Case of the lovers gamble

Case Study

Beyoncé

1. In what way is the launch different from more traditional music releases? How should we evaluate the innovative launch in the context of an evolving music industry?

The launch of Beyoncé’s album was different from traditional music releases in the following ways:

· Beyoncé released a visual album, this means that every song in her album had a corresponding video.

· Unlike any other traditional album releases who tease fans with samples of songs that will be contained in their albums and the day of release of their albums. Beyoncé kept all details private and confidential. There were zero leaks.

· Her whole album was released at once and made available via iTunes only.

· There weren’t any album promotions held whatsoever.

2. Do you feel this was a gamble worth making for Beyoncé and her team at Parkwood?

· Launching her album in such a unique manner was a gamble worth making for the artist. This is because a much as her fans did not expect any new releases from the artist the album was well received in the market. In fact, the rumors that she had released an album spread fast among her fans and the music industry. This consequently made her album trend in both download and stream media generating huge profits for the artist and her entertainment group at large.

3. Do you think the concerns about possible adverse reactions, for instance from traditional music retailers, are warranted? Is there anything the team can do to address those concerns?

· The concerns for the looming adverse reactions were called for. Beyoncé chose to pursue a path that is unique. This was the first time that such a decision was actually made in the music industry. There was no way to detect or predict what people’s reactions to the album will be. The concerns raised by the different groups were therefore justifiable.

· No, there was no way to address the raised concerns. Making any move would spark curiosity among members of the public.

4. What do these developments suggest about the role and power of superstars like Beyoncé — and their companies like Parkwood—in the music industry?

· Such developments suggest that innovation is key in the music industry. Music production companies such a Parkwood should learn to come up with new attractive ways of producing and releasing music as it is evident that music lovers are open to change.