Record labels, who needs them?

Second blog and I haven't even reviewed any music or really talked about anything which perhaps means I need to change the wording on the header?

Recently a friend and I were discussing the importance of record labels today and how the internet and technology as a whole has allowed artists to explore new avenues in producing music and both the positive and negative effects of this.

My favourite band Counting Crows, recently announced that they were leaving their record label and going independent. Years ago that would have been considered career suicide, how things have changed?

So the internet has opened up a world of new music to us, but technological advances means today it's easier than ever before to produce music, which is a good thing granted but also means that trying to find the really really good stuff is that bit harder.

So do record labels have any place today? Perhaps their role if anything is no more than being a good promotional company? What do you think, particularly if you're in favour of record labels.

By the way don't forget to check out my Youtube Channel :-)