iTunes LP Format Opening Up to Additional Major and Indie Record Labels
I contacted the digital distribution manager at my label's distributor. He had a conference call with an iTunes rep and asked how we go about putting an LP together. He was told that LPs aren't being offered to indies and that there are only about 12 LPs being offered right now. They also said that iTunes charges a $10,000 production fee for them as well. So that pretty much edges out the indie market completely.
Apple, however, has recently responded to these claims to deny that there is any production fee involved and to reveal that the company plans to open up the format to all labels in the near future to allow for rapid expansion beyond the dozen or so offerings currently available in the iTunes LP format.We're releasing the open specs for iTunes LP soon, allowing both major and indie labels to create their own. There is no production fee charged by Apple.
While the iTunes LP format appears to be rather simple to duplicate and has even led to several non-Apple projects and do-it-yourself tutorials popping up, the expected release of authorized Apple specs for the format to allow for official distribution through the iTunes Store will certainly come as good news for artists and labels looking for ways to enhance their products.Top Rated Comments
(View all)
It's sad to see print media dissipate, but sometimes things change.
It will be interesting to see some of these LP releases, but if there is a price increase on the LP, I will pass. I would like to see this stuff offered at the already standard download prices.
I guess this was posted as I was posting, but it makes sense..
McKinney was given the info by his label's digital distributor so chances are the distributor is the one that's collecting the $10,000 fee. Either McKinney missed that point when he was told OR the distributor lied about the fee being a requirement from Apple in order to cash in on unsuspecting artists/labels.
McKinney was given the info by his label's digital distributor so chances are the distributor is the one that's collecting the $10,000 fee. Either McKinney missed that point when he was told OR the distributor lied about the fee being a requirement from Apple in order to cash in on unsuspecting artists/labels.
or C) Apple is quickly backpedaling, sorta like the whole Google Voice FCC mess.
or C) Apple is quickly backpedaling, sorta like the whole Google Voice FCC mess.
Yeah I'm sure we should take the word of some random musician over Apple.
Whether Apple always intended the specs to be open and allow anyone to create them, which seems sorta likely based on the technologies they've used.
Or had intended to charge $10,000 to produce one for a band. Not a bad price considering the amount of work needed to produce a highly customized multimedia experience. ie. media editing, web layout, coding behaviours and animations. All to a professional standard. You could easily blow that on a decent website. It's not evil if they wanted to ensure the quality was up to power, it's their store after all.
Fact is that as it's built on open technologies, you'll not only have 3rd parties producing them, but also companies like adobe wanting to sell you tools for non-coders wanting to build their own. You'll also have people converting DVD's in their entirety with all the extras to the iTunes LP format. Both officially by the film companies and to the chagrin of said film companies.
Plus if this is to be the new ebook wonderformat, well it seems like it's open playing field for all.
With the subtle exception of DRM being only available via the iTunes store. Ok maybe they're a little evil....
[ Read All Comments ]
Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...
