Ever since Lars got his panties in a bunch over the whole Napster issue, bands have started to embrace the new online distribution methods. Apple and iTunes have made a mint by streamlining the pay per download scheme; you won’t see a band alive that doesn’t have a MySpace page with songs available to listen; and lately bands have been allowing their albums to be downloaded free from their websites for a period of time in hopes of a viral campaign, as well as to simply get the music in the hands of the people.
News came out recently that Radioheads new album, In Rainbows, is available online for a price you determine. If you feel it’s worth 29¢, then that’s what you pay. If you think it’s worth $489, then that’s your prerogative.
Don’t be fooled by thinking this will be a new model for years to come. This is simply another marketing technique, but I believe it will work. Not only is it an instant viral concept, but fringe people like me will throw down a couple dollars for an album that they normally wouldn’t have bought, simply because it’s priced so cheap. And it is likely that most of the millions of die-hard fans will be unable to resist buying the box-set, available in December.
I think it’s great. Anyone else going to buy it? What’s your price?
**UPDATE**
I just downloaded the album. Saucy!! My price landed just (barely) above cheapskate, and a little below full retail price—2.45 Euro’s or $3.50—because I wouldn’t have bought this album in normal circumstances. I just wanted to check it out because I’ve liked a few of their songs in the past.
So far, two songs in, I think I may have paid too little. Raidohead kicks some serious butt!
Recent Comments