Well, I'd like to start of this article with a little bit of my recent job history. I started at MCI in June of 1998, and in October of 1998 went through a merger with WorldCom. So I no longer work for MCI but now I work for MCI WorldCom. Then just before Christmas we went through layoffs and here in the near future our division may be sold to EDS. So what does that have to do with music? Well merger mania is running through all sectors of big business including the music industry. And this may impact some of your favorite artists.
Recently Polygram and Universal Music have gone through a merger and will now be call the Universal Music Group. What does this mean? Well, from the sounds of things, many, many artists will be cut from label rosters. This might just mark a return to indie music for quite a few semi-popular bands. So what? I mean, those bands will still make music right? Well, no. I have to imagine it could be the end of a few bands. Hopefully not, but going from the majors to the minors could be too difficult for some bands. And I know from going through mergers that this can be very disruptive to day-to-day business, and to your ability to focus. So be a little extra patient this year as it could be a bit bumpy!