[icey]

I think you need to define what you mean when you say someone that understands 'music'.

Do you mean someone with experience in the music business? Someone who understands thing from the perspective of a musician? A hacker with knowledge of distribution channels? Recording labels & studios?

[CSunday]

Thanks, I will clarify that...

I mean a hacker that understands the current problem facing the music industry today. (eg: Piracy, declining music sales...etc. Someone that has an interest in solving these problems)

I hope that makes sense

[slamdunk]

I think most artists simply want to know the easiest quickest way to make money for themselves doing what they enjoy doing (the smart ones anyway). Fans just want a powerful escape.

The only middlemen that even have a right to exist at this point are the ones that can demonstrate an ability to make these two wants come into fruition repeatedly and powerfully

Sellaband is a step in the right direction but the social entropy of it inherently neglects certain artists over other etc. Which leads to the same problems artists have always had - defining themselves as unique, valuable and "special" in the minds of people willing to talk about them positively and throw money.

[CSunday]

"I think most artists simply want to know the easiest quickest way to make money for themselves doing what they enjoy doing (the smart ones anyway). Fans just want a powerful escape."

It has been proven time and time again that fans will pay for music, if the price is right, and their demands are met.

I think artists both want to get paid, and ALSO reach more fans that enjoy their music.