Polyphonic: Music Label That Promises Fairness to Artists

Digital distribution and respect for artists will be the key words for the new label

Brian Message, manager of alternative rock band Radiohead, whose pro-file-sharing stand is well known especially since the band released its “In Rainbow” for free on p2p networks, has become involved in launching a new record label to focus on digital distribution and let artists be the ones to have the copyright over their own music.

Polyphonic, as the new label is called, means a partnership between ATC, where Brian Message is a partner, MAMA Group, and Vancouver-based artist management firm Nettwerk Music Group.

According to Adam Driscoll, co-chief executive of the MAMA Group a new business model is now in order with the emphasis on the musician’s freedom: “The launch of Polyphonic will enable us to make many more such investments in both emerging artists and those further down their career path. The contract that we have structured brings more business and creative freedom to artists and managers than has ever been offered before.” He said the company’s collaboration with newer artists would mean a 50/50 split on revenue while artists enjoying good popularity already would get even a higher percentage.

“We will do whatever is most effective to get an artist noticed,” he added.

Many already predict this to be a huge success especially due to the great number of music fans who are eager to support artists and are tired of putting most of the money they spend on albums into the pockets of some insatiable record corporations.

Could this be the beginning of copyright returning to the rightful owners – those who actually create (the) music?