A New Era in Music: The Revolutionary NFT Release of Unheard David Bowie Tracks

In a groundbreaking move, the music and blockchain technology world collide with the highly anticipated release of unreleased David Bowie music as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This extraordinary event marks a significant milestone in the music industry’s adoption of Web 3.0 technology, introducing a new way for artists and their fans to connect.

The Unveiling of the Exclusive NFT Collection

Gala Music, a subsidiary of Gala Games, has partnered with music producer Larry Dvoskin and publisher Warner-Chappell Music to bring this exceptional NFT collection to life. Scheduled for launch on April 14th, the collection commemorates the 40th anniversary of Bowie’s iconic song “Let’s Dance.” Featuring 3,003 unique NFTs, each token showcases Bowie-inspired artwork and gives holders access to a never-before-heard version of the hit song.

The Genesis of the Unheard Track

The unheard version of “Let’s Dance” was produced in collaboration with Dvoskin in 2002. Described as a “more dreamy, electronic” rendition of the original song, it remained a hidden gem until Dvoskin saw an opportunity to approach Bowie’s estate with the idea of releasing the track as NFTs. The estate agreed, paving the way for this historic event.

A Pay-What-You-Wish Model for a Charitable Cause

The NFTs will be sold using a pay-what-you-wish model, with all initial proceeds benefiting the music-based charity MusiCares. This innovative approach ensures that fans can participate in this unique event while supporting a worthy cause.

David Bowie’s Blockchain Legacy

While this NFT launch marks a significant moment for Bowie’s estate, it’s not their first venture into the blockchain world. In September, they partnered with leading NFT marketplace OpenSea to launch the “Bowie on the Blockchain” collection, which also raised funds for charity.

Though some fans expressed concerns about the blockchain experiment’s consistency with Bowie’s legacy, the Warner Music Group offshoot that acquired Bowie’s entire music catalog for over $250 million is known for its commitment to helping songwriters tap into Web 3.0’s full potential. This vision led to a partnership with web3.0 entertainment incubator Defient last November.

The Future of Music and NFTs

The release of David Bowie’s unreleased music as NFTs signifies a turning point for the music industry, as it embraces the possibilities of blockchain technology and Web 3.0. As more artists and estates follow suit, the music consumption and distribution landscape will continue to evolve, bringing new opportunities for artists and their fans to connect in unprecedented ways.

How can non-fungible tokens (NFTs) rock the music industry? Let’s face it; the music industry has long been notorious for cloaked contracts and poorly compensated artists. Record labels, music publishers, performing rights organizations, and streaming services have all played a part in shutting out independent artists. But with NFTs stepping up to bat, the music game is about to change significantly.

NFTs are blockchain-based tokens that certify ownership of unique digital assets. With direct investment in song royalties, NFTs challenge the traditional industry model like nothing else. Fans can now have a piece of their favorite songs while supporting their beloved artists. It’s a win-win situation, and I love that.

But that’s not all. The NFT-based royalties model offers creators, users, and investors many advantages. Artists finally get fairer compensation for their music, making it possible to earn a sustainable income from their art alone. This disrupts the traditional role of intermediaries like record labels and publishing companies, who have long taken a slice of the artist’s income. Thanks to NFTs, the power is back in the artist’s hand.

And if that wasn’t enough, the music industry is now mostly resistant to fraud and piracy, thanks to the fundamental security offered by NFTs’ unique and verifiable entity. That’s right, no more DMCA takedowns, no more finders-keepers. The music industry is now more trustworthy and secure for all stakeholders involved. And I am all in on this.

But let’s not forget the impact on the traditional music industry intermediaries like record labels, music publishers, performing rights organizations, and streaming services. With direct music ownership, artists can license and monetize their work without relying on intermediaries for distribution and royalty collection. That’s a massive deal. And it looks like these intermediaries will have to take a good hard look at their business models and pivot fast.

Streaming services are no exception. A steadily growing user base means higher revenues, but artists often only receive small profits per stream. But with NFT-based royalties issuance, artists can now consider new models for streaming their music or even enable their audiences to stream music directly from artists. It’s brilliant and way overdue.

So folks, buckle up. NFT-based royalties are about to revolutionize the music industry, and things will only get better from here. With a creator-first experience that has artists’ backs, NFTs represent a bright future for the music industry, one that empowers individual artists and smaller firms to access a level of control and ownership that has never been possible before. And I’m excited to see where this goes!

