Beggar’s Adam Farrell On MP3 Downloads

A few weeks ago we made our prediction that 2007 will be the year that much of the music industry (including some major labels) embrace DRM free mp3’s. In an ongoing series of mini-interviews we’re asking leaders from all facets of the industry to share their thoughts on the subject. Today its’ Adam Farrell, Head of New Media for The Beggars Group & Matador Records:

WHAT IS BEGGARS POSITION ON MP3 DOWNLOADS? –
"At the end of the day, we support any steps that a DMS or device company or label might take to reduce friction in the market and improve the customer experience."

"We (both Beggars Group and most of the independent music industry – A2IM, AIM, etc.) support interoperability. So, with all this mp3 hubbub, it’s really business as usual for us. It’s about time that folks got wise to the fact that it’s really the customers who suffer through these closed systems. And so goes the customers, so goes the market. So, at some point we’ll get in some "we told you so"’s."

DO YOU THINK THE MAJOR LABELS WILL START SELLING MP3’s?
"I gave up calling futures in this wacky world of music a long time ago. But I would say that if a company with a significant online retailing history – even better if it’s one who sells a ton of physical music – wants to go digital, labels big and small would be wise to take them up on the offer irregardless of file format."

"But, hopefully the majors wouldn’t take them up on the offer, so that we indies can hold court for a while. [insert wink-wink emoticon]"