Radiohead started the trend, with In Rainbows, of sidestepping the usual music distribution model and releasing their album online first. The added twist was that customers were given the choice of how much they wanted to pay for the album. This sort of distribution model is likely where most of the industry will turn as the ever-greedy record labels continue to alienate their customers with DRM'ed tracks and RIAA sponsored lawsuits against file-sharers.

Nine Inch Nails has taken the model one step further by only making their new album (Ghosts I-IV) available through their website - Radiohead, on the other hand, shifted to a standard distribution model after a few months. This new model allows money to flow directly to the artists who produce the work. However, more than being a simple example of where music distribution seems to be going, this new album is actually fantastic. It is unlike anything NIN has ever released, and should garner them fans from demographics they've never touched before.

I'd definitely recommend giving it a try - there's a free 9 track download (essentially the full first disc.) The entire 36 track album can be had for $5 as a download in ridiculously high quality 320kbps (un-DRM'ed) MP3, FLAC lossless, or Apple Lossless formats.

It's only through progressive thinking like this by Trent Reznor that the music industry is going to be able to survive the catastrophic changes that have been affecting it so adversely. Other artists seem to be following suit, with such big names as Madonna ditching their labels. Now, if only those bloody record company execs would catch on!

Either way, I'd recommend giving the free download a test-listen - you've got nothing to lose.

Tags: Personal, Music