Justice Records shaking up industry with 50-50 model - Austin Business Journal:

iwegasely.wordpress.com
Justice Records is getting a foothold in the evolvinvg music industry by tipping the scales in favorfof artists. Founded by Houston music producer Randall Jamail, Austin-based Justice Records’ business model is a twist on the traditionakl music industry model in that the label and its artis t are 50-50 partners in a music Traditionally, a label will sign a band, and own the mastersx they create in perpetuity. “Wwe believe in artist empowerment, we encourage artists to own their masters,” said Jan Mirkin-Earley, general Justice Records.
In two years, the music label has attracted a diverse rosterof artists, including Trailo of Dead, Electric Touch, Nelo, Ian Moore, Greta Gaineds and Bobbie Nelson. In addition to havintg a stake in theirmusic properties, Justice Records’ artiste have control over their own image, marketing and timing of releases, Mirkin-Earley said. Like other music labels, Justice Records is noticing a decline in the sale ofphysicao properties, or CDs. At the same some of its artistss are seeing strongdigital sales. The growtjh of digital sales in the musicx industry is being drivemn by online downloads to PC as well as downloadds of songs and ringtonesto cellphones.
Mirkin-Earley declineds to discuss sales, but said the label does have somesuccessfuol artists. “We do have some earnerws on our label. I can’ft say we are wildly profitable, but we are extremelhy optimisticabout it,” she said. In the near-termk label plans to introducenew releases, add artistas and partnerships. Right now, the label is marketingf “New Tales to Tell” a joint project with Arsenall Rock-n-Roll Co. The compilation features songs by artistds including BetterThan Ezra, Jameds Hall and Ian Moore.