Radiohead leading the way to free downloads

Some of the music industry’s biggest acts are looking at giving their music away free online.

This follows the success of the band Radiohead letting fans download their new album, ‘In Rainbows’, without charge. It is Radiohead's first album since ‘Hail to the Thief’, which was released in 2003 after which the band's contract with EMI/Capitol expired.

The band’s website topped the chart of music websites with an 11-fold increase in hits after the announcement, according to internet monitoring agency HitWise.

Jamiroquai and Oasis, two major names that are also not contracted to record labels, are rumoured to be considering following Radiohead by offering work for free or at a reduced price. Oasis has already announced that its next single, ‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’, will be available only to download for 99 pence.

Acts giving away their music are expected to make their money from sales of concert tickets and merchandise. Prince gave away his album ‘3121’ in the UK through the Daily Mail in July and then his 21 tour dates in London all sold out.

While CD sales are falling dramatically, download sales have grown from nothing in 2003 to 26.5 million in 2005. In 2006 this figure then doubled to 53 million.

The top ten best selling single downloads of all time so far are:
1. ‘Crazy’, Gnarls Barkley
2. ‘Grace Kelly’, Mika
3. ‘Chasing cars’, Snow Patrol
4. ‘Umbrella’, Rihanna FT Jay-Z
5. ‘I don't feel like dancin', Scissor Sisters
6. ‘Hips don't lie’, Shakira
7. ‘Patience’, Take That
8. ‘How to save a life’, The Fray
9. ‘Ruby’, Kaiser Chiefs
10. ‘Maneater’, Nelly Furtado
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