Even as the music industry disintegrates, artists can still survive and thrive with direct community engagement and new business models. Malaysian MC Altimet is doing some pretty innovative marketing online. He released his first solo effort First Among Equals for free (download here).
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It’s impossible to escape the media coverage of the death of Michael Jackson. MJ was the Elvis Prestley of our generation, setting trends and breaking barriers from the tender age of 7 with the Jackson 5. Right now, MJ songs and albums dominate the digital music charts, and many (physical) stores almost immediately sold out of his CDs.

Here are some noteworthy albums for your collection.
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It took them a while, but finally Apple has managed to get a deal with the music labels. With 10 million songs in their catalogue and over 6 billion tracks sold, Apple’s iTunes is undoubtedly the biggest music selling machine in the world. By the end of March this year, all 10 million songs will be available in DRM-free formats. The cost is variable pricing. Starting in April 2009, there will be 3 different prices for songs : 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. You’ll be able to purchase songs both from the iTunes store on your computer as well as on the iPhone and iPod touch, over both WiFi and 3G networks.