'Name your price' say Radiohead

Radiohead are fighting back against illegal downloads by inviting fans to pay whatever they like for their next album.The public schoolboys haven't had a record label since their EMI contract came to an end in 2003.They will release a deluxe box set of In Rainbows at a price of £40, but the songs will be available in electronic format on the band's website from October 10 with downloders invited to name their own price.James Bates, a director in the media and entertainment division of the professional services firm Deloitte, said: "Up to now record companies have focussed their business saving efforts on consumers and piracy."Radiohead are clearly trying to build an independent business model that suits their needs."Unless record company giants wake up and find a model that delivers real value to artists, technology will continue to be used to by-pass the record companies and in comparison piracy will seem a relatively small problem."In Rainbows won't be eligible for a place in the charts because it will only be available from the Radiohead website, but the band are planning a traditional CD release in the New Year.The Charlatans have also announced they will give away their new single, You Cross My Path, free online.The band's manager Alan McGee said they believe the current business model for selling music is redundant and future income will come from ticket sales for live shows and merchandise.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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ITN | October 1, 2007

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