who is planning to listen to music from shiny pieces of plastic in the future will be in for a big shock."
-Dave Goldberg, SVP and GM, Music, Yahoo!
"The Future of Music offers an enticing and provocative vision for the future of an industry in dire need of reinvention. For newcomers and industry veterans alike, Kusek and Leonhard paint a picture of tomorrow's music business that is at once dynamic, challenging, ever changing, and unlimited in its potential. What else would we wish the future to be?"
-Eric Beall, VP, Sony/ATV Music
"Kusek and Leonhard lay out critical visions of the past, present, and future. A must-read for music and media culture futurists."
-Mike Dreese, CEO, Newbury Comics
"In The Future of Music, Kusek and Leonhard take their place among the visionaries of this fascinating industry. In this thought-provoking and informative book, they take the reader on a journey to the rich future that music and technology may bring us if we heed their warnings about wise choices that must be made today."
-Joel Fisch, Senior Investment Manager, Intel Capital
"The Future of Music is now and the authors have clearly seen it. This comprehensive and controversial commentary is a must-read for every serious music industry professional."
-Chris Stone: Founder, Record Plant Recording Studios; Associate Professor, Music Industry & Recording Arts, USC
"A must-read for musicians planning to survive the next five years."
-Mark Featherstone-Witty, CEO, The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Read more quotes posted on Amazon
Discover
- The real reasons that the record business is in such trouble today
- Legitimate alternatives to downloading music from pirate music services
- Cool ways to find new music and connect with your favorite artists
- How kids are changing the face of music marketing
- How the record industry gets into your head to make you buy music
- How video games have more influence in music than radio stations
- How you can benefit from the explosion in digital music
- The Top-10 Truths about the music industry that you may not know about
- What music has to learn from cable television
- How technology will completely rewire the music business
The record industry as we know it is dying. But the music industry is healthier and more vibrant than ever with limitless possibilities for change and growth due to the Internet and the digitization of music. The Future of Music will show you cool new ways to find music and connect with your favorite artists. Discover the top-10 truths about the music business of the future and how you can benefit from the explosion in digital music, today and tomorrow.
From free music and mp3 music downloads on Kazaa to legal music downloads from iTunes, Napster and Rhapsody to other forms of free music online, The Future of Music charts a music industry destined to embrace digital music, or so it seems. What will become of the music business, the music store, the independent and major record label, artists, writers, publishers, managers and others in the age of free music downloads and the ubiquitous mp3 file? Is there a better way for the industry to proceed?
The Future of Music punches gaping holes through the foundation of a record industry that refuses to adapt. If you love music, have discovered digital music and download or rip MP3 files on your computer, or download ring tones to your cell phone - then this book is for you.
This is a book about music and the music business in the twenty-first century. Imagine a world where music flows all around us, like water, or like electricity, and where access to music becomes a kind of "utility." Not for free, per se, but certainly for what feels like free.
In this world, we share, contribute, collaborate, and trade music amid a constant flow of new songs that suit our tastes and preferences, without any palpable constraints or limitations. Music is ubiquitous and served up in easy, friendly formats. Like water, it is simply present just about everywhere, anytime.
Artists, writers, composers, and producers all prosper, both creatively and financially. The music industry is redefined from A to Z, as fairer, bigger, and better. Fans, artists, and all kinds of music communities drive the business, rather than being driven by corporate powers.
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