[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.