Siteseeing

Fascinating Music Industry Stats

óè bit.ly/MusiIndustry_Stats

What is the state of the music industry in 2012? If you ask some artists, they feel they're gaining more control of their careers and becoming less reliant on their labels. If you ask others, they are worried about the new revenue model needed to survive in this industry and are wondering if they can continue to adapt to the rapid changes taking place.

"While some prognosticators paint a grim picture, newfound optimism comes from an increasing devotion to new, innovative technologies, ideologies, and methods for connecting fans with the music they want," explains pigeonsandplanes.com. "Of course, all this excitement comes at the price of constant uncertainty (enter those pesky prognosticators), as both major and indie players in the industry attempt to figure out their place in the future, attempting to find footing in a landscape that threatens to change with every step."

Taking a look back at 2012, pigeonsandplanes.com offer some revealing insights into the changing nature of the music industry. From streaming services outnumbering radio spins 132 to 1 to Justin Bieber's YouTube play count becoming greater than the combined population of China and India, it's apparent the music industry is changing more rapidly than most of us thought.

Video of the Week: Japandroids -- The House That Heaven Built

óè bit.ly/Japandroids_video

VANCOUVER rock duo Japandroids were never supposed to exist this long as a band. Prior to their critically acclaimed debut being released, the two were struggling to decide what they were going to do. After the album caught fire, they jumped in a van and hit the road, developing a reputation as back-to-basics rock act whose live show was a must-see. Avoiding the dreaded sophomore jinx, their second album, Celebration Rock, is one of the best releases of 2012 and the group has been on the road almost non-stop since it was released earlier this year.

The West Coast duo plays the Pyramid on Dec. 17 before taking a quick break for the holidays and then heading to China, New Zealand and Japan. Mac DeMarco is also on the bill.

Track of the Week: Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko -- Stay (Them Jeans remix)

óè bit.ly/Rihanna_Stay

FRESH off her 777 tour, which saw the superstar musician perform seven shows in seven countries in seven days with a plane full of journalists following her along for the ride (a quick search online will give you some insight into the behind-the-scenes action), Rihanna is making L.A. producer Them Jean's remix of her track Stay available on Soundcloud.

What Should I Spend?

óè whatshouldispend.com

ARE you one of those people who has been stressing for months about what to spend during the holidays? Have you been worrying about what to buy for your friend's kid on his first birthday? Do you wonder what you should tip the pizza delivery guy when it's pouring rain?

What Should I Spend is a new online resource that captures crowdsourced information about what you should give in certain situations, from what kind of tip to give your hairdresser during the holidays to how much cash you should spend on that perfect housewarming gift.

Anthony Augustine is a freelance music, technology and pop culture writer who spends way too much time in front of a computer. Got a site you think he should see? Email him at anthony.siteunseen@gmail.com or follow him at twitter.com/anthonya.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 13, 2012 C18