Mike Butcher

Mashable is reporting that MySpace will soon be selling music downloads from the 3 million unsigned bands that have set-up shop on the hugely popular social network – a move that further enhances the disruptive nature of MySpace on the music industry.

Curiously, MySpace co-founder Chris DeWolfe is quoted as telling Reuters:

“Everyone we’ve spoken to definitely wants an alternative to iTunes and the iPod. MySpace could be that alternative.�

An alternative to iTunes it may be, but as the songs sold on MySpace will be good old-fashioned (and DRM-free) MP3s, they will work just fine on the iPod – which is of course where Apple makes most of its money anyway.

AdAge reports that MySpace is considering the launch of a dead-tree magazine, in an attempt to extend the MySpace brand. A traditional magazine would certainly provide the comfort-zone that potential avertisers on MySpace are craving for – unlike the user-generated content that fuels the social networking website, the content in a traditional magazine can be highly controlled. Brands needn’t fear what they may be associated with.

The editorial mix would likely cover standout MySpace members and their interests, from music to their social scenes.

The blogosphere is divided on whether launching a magazine would be a sensible business move, and an executive ‘privy to the discussions’ conceded that, done badly, it could in fact “hurt the brand” (see the Valleywag alternative front cover mock-up).

Meanwhile, Chris Pearson suggests that a TechCrunch magazine would be a better proposition. Of course during the bubble, many dot coms launched magazines, and we all know what happened next.

UBC Media, owner of Classic Gold analogue and digital stations, is investing in technology to let listeners push a button on their radio and transfer songs to their computer. UBC, which also produces programmes for BBC radio, hopes to announce partners in the music and radio industries for the venture shortly.