RIP Muxtape, Hello MySpace Music
MySpace Music launches tonight, filling a void created by the death of Muxtape and capitalizing on MySpace’s faith in the users to recharge the recording industry. Will the initiative fulfill its goal of replacing lost cd sales (down $2 billion last year alone)? Yes.
MySpace is already the destination for many users in search of info on their favorite band. With the support of Amazon (DRM-free downloading) and the best features of Muxtape, MySpace adds huge value to their already popular music site. Users will be able to compile playlists, much like Muxtape, but with a larger library to choose from (virtually any song now that all four major recording labels are on board). One click buys will be available directly from an artist’s site, further increasing the utility. The addition of Amazon deals another blow to iTunes, who already faces the built-in Amazon MP3 store on the soon to be released Android G1.
Though MySpace must bring in significantly more revenue to break even on the deal, they stand to gain attention simply for being legal. Speaking as a college student, I actually do want to support my favorite musicians. MySpace Music solves all of the barriers to doing so:
- ability to listen to the full song (giving me 30-seconds just makes me guess at whether or not I’ll like it)
- accessibility- I don’t want to migrate somewhere else. I want to see concerts, pictures, and music in one place.
- trust- Amazon’s DRM-free mp3 store actually lets me own my music, rather than have it on loan. Having purchased from MSN’s now dead music store, I’m tired of losing music I’ve paid for.
Thanks MySpace, for bringing me Muxtape’s successor, and giving me back music the way it should be. (Check out ReadWriteWeb for some great screen shots and discussion on the interface!)
Update: MySpace Music went live last night and (as expected) moves the industry in the right direction.