2007 on the racks Mark Coyle (Woven Wheat Whispers)
In 2007 the mainstream music industry has found it increasingly difficult to adapt to new distribution methods online. We have seen Fopp disappear, many independent shops close, HMV announce a withdrawal to focus only on chart CDs, DVDs and games and many labels unable to work out what they role is going to be in future. Music has been decommodified until it is given away with phone contracts and the singles chart virtually disappear amongst confusion about what it now represents. However this presents opportunity for those focussed on specialist areas of music who really do work with and help build a sense of community. Radiohead are perhaps the most notable example of an artist taking control of their music with Madonna now following, Those of us working directly with artists are finding them increasingly receptive to partnerships in which their creativity is properly recognised. This has helped the continued growth of Woven Wheat Whispers. We have been especially pleased to find greater understanding amongst artists about the opportunity that legal downloads targeted towards their target audience can present. Many artists now find it possible to distribute their albums where ths was not possible by labels. It has also allowed albums from the past to appear once again, blending seamlessly with new releases from emerging artists. As shown by such as the Lal Waterson tribute album, artists across generations are working together in admiration for each other's work, establishing an evolving continuum in folk rather than media led revivals. We have been especially pleased to help distribute an additional 150 releases this year and get folk music into the shops and music magazines with the ‘John Barleycorn Reborn’ set. For us music is special, it is more than mere product and those of us who cherish it, must continue in 2008 to show a new generation the life affirming role it can play through the latest distribution channels, rather than being dismissed as a short-term, disposable commodity.
cheers
Mark