I had a really insightful conversation today with the director of product development at Universal Music Group. We spent an hour discussing the evolving landscape of the music industry, particularly focusing on the use of USB drives for live concert recordings and the release of USB-based music albums. Here’s what I came away with from our talk.
What's the real value of attention? I often hear people—both inside and outside the music business—comparing the cost of USB drives to CDs. The truth is, USBs will never be as cheap as CDs. Flash memory is more expensive, and there are additional components involved. Plus, USB drives are reusable, which adds another layer of value. If all these features don’t matter to you, then go with CDs. If budget is your main concern, CDs are still the way to go. But if you're looking for something fresh, different, and engaging, USBs might just be the right move.
On the flip side, the music industry has grown tired of the same old things. You know, the guy at the corner handing out CD demos. In a world full of distractions, anything that isn’t new or unique tends to get ignored. That’s where USB drives shine—they grab attention in a way that traditional media can't.
I’ve worked with several clients, like Chester Wilson and Thr3efourteen from Mega Beat International, who use USB drives to build connections at events. The first time I met Chester was at a dental convention in Chicago—yes, he’s also a dentist. At the time, he didn’t even know what pre-loading meant (if you’re not sure, look it up here). Now, he carries USB drives to every event he attends, and he recommends me to everyone he meets. Because of this, he’s now working with big names like Rick Ross and Trick Daddy, and he’s about to create a soundtrack for a movie. Don’t get me wrong—he and Thr3efourteen are talented, but talent alone doesn’t always get you noticed. It takes the right tools to stand out.
We also talked about live concert recordings. On paper, it sounds like a great idea, but in practice, it’s a complicated process. There are so many stakeholders involved: the artist, their manager, the label, the venue, and even the rights holders. Getting everyone on the same page is tough, especially when it comes to sharing revenue or allowing sales of live recordings.
In the end, the USB music concept works best when used in the right context. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: the music isn’t the product—it’s the artist. USB drives and other specialty items help reinforce an artist’s brand and serve as keepsakes for fans. This kind of value is hard to quantify, but it’s real. For some, it’s a completely new way of thinking about how they market themselves. For others—like Radiohead, Mars Volta, and Lamb of God—it’s already part of their strategy for building strong brand identity. Either way, the key is understanding the right context and audience.
Photo Credit: Kyle Baker
Matt Finish Pvc Edge Banding,Pattern Pvc Edge Banding Tape,Matt Finish Pvc Banding,Pattern Pvc Edge Banding
Jiangxi Cuckoo New Material Co.,Ltd , https://www.jxcuckoo.com