The music industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging that have the potential to change the way we consume and monetize music. Two of the most promising technologies in this regard are blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Blockchain Technology in the Music Industry.

Blockchain technology, which was first introduced as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is a decentralized digital ledger that allows for secure and transparent transactions. In the music industry, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way musicians are attributed for their work and compensated for its use.

Imagine having the power to take control of your music career and say goodbye to the hassle of middlemen holding you back. Decentralized streaming platforms powered by blockchain technology give musicians like you the freedom to do just that.

Now, it’s important to note that record labels can still play a valuable role in building an artist’s career. They can provide resources, mentorship, and industry connections to help artists navigate the music industry and gain more visibility. However, with decentralized streaming, musicians can connect with their fans and monetize their music directly without intermediaries.

No more dealing with the hassle of record labels and distributors; you’ll be able to directly connect with your fans and earn more revenue from your music. Plus, with transparent royalty distribution, you’ll know exactly where your earnings come from.

But it’s not just about the money; decentralized platforms also bridge the gap between musicians and their audiences. You’ll be able to connect with your fans in new and exciting ways and build a community around your music.

And let’s not forget blockchain technology allows for a point of origin to be established for music creators, meaning you’ll be able to prove your ownership of your creations and protect your rights as an artist.

So, decentralized streaming is definitely worth considering whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro. It’s a game changer for the music industry, and you deserve to be a part of it.

Examples of blockchain projects in the music industry:

  • Musicoin: a platform that allows musicians to get paid directly from fans.
  • Mycelia: a project led by musician Imogen Heap, working to create a decentralized music ecosystem using blockchain technology.
  • eMusic: operates as a music distribution and royalty management platform that rewards artists and fans.
  • BitSong: a global music community with a trustless marketplace for music streaming, Fan Tokens, and NFTs powered by the BTSG token.
  •  Audius : a decentralized music streaming platform that allows musicians to share their music and directly connect with their fans. 

NFTs in the Music Industry.

On the other hand, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) is a type of digital asset that can be bought, sold, and traded on blockchain platforms; they are unique and non-interchangeable; they are used to tokenize digital assets such as music, art, and videos. In the music industry, NFTs can be used to authenticate and sell ownership of digital music files, allowing musicians to monetize their work in new ways. NFTs can be used to sell exclusive rights to a digital music file, like a limited release, or as a collectible item for fans.

Examples of musicians using NFTs:

  • Snoop Dogg: dropped an NFT collection to accompany his latest album, B.O.D.R. A total of 25,000 NFTs were made available through Gala Market, each one featuring exclusive virtual and tangible perks such as bonus tracks, making it a unique and exciting way for fans to own and engage with the album.
  • Grimes: Canadian artist Grimes sold an NFT collection, “WarNymph Collection” in March 2021, which included digital art, music videos, and 3D avatars; she sold the collection for $6 million, making it one of the most expensive NFT sales to date.
  • DJ 3LAU: American DJ and electronic music producer Justin Blau used NFTs to release his album “Ultraviolet” in April 2021.
  • Muse: Made history by becoming the first act to top the UK charts with an album sold as an NFT (non-fungible token) in 2022.

In the music industry, NFTs can be used to authenticate and sell ownership of digital music files, allowing fans to experience music in new and exciting ways.

Access to Exclusive Content:

One of the biggest benefits of NFTs for music fans is the ability to access exclusive content that is unavailable to the general public. Musicians can use NFTs to sell limited music releases, such as demos, live recordings, or remixes. Fans who purchase these NFTs will be the only ones with access to this exclusive content.

Collectible Items:

NFTs can also be used as collectible items for music fans. Musicians can create limited-edition NFTs that include digital art, music videos, or even 3D avatars of themselves. These NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded like traditional collectibles, and they offer fans a way to connect with the artist and their work in a unique and personal way.

Live Events:

Another potential use of NFTs for music fans is the ability to attend live events. Musicians can use NFTs to sell tickets to virtual or in-person events, and fans can use their NFTs to gain entry. This not only allows fans to attend events they may not have been able to otherwise, but it also provides a way for musicians to monetize their live performances.

The music industry is in a state of flux, and blockchain technology is poised to play a big role in shaping its future. Decentralized streaming platforms offer musicians more control over their music, more transparency in royalty distribution, and the ability to connect directly with their fans. NFTs, in particular, have opened up a new world of possibilities for musicians to monetize and promote their work in unique ways. It’s an exciting time to be a musician, and it’s worth considering how blockchain-based solutions could benefit your career. The possibilities are endless, from chart-topping albums sold as NFTs to virtual and tangible extras that come with NFT collections. It’s time to embrace the future and take advantage of blockchain technology’s opportunities.

