In case you haven't heard, the record business is changing. And fast. Here's how four major artists are trying to redefine the way their tunes get from the recording studios to your ears.
COLDPLAY
The British rockers gave away a download of their stormy single ''Violet
Hill'' for a week starting April 29. Ah, but isn't all the real dough in
touring these days? Maybe so — but the generous guys are also playing free
shows at NYC's Madison Square Garden and London's Carling Academy
Brixton in June.
NINE INCH NAILS
On May 5, without warning, Trent Reznor announced that fans can download
his new album, The Slip, on NIN.com. While he already pulled a similar
trick in March — surprise-releasing the instrumental Ghosts I-IV in
various formats priced between $0 and $300 — Slip's 10 sludgy songs (with
vocals!) come only one way: gratis.
BECK
Rumors flew on May 5 that he may ''secretly'' crash his new LP, which was
still untitled at press time, into stores within the next month — the same
way the Raconteurs and Gnarls Barkley did in March. (Coincidentally,
Beck's CD is being produced by Gnarls' Danger Mouse.) Beck's reps
declined to comment.
THE CURE
Robert Smith & Co. are celebrating their 13th studio album (due this
fall) with four new singles, dropped online and in stores on the 13th of
each month from May to August. They won't be free or rush releases — but
hey, that's still pretty innovative for a band whose debut came out on
vinyl and eight-track!
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