I have thought for a while that some take on the Mixergy model would be an excellent way to distribute music.
If you don't know, about a year ago (?), Andrew Warner initiated a system wherein new interviews would always be free, but you would have to pay for archival content. This seems to be working for Mixergy, but I submit that it could be even better for a record label - it promotes long-term development of artists, using their work as its own promotional material, and adds incentives to maintain a working relationship. It also rewards fans the fans that are most likely to evangelize.
If you don't know, about a year ago (?), Andrew Warner initiated a system wherein new interviews would always be free, but you would have to pay for archival content. This seems to be working for Mixergy, but I submit that it could be even better for a record label - it promotes long-term development of artists, using their work as its own promotional material, and adds incentives to maintain a working relationship. It also rewards fans the fans that are most likely to evangelize.