This week Warners (WEA) announced plans for a new CD-free “e-label”, which is only interesting news because it’s a huge shift for a major label to finally come to grips with the reality that is downloadable music.
According to Edgar Bronfman Jr., Warner Music’s CEO, the e-label will permit recording artists to enjoy a “supportive, lower-risk environment” without as much pressure for huge commercial hits, Bronfman said. In addition, artists signed to the e-label will retain copyright and ownership of their master recordings.
Allowing artists signed to a major to retain copyright and ownership of their masters? Now that’s news!