I think it's really hard to say. I don't know how well the above theory actually works in practice.

I think of ECM records, which until very recently had entirely kept their catalog off streaming. That meant no Keith Jarret (for one), as well as any number of their notable recent artists. I assume that a big part of that was to try and preserve their niche market as full purchases: if someone wants a Keith Jarrett record, they have to buy it. Considering both their contemporary lineup and their back catalog, that's a big asset.

Not long ago, their catalog went on streaming. (I think it's the whole catalog, but not sure.) If my assumption above has any truth to it, does that mean it didn't pan out the way they expected? That sales dropped (due to the general decline of album purchases) and their devoted fan base wasn't enough to keep purchases as the only/primary income stream?

I really don't know.

-thebigfunk

~ i could still snort you under the table ~