The Current State of the Music Recording Industry - Essay Example

Firstly, because Bruce Springsteen is so well-established, his concert, performance, and appearance revenues actually outweigh the revenues of sales from his album releases. This fact makes two things clear: first, the choice between record label distribution and self-distribution is less important, and second, Springsteen can focus on performing instead of writing new material to play to new audiences. Instead, he can perform his classic repertoire of music that multiple generations have loved and enjoyed.

For that reason, his record label should actually have very little impact on his musical career going forward, which is a similar case to Radiohead, who decided to self-distribute new material. Clearly, the decision to trust a record label or to self-distribute is up to the individual artist, and his decision will be influenced by a number of factors. For Springsteen, first and foremost, is his age. At 60, a 10-year contract may last him through the remainder of his performing career. Also, for many artists, the decision to self-distribute is a philosophical one: trying to shift away from the label-dominated paradigm that exists in the United States.

These intangible issues aside, perhaps the best advice one can give Bruce Springsteen when faced with these two options, is to reflect on his experiences from the past 35 years, and whether he has had a satisfying experience with Columbia.Another consideration that has been broached here is the diminished importance of the album release, and therefore the diminished importance of the record label in bringing about revenues. Most of the money Springsteen will make in the ten years of whatever contract he signs will come about through concerts and personal appearances.

As he says, he is committed to touring, despite his increasing age. So, because the record label is becoming less and less important for the Boss, it might be a good idea not to take a risk on a new deal with Live Nation. Instead, he should, if he has been satisfied, allow Columbia to keep handling the sale of his products, and to make his fortunes touring as he has always done. In addition, live performance is an essential piece of rock music and has been ever since its development in the 1950s.

It is, after all, the experience of seeing a musician recreate his composition that every fan remembers most. Instead of acting solely on behalf of revenues, some feel Springsteen ought to remain true to the rock genre’s past, especially before the advent of record sales. For many, a live performance creates a live connection between listener and musician, one which can only be accomplished by Springsteen continuing to perform live on his tours. All considerations made, the most appropriate option for Bruce Springsteen at this point in his long, industrious career would be to renew his contract with Columbia as a means of continuing his success selling albums and individual .

mp3s (Shorefire Media, 2008). Because the record label is becoming less important relative to the focus of his musical career, a new deal with a new label is not worth the risk, the effort, and the change in scenery, now that Springsteen is exceeding 60 years in age. Additionally, self-distribution sounds like too much work and too much change for a rock and roll fixture. Rather than commit himself to more work and less pay for something like album sales, which is becoming more irrelevant by the year, Springsteen should entrust that duty to Columbia and reap the benefits.

But on a more fundamental, and emotional level, perhaps it is best if Springsteen continues to tour, regardless of the record label he signs (or re-signs) with. What is true to rock and roll is true to what Springsteen, as an artist and musician, stands for. Thus, both in terms of his legacy and his revenues, what remains in his best interest is an attitude that live concerts are better than record sales, and making that personal, emotional connection with people is where rock music still flourishes.