In this article Miles Raymer of the Chicago Reader makes a claim that MP3 Blogs could be viable record labels.  He establishes MP3 blogs as  "curatorial" in function, performing the acts of a talent scout, and then offering the band an endorsement in the form of a good review.  He makes a note of the reader's loyalty to and trust in the blogs he or she visits.  Because blogs project a personality, it presents the illusion of a one-on-one friendship as opposed to the face-less record label.  The blog takes on the role of friend instead of a stoic music pusher.  It would only make sense, as he says, for these blogs to start signing and developing acts considering the strong brand loyalty and audience blogs would already have.

This article is a major point in my argument that blogs have transformed the music industry.  Raymer points out that Blogs are poised to replace traditional labels, since Old Media has lost out due to the tight reigns of radio and the narrow thinking of many major labels.  Blogs allow a direct appeal to the consumer under the guise of a helpful friend.  It is only a natural transition for them to become the industry norm, superseding the traditional label.  In a sense, these MP3 blogs would be acting like the all-encompasing labels of yesteryear such as Motown--finding the act, being the means of the publicity, and serving as A&R executives.