When Rainbows Changed the World

Though it is very rare, every once in a while a band finds a way to single handedly rewrite the rules of how the music industry is run. Radiohead’s unprecedented internet release of In Rainbows, which shunned label or representation, has seemed to inspire other artists to join the “end of the record label” movement. The following artists have already expressed interest in following Radiohead’s lead towards a different era if music.

Sufjan Stevens:

At the rate that Stevens creates new material, it is without doubt that internet release could be of a great benefit to his career. Since he already possesses a majority of the control over his projects, via his label Asthmatic Kitty, look for him to approach his next record in the way that he does all of his work; however he pleases.

Pearl Jam:

The Seattle band has already released several live recordings to fans, and set up practical means for online distribution and payment. Furthermore, since Pearl Jam remains on a “per-album” record deal with Sony BMG, they have the freedom to venture out on their own at any point.

Depeche Mode:

After releasing eleven studio albums, Depeche Mode feels that their need for label representation has greatly deteriorated due to the fact that they can still sell records and fill venues without regular radio play.

Prince:

Has already proved his success by distributing new music on his website through his music group, NPG music group. He also released his latest album in partnership with a online daily London newspaper. Lastly, Prince’s effort to “gain control of the internet” sheds light on his desire for all Prince related information to come from the man himself. Is something big planned in his future?

Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails:

Following his public split from Interscope and the Universal Music Group, Trent Reznor openly stated his intentions to release the groups next album through his groups website for five dollars. Five dollars! Now that’s a plan that I can get behind.

Courtney Love:

Love, who is not presently signed to a label, recently blogged on her MySpace about how captivated she is by the Radiohead album release path. Don’t be shocked if her newest album, currently titled How Dirty Girls Get Clean follows suit.

Underworld:

The electronica duo launched an online store called the River Run Project which groups MP3s with digital photos. The group sites that “the ability to make music available immediately” remains the most important thing.

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