Of all the methods of music distribution that the internet has brought us, Magnatune (an online independent label out of the UK) has a potential lasting one. Magnatune limits itself to seven genres, rock, punk, new age, world, jazz/blues, classical, and electronica, and signs approx 5-10 new artists a month out of approx 400 submissions. From a listeners view, the website provides free streaming of music to all artists signed, however to download or burn music you have to pay. The difference with Magnatune is that the listener decides just how much to pay; you can pay as little as $5 for an album, or as much $18, depending on how much you feel its worth. The music that is downloaded is not protected: Magnatune allows you to legally copy any album you buy for three friends. From the artists point of view, Magnatune’s contracts are non-exclusive so they can continue selling their music elsewhere. Additionally, the label gives artists 50% of the revenues from what they sell online.
Sources tell vazDeferenz that akaRaff recently sent in copies of his drum line instrumental version of Rushs’ YYZ, no word yet on if it has made the cut at Magnatune.