A New Low For The Music Business?

Here's an idea that's either a new low for the music business, a brilliant marketing idea, or just more of the same. In fact, a new low is exactly the campaign that the UK duo Reclusive Barclay Brothers are running as they pay 100 randomly picked fans $35 each to listen to their song.

They say that their thinking is that payola has been a big piece of the music business promotion for most of the industry's history, so paying you to listen is just a modern extension of the practice.

Personally, I think it's great out-of-the-box thinking and a great promotion. They're basically getting you to sign up for their mailing list in the hopes of winning some money, you're hearing their song, they're getting some much needed publicity, and their clever video explains the whole thing. It's just a repulsive enough idea to actually work, providing that the song is good.

To me it's a good, not great song, but the production and engineering is great. Regardless, the campaign gets you there, and the song is well made enough to make you want to hear more. Check out the newlowformusic.com site and listen for yourself, and maybe win $35.

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