Forget U2: Here Are Five Other Performers Who Deserve To Reach 500 Million People
U2’s latest album, “Songs of Innocence,” was given free to every iTunes subscriber on Tuesday in what was dubbed “the largest album release of all timeâ€, reaching 500 million customers in 119 countries. According to unspecified sources quoted in the Wall Street Journal, as part of the massive distribution U2 and Universal Records also netted a blanket royalty and marketing campaign worth up to $100m. But U2 has been one of the biggest bands in the world for decades. They are not hurting for record deals or mainstream exposure. There are, however, a few acts — like Janelle Monae (pictured) –who could benefit from this opportunity of a lifetime. This type of deal could set a new precedent with Apple, bypassing the record label middleman or the fickle music press and instead give emerging or more diverse artists the opportunity to shine.
