As we end the year, Hypebot asked some our favorite thinkers, writers, and friends to answer two questions—one looking forward and the other back. Here Dave Cool, director and producer of the film “What is INDIE? A Look into the World of Independent Musicians," shares his answers.
Hypebot: What do you see as the most important business and consumer trends that will shape the music industry in 2011?
Dave Cool: Two words: Google Music.
Google has the power to have a profound impact on any industry, so once they get into the music industry it could be a game changer. So I think 2011 will be the year of music in a cloud/in a locker and subscription models (finally) gaining traction. Other possible players will be Spotify (if they ever secure agreements with US major labels; at least there might be 1 less to negotiate with soon) and iTunes (if they feel like it).
Hypebot: Since this is ultimately all about music, what were your top musical moment(s) of 2010?
Dave Cool: 1) The video for “The Wilderness Downtown" by Arcade Fire. Incredibly innovative video and masterful partnership between Arcade Fire and Google (and the band is from my hometown of Montreal :)
2) Dan Mangan's album “Nice, Nice, Very Nice." Reminded me why I love music. Also a great indie artist success story, having scraped together the $ to pay for the album from friends, family and his local bank. Now signed to Arts & Crafts Records and touring the world. Good ol' Canadian boy too (Vancouver)
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Dave Cool—Director/Producer “What is INDIE? A Look into the World of Independent Musicians"
Hypebot: What do you see as the most important business and consumer trends that will shape the music industry in 2011?
Dave Cool: Two words: Google Music.
Google has the power to have a profound impact on any industry, so once they get into the music industry it could be a game changer. So I think 2011 will be the year of music in a cloud/in a locker and subscription models (finally) gaining traction. Other possible players will be Spotify (if they ever secure agreements with US major labels; at least there might be 1 less to negotiate with soon) and iTunes (if they feel like it).
Hypebot: Since this is ultimately all about music, what were your top musical moment(s) of 2010?
Dave Cool: 1) The video for “The Wilderness Downtown" by Arcade Fire. Incredibly innovative video and masterful partnership between Arcade Fire and Google (and the band is from my hometown of Montreal :)
2) Dan Mangan's album “Nice, Nice, Very Nice." Reminded me why I love music. Also a great indie artist success story, having scraped together the $ to pay for the album from friends, family and his local bank. Now signed to Arts & Crafts Records and touring the world. Good ol' Canadian boy too (Vancouver)
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Dave Cool—Director/Producer “What is INDIE? A Look into the World of Independent Musicians"
