All right, I'm doing an independent study project on the future of record labels. Some people think they are dead, while others think they can adapt and evolve into something more profitable. I'm interested in hearing what you guys have to say. I will share my thoughts after a few comments, I don't want to reveal my bias just yet.

Anyway, I put together a quick survey (9 questions, 5-10 minutes probably), and I would really appreciate it if you could fill it out. It's about labels in general, not just electronic labels, so keep that in mind. Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?...2fyfCQbYQ_3d_3d

Some other questions I had that might start some discussion. Are artists better off in this day and age by not signing with a label? Do the large labels need to split up? Are there any labels doing things right?

Thanks guys.

Well I think the biggest record labels have a monopoly on music and this is bad because it makes the music/genres that are popular stagnate and this is only bad. Unfortunately with independent labels... from what I've heard some people are just untrustworthy and theres not much you can do about that. Although for every one of those labels theres probably another great label that has all the artists helping each other out and a great sense of community etc. Still... there are independent labels that only seem to market the music and flood sites like beatport with crap.

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I filled it in for you. I put "None of the above" for the first question. My answer would have been "I buy all music that's in print and available on CD or for digital download. If it isn't, I'm more likely to download illegally."

Although I appreciate that's too specific a position for you to include it as an option, I'm just letting you know why I ticked the box I did.

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I filled your survey but I left the last two questions blank because I hate having to come up with text. The fun of surveys is in clicking buttons!

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Originally posted by Project-K I filled your survey but I left the last two questions blank because I hate having to come up with text. The fun of surveys is in clicking buttons!

If surveys are incomplete, they are usually thrown out.

At least in psychology they are, so finish it next time or else it will be just a waste of everyones time :P

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Originally posted by Halcyon+On+On OOKA-OOKA ME NACHOS ME PRESS KEYS ON COMPUTER GOOD

Man, it gets better and better. Vinyl was first dead, then trance and now record labels?

Wow.

I'm wondering if this has something to do with Beatport cutting back a little on housing label's on it's site.

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Originally posted by nchs09 If surveys are incomplete, they are usually thrown out. At least in psychology they are, so finish it next time or else it will be just a waste of everyones time :P

bah! too much effort

I don't even have a favorite label.

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Originally posted by Darkarbiter Well I think the biggest record labels have a monopoly on music and this is bad because it makes the music/genres that are popular stagnate and this is only bad. Unfortunately with independent labels... from what I've heard some people are just untrustworthy and theres not much you can do about that. Although for every one of those labels theres probably another great label that has all the artists helping each other out and a great sense of community etc. Still... there are independent labels that only seem to market the music and flood sites like beatport with crap.

Yes, good points all around.

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Originally posted by SYSTEM-J I filled it in for you. I put "None of the above" for the first question. My answer would have been "I buy all music that's in print and available on CD or for digital download. If it isn't, I'm more likely to download illegally."

Cool, thanks for filling it out. Since my project focuses on labels in general, not just electronic, I didn't think the "out-of-print" aspect affected the majority of people, but you do make a good point.

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Originally posted by Project-K I filled your survey but I left the last two questions blank because I hate having to come up with text. The fun of surveys is in clicking buttons!

Hehe, fair enough. Thanks for filling it out.

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Originally posted by nchs09 If surveys are incomplete, they are usually thrown out. At least in psychology they are, so finish it next time or else it will be just a waste of everyones time :P

This isn't the most scientifically conducted survey, so it's not going to get thrown out.

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Originally posted by DOOMBOT Man, it gets better and better. Vinyl was first dead, then trance and now record labels?

I don't think labels are dead, but they need to make some changes in order to stay in business. Also, you mention that vinyl is dead, but coincidently vinyl is the only format (aside from digital downloads) whose sales have increased.

Thanks for filling out the survey guys. I still need a few more responses.