Assignment #5 - Music Critique

The music industry is constantly evolving with how they introduce new music and albums to the world. There are many mored mediums now than there were in earlier eras. Back then the only way you would learn about new music was from the radio; now we have radio, television, websites, billboards, charts, music, award shows. After the surprise release of Beyonce's self-titled fifth album without any warning many artists have jumped on board. Beyonce's album inspired the non impromptu album releases of Kid Cudi, Skrillex, and Wolfmother.

Brokencool has an article explicating the top 10 advantages of releasing an album without warning.

•  IT'S HARD TO ILLEGALLY DOWNLOAD SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T EXIST

•  IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE SINGLE WORKS...THERE IS NO SINGLE

•  LETTING THE FANS DECIDE THE HITS

•  SMALLER BUDGETS

•  LOWER EXPECTATIONS - BOTH FOR THE LABEL AND THE ARTIST

•  NO DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN AN ALBUM DOESN'T MAKE ITS RELEASE DATE

• YOU DICTATE THE COMPETITION

• IT'S A "REWARD" FOR FANS

• NO PROMOTION IS PROMOTION IN ITSELF

• PEOPLE HAVE SHORT ATTENTION SPANS

The "no promo" trend is gaining steam after the success of Beyonce's new album. And sure, this trend will likely only serve major label artists and those with somewhat established fanbases initially, but who knows what the future holds for independent artists as well.