For the last few months, indie labels have been expressing their concerns about the changes that have taken effect in iTunes.
The labels expressed that they feared their music wouldn’t have as much of a presence with the new implementations. As a result, Apple took a step back from the sales velocity algorithm used to determine the music in its banners and sliders.
In a snapshot presented by Apple, indie musicians are actually doing quite well, scoring 40 percent of the flow cases.
Finally, Apple changed the way pre-orders and up-and-coming titles displayed in the store charts. The indies can now be reassured that their music will sell and fans will be able to find their music easily. Label execs understand why Apple made their initial decision, but it will take some adjusting and getting used to.
“This is a big move, because everyone in the industry pays attention to the iTunes storefront more than any other store or device,” a major label executive stated. “No one looks at Amazon, Google or Spotify music pages the way they pay attention to iTunes.
