UK SINGLES CHARTS GO DIGITAL

You can now have a UK number one hit on the singles chart thanks to the latest revolution in the digital music world.

The UK music industry now includes in the singles charts, songs that are available as a digital download even if they are not released in a CD format or stocked in a retail store.

Taking away the need for retail outlets and physical stock theoretically means that an independent artist could have a 'hit'. Not too likely according to the director of new media for Universal Music in the UK. There are several reasons for this. Any song that is available online is factored in, this could mean old 'classic' tracks and re-released tracks. Most of the charting songs will probably be current acts that have their marketing driven by large budgets afforded to them through the major record companies. Along with a massive marketing campaign it's easy to see why these acts become so popular.

Before you start to worry that there's no place for the independent musician there's plenty to be positive about.

The ability to produce your own recordings with mush less cost than a few years ago in the days when you had to hire a studio, press CD's, get artwork done etc.

The ability to launch your own effective and low cost marketing campaigns.

Digital downloads and instant payment facility

Information, advice and resources galore

Artistic control

Do you really need (or even want) to have the same mass exposure as the current 'top' artists?

Major record companies spend huge sums of money on marketing because they need to recoup large spendings (or investments). It's a fickle game, the charts but there's still plenty of opportunities to make a living being a recording and performing musician. You just never know when an independent artist is going to come from out of the blue and arrive into the mainstream charts.

It could be you.

J:o



[Resource http://www.ftd.de/karriere_management/business_english/149431.html]