What does the direct-to-consumer business model mean for the music? A question that a lot of people have been pondering for a while now. Ken Hertz, an early consultant for the likes of MP3.com and Napster, offers an answer and will explore how the music industry needs to find and redefine its meaning of success in the digital age. Furthermore, for those of you who are thinking about, or have already, submitted a project to Sounds Digital you can read about what Ken is hoping to share as a mentor.
1. What is your history within digital music?
I have been involved with digital music and media convergence since the mid-90s. I started making CD-Interactive deals in the early 90s and was amongst the earliest consultants to both MP3.com and Napster. I was a founder of www.BigChampagne.com and provide their Beverly Hills offices.
2. What’s exciting you in the digital music space right now?
I believe the direct-to-consumer business model is starting to mature and that we will soon begin to see a meaningful crop of successful ‘new’ artists building a significant audience and meaningful career without the help of a traditional label partner of any kind.
3. What will be the focus of your Key Note presentation at Sounds Digital in London this year?
Finding and Redefining Success in a Post-Physical Music Industry.
4. What experiences and skills will you be sharing with your ‘Lab’ mentoring projects at Sounds Digital?
Deal making. Fund raising. Intellectual Property protection. Self-promotion.
5. Favourite website or online experience that not enough people know about?
Quora.com, a new startup from ex-Facebook employees including former CTO Adam D’ Angelo
Read Ken Hurtz full bio here
