Do you think the iTunes model is dead? Where do you think the future of downloading music lies?
Well I think anyone who tells you with any certainty how it's gonna be in ten years time is lying! Personally I think they'll be some kind of subscription model, probably based on mobile platforms, where people will have access to all the music they want and pay a blanket license fee for it. That still monetises the use of music, but not in a way that's restrictive - it allows fans to listen to what they want, when they want, how they want. It puts the onus back on the business side of the industry to divvy up how that revenue is shared – that's not too complicated, we should be able to do it.
From what you've learnt, is there any advice you'd give someone looking to start a career in the music industry?
I think the major corporate music companies have a lot of flaws, but if you're looking to start a career in the music industry they're not a bad place to start because you get to see every aspect of how the industry works. Even if you may not agree with everything they do it's interesting to know how these companies work from the inside. I certainly benefited from what I learnt inside that world, then being outside it I was able to see in many ways what was wrong with it. You do have to learn about the machinations of the business side of it but always remember in the end great artists are what counts, nothing else.
And with your experience of the inside of the industry, any advice for bands and musicians?
Always stick to your guns, do what you believe in and be patient, it won't happen overnight. If you're patient, continue to build and communicate with your fanbase and work hard - you'll be in the best position to benefit from what 'the industry' can offer you.Learn more about the topics mentioned in this interview:
