From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cowbell Digital Music
Cowbell Digital Music
and an ability to distribute. This definition must now in-
clude a fourth and critical element; an ability to accept
peer-to-peer file sharing. As a result, the operational
structure of Cowbell reflects a two-tier process for inde-
pendent artists and includes a...
Non-exclusive digital distribution system: Providing
a digital store (with payment in UK, Europe, China, US,
Canada, Asia and Australia), and artist representation by
ensuring that files sold are of the highest quality avail-
able.
Publishing access to worldwide publishing partners:
Making music available to film directors, TV executives
or for collaboration with other artists. Such access to
publishers has potential promotional opportunities that
have never before existed for independent artists.
Future of Music
Three important factors have been adopted by Cowbell
Digital Music in terms of operations and ethos.
Cowbell Digital Music Logo. Collapsing Copyright: The artists will retain total
copyright ownership with control by the label.
Cowbell Digital Music (also referred to as Cowbell or Choice: Fans can elect to download many different
Cowbell Music) is an independent record label based in formats of a particular song and can choose which songs
Queensland, Australia. The name derives from a Saturday to purchase off an album (as opposed to the full album).
Night Live sketch in which Christopher Walken demands Save Fan’:
A desire to ’Save The Music Fan’ Embracing the mu-
’More Cowbell.[1] sic fan, peer-to-peer file sharing, and allowing the artist
Cowbell Digital Music, in addition to being an inde- ownership of copyright.
pendent label, has several sub-divisions.[2]
Launching Cowbell China in early 2010, Cowbell be- Music in China
came "the first [independent label] in the western world
to successfully launch into the heavily regulated Chinese Cowbell China "was launched in February and is based on
digital music distribution market." the same model operating Cowbell’s worldwide distrib-
Cowbell Entertainment has licenced the Grammy ution since October 2009." Cowbell China, a music label
Award winning show, The Purple Couch. based in Zibo, Shandong, which will enable the 1.3 bil-
The company’s current slogan is ’It’s Your Choice’. lion people who reside in China access to independent
artists from around the world. For a long time, artists
have struggled to get their music to the fans that live
History in China due to intricate government restrictions. With
Early in 2009, Shayne Locke, as CEO, and Andrew Browne, Cowbell China, music is instantly available to the Chinese
the Chief Operations Officer founded the company. masses through one of their largest mobile providers,
which has over 800 million users.[3]
Cowbell China also offers direct links to their music
The Label store through a partnership with a major Chinese web-
Digital distribution will be a key element in the future of site that receives up to 4 million hits per month.[4]
music and the way in which record labels operate, how-
ever, prior to the ‘digital age’, a record company was
defined by three things: equity in the copyright of the
Partnerships
sound recording (CD or download), an ability to promote Cowbell’s roster includes Guy ‘Mutto’ Mutton from the
2006 series of “Australian Idol and Brisbane based Nik
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Cowbell Digital Music
Phillips who broke through the Chinese charts in 2010. MGM, Fading Ways, MetaMusic, GoSet Music, Human
Nik Phillips’ song, ’Reach Around The World’, a duet with Records and Cauldron Soundwerx.
Chinese singer Bi Jie reached number 4 on the Chinese
charts.” [5] "In addition to a catalogue of 12 ‘direct
artists’, the label has signed partnerships with more than
References
30 independent and major labels with MGM Distribution. [1] Buzz Humour More Cowbell SNL Skit
The MGM partnership was established following unsuc- [2] MusicDish Rock Historian Ritchie Yorke Interviews
cessful attempts by the distribution giant to break New Indie Label, Cowbell Digital Music
through China’s cultural filtering systems and has added [3] Music Council of Australia Cowbell China Launched
high profile Australian acts Sneaky Sound System and the [4] ^ Music Education Zone China Shandong Music
John Butler Trio to Cowbell’s repertoire." Label Promises Access to Artists From Around the
Creating a partnership with China’s prevalent record World
label, TR Music, Cowbell China is also able to offer phys- [5] The Music Cowbell Launces in China ... and Signs a
ical distribution and touring options for the artists who Deal With MGM
gain popularity within China.[4]
Cowbell have also formed relationships with several
independent record labels across the world including
External links
• Cowbell Digital Music
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cowbell_Digital_Music&oldid=473218026"
Categories:
• Australian independent record labels
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