The Australian National University (ANU) is to launch a not-for-profit music record label.
From 2019, ANU Press will begin publishing music under its own label, promoting some of Australia’s best musical pieces that do not secure recording deals with a traditional music label.
The ANU said as digital distribution was reducing profit margins on music, artists not supported by major record labels in classical music, jazz and popular music were being squeezed out of the recording industry, as record labels were no longer able to make their projects financially viable.
Composer and recording artist from the ANU School of Music, Dr Kim Cunio said he had found it increasingly difficult to get an Australian recording deal for his art music.
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 it sold well, yet still lost money.
“Fifteen years ago a record sold for $25-to-$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 now selling for about $6.
“The music that is supported by commercial and mainstream record labels is surviving, but other musicians across classical, jazz and popular just aren’t able to make a living anymore,” Dr Cunio said.
“With many fine established and emerging artists unable to secure recording deals, their music is often going unpublished and is at risk of being forgotten.”
He said ANU Press Music would provide an avenue for a digital release of this music.
