Internet Radio - Indie Music's Friend

Remember the internet radio royalty debate? According to a poll in the forum, well over 80% of you thought that the new internet radio royalty rates were an example of money trumping good music yet again, and of the big labels stepping on the little guys. Live 365 recently released some statistics that put into perspective just how important internet radio is to indie music. According to their figures, in 2006, things broke down like this:

• Percentage of music on indie labels played on Live 365 - 56%
• Percentage of music from indie labels played on AM/FM radio - 13%

Pretty staggering, huh? Another figure that might make your head spin is that a mind blowing 31% (!!) of the music played on AM/FM radio was on a Universal Music Group label. Some would say that this is because Universal artists are better than everyone else, and they sell more records. Others would say Universal artists sell more records because it takes a lot of money to lock down AM/FM radio play in most markets. You can make your own decisions about that, but one thing should be very clear from these stats - if indie music wants to be on the radio, then indie music needs internet radio. Internet radio has gotten a reprieve from the royalty rates for now, things are far from settled. If you want to protect internet radio and this avenue for new musicians, then contact your Congressperson and ask them to support the Internet Radio Equality Act.

• Q&A with Rod Hsiao of Live 365