The Australian National University (ANU) is to launch a not-for-profit music recording label.
ANU Press will begin publishing music under its own new label from 2019, with the aim of distributing and promoting some of Australia’s best musical pieces that do not secure recording deals with a traditional music label.
Composer and recording artist at the ANU’s School of Music Dr Kim Cunio (pictured) said it was increasingly difficult to get an Australian recording deal for his art music.
“As digital distribution is reducing profit margins on music, artists not supported by major record labels in classical music, jazz and popular music are being squeezed out of the recording industry as record labels are no longer able to make their projects financially viable,” Dr Cunio said.
He said the idea to start a music press began through his own experience.
“My last release was with a US label,” Dr Cunio said.
“It did really well and was long-listed for a Grammy.”
He said the record sold well, however, it still lost money.
“Fifteen years ago a record sold for $25–$30 and if you sold 10,000 copies in Australia, which is a very good run for a classical or jazz record, your record company could make a good profit,” Dr Cunio said.
He said with online distribution, however, that same record was selling for about $6.
“If it’s on Spotify, your work can get thousands of plays and you take home cents, not even dollars,” Dr Cunio said.
He said ANU Press Music would provide an avenue for a digital release of this music.
“We hope this can become a repository for great music that would otherwise be buried and forgotten,” Dr Cunio said.
“This is not about making money, it’s about the dissemination and preservation of fine work with the potential of finding new markets and new audiences.”
