Warner boss Edgar Bronfman Jnr has said the major is establishing a new business model which it is dubbing eLabel which will enable artists, should they choose, to release small clusters of tracks online on a regular basis rather than whole albums in one go. Bronfman reckons that system would work well for some artists because it would reduce the pressure that often surrounds big album releases, while also allowing artists to stay more connected to their fan base on a regular basis.
It isn't that original a concept of course - Ben Folds for one released a series of digital EPs via his website rather than a full album, though for Folds this was in addition to recording a full album, which was later released by SonyBMG. But the indication that Warner may pursue this as a new kind of business model, with some interesting content ownership deals to entice bigger artists to the venture, is quite interesting.
Bronfman brought up the eLabel concept at a conference in Aspen, using it as an example of how a major record company could utilize technology to innovate in its business practices. Bronfman: "We usually associate innovation with technology companies, but they aren't the only ones who must innovate. To survive and prosper, content companies must do so, as well. And even our very concept of copyright must innovate."