As the music industry closes in on what may prove to be the worst fourth quarter in its history, it might seem an odd time for saying thanks. But there’s always room for some positivity, and what better time to take stock of the good news than when you’ve got a couple of days off to eat and watch football. What a great holiday Thanksgiving is!
In that spirit then, here are 5 things to be thankful for (10 would be pushing it– it’s a pretty ugly year out there):
1. Thanks for the ringtones– Never thought I’d say that, but money talks. While I can’t say I’m thrilled that the future of music has been reduced to the sale of 5 second soundbites– at least they pay royalties. Let it be acknowledged that in 2007, ringtones kept the music business alive.
2. Thanks for the adspace– Again, after years of complaining about the inane commercials constantly interrupting the baseball game, I’m now forced to acknowledge that advertising has become a music publisher’s best friend. Here’s to more and more music on Madison Avenue. Feist will second that…
3. Thanks for LA– not the place (I’m a NYer after all). The guy. Among major label presidents, LA Reid at Def Jam/Island seems to be one of the few that still believes in the music business– that means signing new artists, breaking new acts, and making hit songs. While everyone is else is playing defense, trying to see if they can limit the amount of money they lose by hacking the payroll and pumping out reissues, LA Reid is still playing offense, and looking to win big.
4. Thanks for the Old Guys– they’re everywhere. Springsteen has made one of the best albums of the year. The Stones continue to be one of the biggest box office draws in the world. The Police tour proved that Sting has not lost his, uh, sting. Madonna just reinvented the recording artist contract, confirming that she’s a business visionary, as well as a musical and fashion trend-setter. Prince– ditto. And the Eagles have the Number One album. It’s deja vu all over again.
Of course, there’s also the Spice Girl reunion, which is something else entirely…
5. Thanks for the MUSIC. In the end, as tough as it can be, the music industry involves very few life-threatening emergencies and not much heavy lifting. Most of the day is spent just listening to stuff. When I was a kid, I would have been thrilled to know that you could get paid just for listening to or playing music. I still am. Let the industry go where it will. But long live music…
Wishing you all a great Thanksgiving!!
