I just read an interesting article by Bob Lefsetz on the Universal/EMI merger. Bob is a music, let's say, analyst who writes on all aspects of the music biz.

In this article, he worries about the consequences of these two giant companies merging. Right now, Universal plans to buy EMI for $1.9 billion if…or rather when, Congress approves the sale and creation of an even bigger monopoly.

Universal is the company largely responsible for the higher payouts to major labels on Spoitfy. In fact, I think I heard they obtained partial ownership in order to get on there at all. Why? Because they are the biggest label and can force the hand.

$1.9 billion. What a sum!

But imagine a minute. The rise of successes on kickstarter make other things possible.

What if…

Amanda Palmer or another individual or group of people held a kickstarter to buy EMI instead?

One of the largest labels in the hands of non-corporate conglomerates. How cool would that be!?

Oh! And just think of the rewards.
– the complete catalog of Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Etc

All someone needs do is raise $2 billion and make the world happy. 🙂