Check out this conversation with Will.i.am about the state of the music industry. I'm not the biggest fan of dude's music, but I must admit...he's got some interesting points and ideas on the current state of affairs. I've been saying for over a year now that sooner than later, these "record deals" with major labels are gonna be dead and gone. It makes no sense in today's market for a lot of these artists to sign with a major. Everyone gets there music online nowadays, so what's holding you back from producing and recording your own music then promoting and distributing it yourself? The magic in signing to a major label used to be the guaranteed distribution & promotion but nowadays most these cats are barely getting a video and promotional budget outta they deal. Dudes like Radiohead are finally smartening up and realizing that they have enough power to cut off these glorified middlemen and start producing, promoting, and releasing their music themselves. I could keep going...but watch...labels are gonna start folding left and right in the next 5-10 years. Soon enough most artists will be handling their own careers.