Sonic Boom

This narrative concerns the phenomenon that is affecting certain musicians whose music is reaching fans without record company support; entrepreneurs who are distributing MP3 files without licensing agreements; and record industry executives who are fighting for their business at every turn.

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The first book to tell the inside story of the MP3 revolution and Napster, which has made headlines around the world, as the record labels, musicians, Internet entrepreneurs and fans battle for control over the future of music. John Alderman has been part of the online revolution since the launch of HotWired, the world*s first commercial Website. As the culture editor for Wired News, Alderman began covering the explosion of online music just as the MP3 phenomenon gathered steam. He has written for Wired, i-D, Details and Salon, and is a frequent speaker on the subject of new media. "Sonic Boom" is a narrative of the phenomenon that's affecting musicians, such as the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, who are reaching fans without record company support; entrepreneurs, who are distributing MP3 files without licensing agreements; and record industry executives, who are fighting for their business at every turn. Peopled with a sensational cast of characters that includes musicians, moguls, teenagers, and Internet entrepreneurs, "Sonic Boom" both exposes the recording industry's plight and also highlights the issues that all industries face in the information age.