January 05, 2010

By By Charles Caldas

Charles Caldas, CEO of indie rights agency Merlin

In order for the digital music market to fully offset the impact of plunging CD sales, consumers need to have access to a diverse, compelling and comprehensive range of legal opportunities to access music.

On some days, the possibility that all of the players in the industry could operate in a market where creators and investors are rewarded and incentivized to create value-added, consumer-friendly and sustainable music and entertainment services seems achievable. Yet for many independent companies, it is often the industry itself that throws as many obstacles in the way of succeeding in that quest as any illegal service.

Independents command a larger share of sales in the digital market than in the physical market with its limited shelf space, throwing into sharp relief the fact that when given the opportunity, independent repertoire successfully competes with that of any label.

Click here to read more from Charles Caldas on the need for a full repertoire of indie labels on digital services and the value of independent music.

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