Blogging Ottinger (tim)Fifth Big Label
According to Ars Technica article there is now a fifth big label. Say hello to “Merlin”, which is really an association of the “independent labels” (an oxymoronic term, perhaps). The exciting thing is that they’re much more interested in building a fan base than in fighting potential piracy. Distributing unrestricted MP3 files is considered a good thing.
Caldas has already inked a deal […] that will provide an easy way for independent artists to sell their music on MySpace or to construct their own stores elsewhere. Under the deal, SNOCAP will provide all the backend distribution and payment processing systems and will serve files as unprotected MP3s. Independent labels have been open to selling music without DRM for years (eMusic, the number two download store in the US, offers only MP3s from independent bands), as many artists are more concerned with building a fan base than with possible piracy
