You are probably looking at the pictures above thinking, “What are these and what do they have to do with the music business?” By the end of this article, you will find out. It is barely a secret that the music industry is presently on "uncertain" grounds. In today’s mainstream musical landscape, CD sales are on the decline and record deals no longer seem to hold the appeal they used to. Various artists have experimented with new ideas on distribution, though, the outcome, for now, seems "uncertain". Even so, more music is being recorded now than any other time period in history as recording is affordable for home use. This should be encouraging. A decline in record sales does not imply the impossibility of building and maintaining an enduring career. Simply put, those who create valuable work, with the courage to step outside the box of familiarity, will most likely enjoy a sustained career.

  The industry of music needs to relearn one foundational principle: It ALL begins with the value the music holds for others. Though popularity campaigns make this rule seem fleeting, it is in actuality, enduring. For instance, the music of Bob Marley and his band mates did not attain its status simply because of an ingenuity in marketing. Rather, their music is where it is today largely because of the value it holds for others. Furthermore, where there is value (for others), there will be demand...sooner or later. So how does one create value for others? This question is best answered by the artist.

                  “...Digital this and digital that,
                                                digital fees with digital flats...” (Anonymous)

  What is ever accomplished without change? Change is, perhaps, the only constant in life. As such, most artists and label owners need to revise both their approach to the business of music and the presentation of their work. The answers begin to reveal themselves only when the process is simplified down to the elemental basics. This way, the new tools of the day become more useful and effective in building a unique identity and sharing similar experiences in unique ways. But – it all begins with the value...

  So, back to the pictures Texture 1 and Texture 2. “What do they have to do with the music business?” It depends on what one thinks about the pictures. On one hand, you could consider them (the pictures) bland, artistic endeavors. On the other hand, you could consider the fact that it is through this same bland simplicity that one gains access into numerous possibilities.

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