A Better Convergence: MAKING MUSIC with CONSUMING MUSIC...Apple? Others?

[thesuitelounge]

I would like to hear input and thoughts on this from the music production community.

I just read an article
(Bloomberg.com: News) that touches on how smartphones are possibly the future of music distribution (obviously they are already PART of it). Artists recognizing the ability to earn alternative revenue by fans/consumers viewing/hearing tracks on Youtube, (advertising supported, etc.)

A lot of companies (hardware and software) have recognized and realized the potential for revenue on the CONSUMER side - music players, websites, apps...but let's discuss the part we all know and love - the MUSIC MAKING production side of the business for a minute.

For example, as a musician, songwriter, and long time Apple customer (and MUSIC CONSUMER), I recognize a definite market for the music technology manufacturers (hardware and software) to come in with some better convergence between how the music is created and how it is distributed and consumed. Again, using Apple as an example because of familiarity: Apple has paid a tremendous amount of attention to the music consumer market and arguably recreated the business model and category.

Now, with Apple's imagination, marketing capabilities, and resources, combined with the inroads into music distribution (iTunes, iPhone, app store), coupled with possibly already OWNING the market for hardware that MOST (?) music (at least that professional music releases are produced on at this point - Macs), now add in Garageband and Logic software - I would make the case that Apple could absolutely create a new (or at least much expanded) market for itself to either OWN or spearhead in the democratization of music creation and distribution and consumption.

There seems to be a bit of disconnect or lack of attention to this (especially, and surprisingly on Apple's part). Instead of ONLY waiting around for the next round of releases to put on iTunes when they hit...get more involved in MAKING those releases happen, and PROPERLY CONNECTING them to the delivery system that already exists, and to the consumers who will consume them.

Remember, the reason iTunes, and part of why iPhones (and DEFINITELY why so many MACS are sold) is because of the MUSIC - not just listening to it, but MAKING IT!

This is not to say Apple has to be the only one who can or should do this, just using it as an example because I see it:

Make a tune in on a Mac in Garageband/Logic (along with a video in iMovie for that matter), be able to "post" it to an iTunes store section and/or app store, receive revenue share from the consumption by consumers watching/listening on their iPhones, Blackberries, etc, either ad supported (YouTube-like) or purchased...

Let's see some more attention paid to this.

Just to say, as artists, songwriters, music producers and engineers, etc. it would make sense that to keep opening doors for the ability to earn money in a new and changing marketplace, it could make a lot of sense to help the companies we support by not only BUYING their products, but to also help them recognize areas that WE see opportunity, and help steer the products to those areas that will help everyone involved in the PROCESS.

[KFMG]

Sounds like you're right on the money with the way that you're thinking. If I'm not mistaken Apple is working on a record label to be distributed via itunes. If this is indeed correct, then artists and consumers are in for a new experience in music and entertainment.