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The industry, It's at a crossroad, There's a transformation going on. People are confused, what's going on, how to distribute and sell music. The internet kinda threw everybody for a real loop. 'Cause it's so powerful, kids love it so much. The whole world is at their fingertips, on their lap. Anything they want to know, anyone they want to communicate with, any music, any movies... The thing is it just took everybody for a loop. Right now, all these Starbucks deals and Wal-Mart deals, direct to artists, I don't know if that's the answer. I think the answer is just phenomenal, great music. Just reaching the masses. i think people are still searching. There's not a real music revolution going on right now, either. But when it's there, people will break down a wall to get to it. I mean, 'cause before Thriller, it was the same kind of thing. People were not buying music. It helped to bring everybody back into the stores, so when it happens, it happens. ~Michael Jackson on the music industry, Ebony magazine December 2007.

Michael Jackson#24

MusicChangeIndustryQuality

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker observes the music industry is in flux and believes great music will always find an audience.
In plain terms
Distribution is changing, but great music will break through eventually.
What can you take from it?
Quality content eventually finds its audience despite industry changes.

Where it applies

  • industry shifts
  • creative careers
  • planning strategy

Putting it to work

  • focus on quality
  • adapt to change
  • build trust

Questions to consider

  • What matters more: quality or distribution?
  • How has technology changed music?

Another view

Distribution models heavily impact who hears great music.

More from Michael Jackson

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  2. What I do when I write is that i'll do a raggedy, rough version just to hear the chorus, just to see how much I like the chorus. If it works for me that way wh…

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  3. I always wanted to do music that influences and inspires each generation. Lets face it, who wants mortality? ~Michael Jackson on how he creates memorable music…

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