Singer hits big time online; Liquid Audio moves offline

 

latest developments

The Net creates exposure--and produces a record contract--for one aspiring artist, while software companies and major labels explore alternative avenues of digital distribution. "We have a major record deal--the contract we signed was on Universal Music stationery." - Kathy Fisher, pop singer

Band lands record contract through the Net Pop singer Kathy Fisher didn't win a Grammy last week, but after promoting her music on the Net for less than a year she does have reason to celebrate: She just signed a major record deal. Liquid Audio eyes in-store digital music market The company announces a new marketing effort for its Liquid Kiosk Network, software that allows customers to preview and purchase music as digital singles and create custom CDs. previous coverage EMI heads toward full digital distribution The company will announce that it has teamed with Supertracks to create a system to digitally distribute music--a major sign that the "Big Five" record labels are starting to get over their long-running love affair with CDs. Some musicians say Web record label is old hat With the launch of their new FarmClub.com record label, a couple of Universal Music Group heavyweights aim to build a converged TV-Net soundstage that cultivates artists for major-league careers. Some MP3 artists scraping by without labels The Net may not bring fame and fortune to all aspiring musicians, but it could create a middle class of artists who make a modest living and attract smaller, but loyal, fan bases.