Since the turn of the century, the value of copyright in the music
industry has become threatened, as identical and free copies can be made
of any piece of music in literally a few seconds. The technologies that
record companies blame for the downturn in retail music sales -
computers, CD burners and the Internet - are now allowing musicians to
do more of the things that record labels used to, without selling their
souls in the process. The question begs to be asked: do artists need
record labels at all in a digital world? As CD sales plummet and fans
continue to obtain music for free online - or tune in to their favorite
bands via YouTube, MySpace and other Internet forums - the question is a
valid one to say the least. This book investigates whether artists still
need the services offered by record labels, and if so, how the
relationship between the two parties is changing. Further, it examines
the value that copyright law will have for both parties in the years to
come. This work is essential reading for musicians, music fans, and
those connected to the music industry in any way.