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This past year is generally considered one of the most non-productive years in the history of major record labels. Sales are down a staggering 15% below the previous year. .
Consensus has it that general malaise and disinterest of major labels in independent productions, coupled with the closure of numerous "Giant" retailers is contributing to a downward spiral of sales by the major labels.
The inability of the majors to crank out product that meets with the approval of the public and to tune into new techno marketing concepts has compounded the impact.
It is further opined that the distribution system, as it exists today, may be going the way of the 45-rpm record. It will always be there but will never recover its status in the industry. Numerous groups were on the Hit & Miss charts last year. Success was limited to a handful of groups but for the most part was illusive and fleeting.
The sought after market is making direct selection and purchases through high-tech on line independent record companies.
State of the art project studios are popping up in garages and living rooms of nuevo talents permitting the growth of a "cottage" industry. The product of these studios doesn't conform to the "high standards" of the "Big Boys" and as a matter of reality or vanity are dismissed as inferior.
Out of self-defense, bands are marketing directly to there following via the net and other "underground" marketing systems. These marketing concepts are bringing new independent retailers, such as coffee houses & clubs to the front lines and carving out a niche in the record distribution scene. With venues to support record sales and memorabilia these locations can become major players in the industry. I guess you could say that a sort of "Guerilla" warfare is in the offing.
UNITY MUSIC GROUP is a production oriented publisher. With studios available to talent in virtually all genres focusing on self contained bands and writing artists. We have a stable of groups with product ready to go.
A new label is in labor and will soon give birth to a unique marketing system. Cafe 1 Records will be distributed through a network of coffeehouses worldwide. Our marketing plan makes the entire network a player in the national record scene.
Copyright © 1997 Bob Grove
This Home Page was created by WebEdit, Wednesday, February 26, 1997.
Most recent revision Wednesday, February 26, 1997.
Special Thanks to Mephestopheles