Exclusive album releases have become one of the most interesting and controversial tactics that musicians and labels use to drive income and sales. Adele, Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, and other stars have experimented with exclusive music releases. Among major music services, Apple and Tidal are most engaged with exclusive deal-making, while Spotify remains resolutely against the strategy. Jason Aldean’s release last week was withheld from all the on-demand online services.
While the music industry tries to maximize revenue, and participating music services hope to attract and retain subscribers, music-lovers who have shifted their consumption to on-demand streaming are left out.
What is your response to music exclusives?