Chapter 1255 The sky is full of flowers
When Matt took office, he did not have the unlimited glory he imagined. In fact, he was burdened with an important task. He had to solve a problem that his predecessors had never faced before——
How to adapt to the era of comprehensive popularization of digital audio sources, seize the pulse of the times, and be ahead of others?
What is Matt going to do?
A simple and crude way:
By inviting more musicians to be exclusively on iTunes, we can rely on the appeal of these musicians to sell more Apple devices, and allow more and more listeners to bind themselves to iTunes and become accustomed to the existence of iTunes.
For a simple example, if you like Beyoncé and the digital audio source of Beyoncé’s new album is only available for purchase on iTunes, what should you do?
The answer came naturally, either buy the physical album or log on to iTunes to buy it.
This method is highly praised within Apple, which not only promotes iTunes, but also sells more Apple devices——
This is also a kind of soft promotion.
And, as Matt said, they are not in competition with record companies, at least not head-on. Record companies are responsible for selling physical albums, while iTunes is targeting digital music sources. Although there is the possibility of diversion competition, both parties can completely cooperate and win-win.
Matt is also convincing Warner Music and iTunes to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement.
Currently, Universal Music is the record company with the largest market share in the global music market. It is a dominant and arrogant company that refuses to negotiate with Apple. Sony Records owns the largest copyright library in the world. They are developing their own digital music platform and have no intention of cooperating with iTunes. Any interest.
Obviously, Warner Records is the best partner——
They are trying to grab Universal Music's market share and become a disruptor in the global record market. This is why they signed with the August 31st band in the first place, and it is also the reason why Matt targets them.
It was against this background that Matt fell in love with Anson.
The Grammy Awards ceremony was broadcast live last night. When Namath enjoyed the performance of the August 31 band, this thought came to mind——
What if Anson and August 31st were licensed exclusively on iTunes?
Putting aside Anson's personal influence for the moment, let's talk about the matter. The performance of the August 31st band accurately pinched the lifeline. In the global music industry that was in a downturn and dark predicament, the band's emergence was a portrayal of dreams becoming reality.
Rising from the streets of Manhattan and experiencing the test of European street tours, "Ho Hey" completed an incredible counterattack without promoting or playing songs. It only relied on word-of-mouth to create a miracle of five million album sales. For the first time in its career The official performance was the Grammy Awards, but he broke the rules and returned to music on such an important stage.
Everything is perfect.
Just like Linkin Park and Evanescence, just like Norah Jones, the August 31st band proved with practical actions:
Good music will eventually be heard.
So, when Anson said, please continue to believe in your dreams, countless independent musicians rekindled their hope.
The subsequent impact of this Grammy and this performance is far beyond imagination.
Especially with the song "Another Light" included in it.
At this time, no one knows the behind-the-scenes story, and neither does Matt, but independent musicians are willing to believe that this is the song dedicated to them by the band on August 31st——
Even the faintest ray of light is crucial.
Later, after the red carpet story spread, not only did it not damage the enthusiasm of independent musicians and underground musicians, but Archie's story inspired their enthusiasm and fighting spirit even more.
With this performance and this song, August 31st has earned itself an incredible place in the industry.
Everything is just like the Beatles when they were born.
Matt had a keen eye and immediately saw the potential in “Another Light.”
When he learned that this song was actually a new song that had not been released yet, Matt fell off the sofa and was so excited that he couldn't control it. After all, who can say no to Anson Wood?
All in all, plus the name "Anson Wood", Matt can already imagine what will happen next.
Therefore, we must hurry up, we must hurry up, and we must firmly seize the opportunity before things change——
This is far from being as simple as a song, or even as simple as 10 billion or 100 billion, but they are keeping up with the times and completing the layout first.
Imagine that the profits of the global recording industry dropped by US$4 billion in just four years, pure profit; if half of these US$4 billion went into iTunes' pockets, what does that mean?
An Anson may allow iTunes and Apple to take advantage of other companies.
No wonder Matt took matters into his own hands and was so impatient.
However, that's often the case.
In the mind's eye, the plan was perfect, full of confidence and ambition; however, when it was actually put into operation, it was full of surprises, twists and turns, hitting walls and bumps.
Matt stayed up all night, forcing himself to calm down, taking all aspects into consideration, and convened an emergency meeting at the Los Angeles and New York offices on both coasts at three in the morning.
He needs to ensure that when he appears in front of Anson, he will be confident.
After the real meeting, Matt admitted that he was still a little surprised——
Anson is more charming than imagined.
Now Matt finally understood why Anson was able to climb to the top of the pyramid in just three years. It was definitely not just luck.
At the same time, this also makes Matt more confident in his plan, they need to catch Anson.
"...I believe that the cooperation between August 31st Band and iTunes is a win-win situation. It is an opportunity to show the possibilities of music to the general public."
"It is also an opportunity for the band to be at the forefront of the times again. You bravely integrate classical music into rock. We never knew that the cello could be so charming."
"The same goes for digital audio sources. This is the process of the times and is irreversible. We should not continue to cling to the past, but should keep up with the times."
"I believe you have such vision and courage."
Effortless and extravagant——
Clearly, Matt came prepared.
Although the Grammy Awards ceremony ended less than twelve hours ago, and although Matt had stayed up all night and had caffeine flowing through his veins, Matt looked calm and composed, and had already imagined the next five or even ten years in detail in his mind. The grand blueprint for the year can be completed without a draft.
Anson listened attentively throughout the whole process, extremely immersed and attentive.
However, someone interrupted Matt's impassioned monologue.
"How about a win-win solution?"
Matt followed the sound and saw it was Edgar.
Although he was at a disadvantage this morning, with Matt completely taking the initiative; Edgar was not discouraged, he was highly focused, and cut into the topic at just the right time, once again demonstrating his talent as an agent.
"I know, iTunes needs Anson, but why does Anson need iTunes?"
"I guess if Anson is interested, he has tons of options now, so why iTunes?"
(End of chapter)