VIRTUAL JUNGLE

Photo via Gigwise

The music industry often seems backwards. In a sensible world, artists would be allowed to keep the copyrights to their music. But in the absurd business world, lawyer-backed music labels hold the copyright to most music.

Of course, in this digital age, the traditional business of music is consistently undergoing change. Such is the case with Polyphonic, a new label concocted in-part by Radiohead’s manager, Brian Message. Artists signed to Polyphonic will be allowed to keep the copyright to their work. In addition, the Telegraph reported, artists and Polyphonic will split profits 50-50, though established musicians will likely garner an even bigger profit percentage.

Message had a significant role in advocating for Radiohead’s pay-what-you-will In Rainbows promotion. In keeping with that mentality, Polyphonic will further employ new digital distribution strategies.

Adam Driscoll, Message’s partner with MAMA Group, told the Telegraph, “We will do whatever is most effective to get an artist noticed. Giving an album away for free may get one million people listening to a new artist.” Granted, people pirate albums for free all the time, but free giveaways backed by millions of dollars could generate many more listeners.

Polyphonic will have access to $20 million in funding for the first year of operation, most of it provided by MAMA Group. Three organizations in all are involved with Polyphonic, including Message’s company ATC and MAMA Group, as well as Nettwerk Music.

So far, Polyphonic has not announced any musicians on its label.

by Ben Benson