Protecting your music and ensuring you are properly compensated for your work is crucial to being a musician. After all, your music is your livelihood, and it’s essential to take the necessary steps to safeguard it. In this article, we’ll look closer at how you can protect your music and secure your rights as the creator.

Register it With the Copyright Office.

The first step in protecting your music is registering it with the Copyright Office. This will give you legal proof of ownership and the right to take legal action if your music is used without your permission. Registering your music with the Copyright Office can seem daunting, but it’s pretty straightforward. Simply fill out the required forms, pay the fee, and submit your work. Once your music is registered, you’ll receive a registration certificate as your legal proof of ownership.

Use Proper Labeling and Metadata.

Another way to protect your music is to use proper labeling and metadata. This includes including your name, song title, and the copyright date on your music files. This will ensure that your music is easily identifiable and can help prevent it from being stolen or used without your permission.

Consider Using a Service Like Songtrust.

Songtrust is a company that helps songwriters and publishers like you track where your music is being played and collect the royalties you’re owed. They do the heavy lifting for you, keeping an eye on streaming platforms, sync licensing, and live performances so you don’t have to. Plus, they provide detailed reports and analytics, showing exactly how your music performs and where you can focus your efforts to make the most money.

One of the best things about Songtrust is that it makes it easy to track your earnings. You don’t have to worry about figuring out where your music is being played and how much you’re owed – Songtrust takes care of all that for you. Plus, they register your music with performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, which means you’ll start collecting royalties for public performances of your work.

Another great thing about Songtrust is that it allows you to focus on what you do best – creating music. With Songtrust taking care of the nitty-gritty details, you can spend more time writing and recording instead of worrying about where your music is being played and how much you’re getting paid.

Using a service like Songtrust is smart for any musician looking to protect their music and get the proper compensation for their work. With Songtrust, you can rest easy knowing that your music is being tracked and royalties are being collected while you can focus on what you do best, making music.

Navigating the Different Types of Music Licenses.

It’s also important to be aware of the different types of licenses when using music. For example, if you’re using a piece of music in a video you plan to upload to YouTube, you’ll need to get a sync license. A sync license grants you the right to use the music in a visual medium such as a film or video. On the other hand, if you plan to use a piece of music in a live performance, you’ll need a performance license.

Protecting your music and ensuring you are properly compensated for your work is essential as a musician. By registering your music with the Copyright Office, using proper labeling and metadata, and working with services like Songtrust, you can safeguard your rights and ensure your music is properly compensated. Remember also to be aware of the different types of licenses; when necessary, it will make using other’s music in your projects much smoother.

A 360 record deal is a contract between a record label and an artist that aims to provide more equitable and beneficial terms for the artist than traditional record deals. The term “360” refers to the idea that the artist and the label share in all aspects of the artist’s career, including album sales, touring, merchandise, and other revenue streams.

Traditional Record Deals.

In traditional record deals, the artist typically receives an advance from the label in exchange for the rights to their music. The label then recoups the advance from album sales and other revenue streams before the artist earns royalties. This can make it difficult for the artist to make a living, mainly if their album does not sell well.

Benefits of a 360 Record Deal.

 A 360 deal allows artists to share in all aspects of their careers, including album sales, touring, merchandise, and other revenue streams. This means the artist earns a percentage of the revenue from these different areas rather than just relying on royalties from album sales. This type of deal can be beneficial for both the artist and the label. For the artist, it can provide a more stable and predictable income stream, as they can earn money from multiple sources. For the label, it allows them to invest in the artist’s career more comprehensively and to benefit from the artist’s success across multiple platforms.

Considerations Before Signing.

It is important for artists to carefully consider the terms of a 360 deal before signing. Some deals may include clauses that give the label too much control over the artist’s career or that limit the artist’s ability to earn money from other sources. It is also important for the artist to clearly understand how the revenue will be shared and what percentage of the income they will receive from different sources.

Not for All Artists.

It’s also important to mention that this deal is not for all types of artists; it’s more common for artists with a solid following and potential for multiple revenue streams and not for those who just started their careers.

Overall, a 360 record deal can be a beneficial option for artists. Still, it is vital for them to consider the terms and conditions of the deal carefully and to have a clear understanding of how the revenue will be shared. As long as the artist fully understands the deal and all its details, it can be an excellent opportunity for them to grow and expand their career.