To Pay or Not to Pay: That is the question.

http://keepittrill.com/online/2010/02/payola-hiphop-industry-controversy/

The issue of payola seems to be becoming more and more of a problem for the music industry. DJ's feel like they should be compensated for playing a record on their show while Indie artists feel that they should not have to pay because they do not have a promo budget. Bigger name artists who are already successful don't have to pay so why should they?

There honestly is no real solution to this problem. If Indie artists have to pay then so should other artists. DJ's feel that they should receive payment for promoting these artists, however aren't they on salary anyway? The simplest solution that I can formulate is for DJ's to propose a flat fee that all artists must pay in order for their music to be played. The alternative is for them not to have to pay at all. The only way to make it in the industry is exposure because that's how most people gain popularity among fans. These are the only fair possible avenues that could put everyone on a level playing ground. The music industry suffers if no new talent is being discovered, therefore I side with the Indie artists. But DJ's are trying to make a living just like everyone else, so there argument is valid as well.

Let's Keep it Trill.