It enables artists to reach a much wider audience than previously possible which should allow them to gain revenue where none existed before. The problem with Mp3 however has always been security and the consequent impossibility to guarantee and monitor the appropriate royalty payments. Security is guaranteed by the use of best of type encryption and consequently royalties can be correctly allocated. Most of what has been written about MP3 and the other ways of making music downloadable over the Internet has focused on how record companies, and in particular how the big five record companies, will be affected. But the opportunities and threats are equally great for music retailers, as well as musicians, music publishers, indeed, everybody connected with the global music industry.
Downloadable music implies an enormous change in the industry.
Suddenly you can take a piece of music from artist to consumer for next to no cost. A secure encrypted digital content wrapper. A Digital rights management system enabling accurate real time accounting for all interested parties. The smallest and lightest MP3 player in the world. Acknowledged experts, directing content areas.