FROM 2007...This Year's Country Sales (so far) And The Changing Business

FROM 2007.....

We are 12 weeks into the "Soundscan Year." In those 12 weeks, the current country chart has sold less than 500,000 units in 10 of those 12 weeks. This is unprecedented. Previously (and correct me if I am wrong) the most weeks under 500k since 1999 was 2.Don't look at this as a dire assessment, or a "glass half empty" scenario, just see it for what it is. A reflection of the changing world. Yes, there has been a light release schedule and the Tim McGraw record released yesterday will help, but to pin this on a light release schedule is hopelessly naive.
Randy Goodman (Lyric Street Pres) has a great take in yesterdays Country Aircheck:
"Regardless of the distribution channels and what they might end up being or looking like over the next decade or so, I'm convinced that there will always be the need for labels (music venture capitalists) to help invest in and grow the next generation of superstars. And I'm equally convinced that the 'deals' that will cement those relationships (artists to labels) are going to fundamentally change."