The major record labels and the RIAA have invested much time and effort in sabotaging the MP3 file-trading revolution and its supporters. But the appeal of the compressed music format for a large segment of music fans is undeniable, and many critics of the RIAA have suggested that the petite and portable audio files should be embraced, not resisted.That's the thinking behind Go-Kart Records' latest plan for getting its music noticed. In what it describes as a first for the music business, the independent music label, based in New York, says it will soon release a double CD packed with 300 rare, new, or previously unreleased MP3 audio files from 150 different bands for $9.99.Go-Kart's Melissa Mamatos explains: "We feel that we should react in a positive manner to the MP3 revolution. Instead of suing little girls and filing ridiculous lawsuits, we have decided to embrace this new MP3 technology, and have unleashed the first commercially sold MP3 CD."
The low-rez disc, Go-Kart MP300 Raceway, will only play in newer, MP3-compatible CD or DVD players, and will not work in older, CD-only machines. However, the disc sports an "interactive interface" intended to support, not foil, computer users. "And get this," says Mamatos, "We even include directions on how to burn these MP3s to your computer! We feel MP3s are the perfect way to promote bands, rather than take away from them."The new disc represents more than just an effort to adapt to the changes in technology and consumer expectations, says the label. "For us, it represents the freedom to develop music without the constraints of the music industry establishment. The relationship between artist and consumer must be more interactive, independent, and rewarding for everyone involved. Outmoded definitions of profit and success should no longer get in the way of music that deserves to be heard by the people that want to hear it!"Go-Kart notes that "MP3" has replaced the term "sex" as the most popular search category on the Internet. "This reinforces the importance MP3 technology has acquired in recent years. By reacting with raised CD prices instead of seizing the opportunities offered by new technologies, the music business has largely slept through the digital music revolution."
Rather than blame declining sales on piracy, Go-Kart says it decided to exploit the situation to its fullest potential. "The music industry's future lies in new technologies like MP3s, and it's about time that musicians and record labels began looking forward instead of just trying to cover their own collective behinds!"
