Alternative Methods of Distribution and Net Neutrality

For the past 30 years, professional musicians have relied heavily on record labels to promote and distribute their music. However, in dealing with major labels, artists are often forced to sign one-sided contracts that confer very little benefit to them relative to long-term costs. With the consolidation of radio stations and the payola scandals of the 1990s, the gap between major label and independent label artists widened further, with unsigned and 'indie' artists increasingly shut out of radio airplay. In the last 10 years, however, these barriers to distribution and promotion have been reduced by the emergence of digital music technology, and the Internet as the medium of distribution. Today this openness is under threat and the battle to preserve it could have serious consequences for professional musicians.