http://thehuxcapacitor.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/independence-for-bands-101-pt-1/#comment-64

Great article by Rich Huxley

Read more for my comments.

 The record deal, if you take away the fantasy, boils down to
-distribution
-promotion
-a cash advance
-parenting
(something else?)

All of these ingredients are important.  No questions!

What we're seeing is that distribution and promotion can be achieved via the internet with a bit of administrative work and a little bit of ingenuity.

The cash advance, (pat on the back... good work, here's a little something for you), is harder to come by.  This is where the record deal becomes very interesting, and exciting. Fast cash! But, of course, it comes at a price.

The forth part, the good or bad parenting that a record label could provide.  Every piece of Intellectual Property needs an administrator, somebody who is going to make sure that the album sells.

Points 3 and 4, song management and financial management is moving online.  To be launched early 2010, for a small test group, by a Stockholm-based start/up.
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