But I'm wondering what the general impression is of sites like Beatport/Kompakt/etc selling the full MP3's of upcoming vinyl releases so much earlier than the actual vinyl release..?
I think there are pros & cons.. But wonder where DJ's/Artist's/Label's opinion lie..
Here's what I could come up w/ and if you have anything to add, feel free.
Pros:
1) You get it virtually instantly.
2) You usually get it waaay up front from when it's released on vinyl.
3) No limits or "out of press" concerns.
4) No worries about burning out/degrading vinyl from repeated use.
5) I don't own a label nor do I sell my tracks but I'd imagine it's more profitable due to the simple fact that no physical "product" needs to be manufactured.. You email a file, then collect royalties.. Pretty good deal, no?
6) It's nice to be able to buy one track if the rest of the EP/LP sucks.. I really hate that! Though, that becomes a con for the label.
Cons:
1) Some of these sites charge more per track when it's brand new than after it's been out for a few weeks (beatport, I'm looking at you!!) which is arguably exploitative not to mention BS. I wonder who gets the larger portion of that inflated price, the label or the site.. or maybe both.
2) For a digital release that technically isn't tangible, it's still not particularly cheaper than vinyl if one were to buy an entire EP or LP of tracks individually at the "new release rate" (as much as $2.50 per track?!?!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
3) One could argue it leads to more file sharing. Simply existing in flawless digital format, you don't have to rip it yourself/etc. to obtain a digital copy which would somewhat hinder mass sharing by default.
4) It implies one must buy a CDGay.. er, I mean CDJ/Final Scratch/Ableton/etc which isn't necessarily a con but it does necessitate other non-artist related industries at the expense of the artist & label. Which, conveniently, some of these sites have an economic share of.
I don't know... Obviously, I have mixed feelings but I think there are some conflicts of interest with all of this and I'd hate for it to worsen the state of vinyl than it already is.. Though, vinyl is something that will inevitiably be outmoded..
Should the MP3's only be made available once the vinyl is officially released? Or should it only be after the vinyl release is out of print.. I'm especially curious to know what the people who own labels think...
I also have too much free time at work...
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)