Invest in live music industry, shape perception (Score 1)

The possible solution for music labels is to invest/buy venues as as an 'industry' - for example, Universal, Sony, EMI etc, must pool in their financial resources to encourage culture of live music. I would say that the labels will have to be extremely patient until they are able to capitalize/profit from such a venture - but it does have good scope. The concerts can be free and break-even can be achieved by innovative branding. I have worked as a music journalist in India, and I recall a very interesting quote which Trilok Gurtu (a world-renowned percussionist) told me - "Music has become a side-dish" - this comes from a guy who "performs" on a regular basis - hundreds and thousands of concerts - and is definitely not into downloading loops and punching in notes. If guys like him feel the mindless dilution, there is something indeed serious, but Gurtu is not out of job - he is a world-class musician, and people need to be introduced to virtuoso musicians and genuine talent. They will begin to recognize the difference between amateurs and professionals eventually - what is needed is - perceptions have to be reshaped.