By The Way...

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People who are interested how the music industry is going to configure itself in the world of file sharing might be interested in Magnatune, a new music label with an interesting approach to selling music online. This Internet-only label does three things it's difficult to imagine the major labels ever doing: First, it lets people "try before they buy" -- download MP3 of their artists to listen to before they decide whether they want to make a purchase or not. Second, it allows the music buyers to pay what they want for the music: The recommended amount is $8 per album, but the buyer can choose as little as $5 or as much as -- well as much as they want to pay. Third, the label splits the purchase price with its artists 50/50.

How's the music? I've listened to a couple of the artists (Emma's Mini, who I'm listening to at the moment, is one of them), and it's pretty decent stuff; if you like indie music in general, you find stuff you like here. But, of course, you can listen for yourself and make your own decision. That's the point.

I don't know if the business model here will ultimately be successful, but I have to say I like it for two reasons: One, it trusts the music listener to ultimately pay for the music they like, and second, it doesn't put the musicians in a contractual state of indentured servitude. I think the latter here will encourage the former -- if the fans know the artists are getting a fair deal and a fair cut of the profits, they'll be more inclined to pay.

So check 'em out and see what you think.

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