Mike, I doubt A&M purposely put out a leak.
That's not usually their goal...
Actually it is not uncommon AT ALL for a record label to leak something. I know people who work for labels and I know that despite what some reports would like to have you believe that download hurts sales and blah blah, some labels do believe that it helps sales. Why? #1- it creates discussion about the album - "omg, the album leaked" "where can i find vanessa's new album online" and creates a sense of urgency to get it and listen and be among the first people to have it. Then those people spread the word and maybe the music. #2- if she is offering the DVD in a bundle w/ the CD or if there is extra footage on the CD, they might bet that people WILL buy the album for the art and extras. #3 - it helps the label promote w/o them having to do much work. These things will spread like wildfire. The label can't reach as many people all on their own, but they know that the fans and the people dying to have these mp3s can.
It's a shame if someone hears the tracks and doesn't buy the record. But you know what? You can sample tracks on itunes or various other places and decide the same thing. And why would someone want to spend $15 on an album that has 3 good tracks? I kind of don't. As an artist, I respect that Vanessa put her heart and soul into this album and wants it to sell. But times have changed since she released her last record, and music is marketed differently.
I'm not saying the label necessarily did it...but I don't think it's the end of the world if they did.
AND you shouldn't necessarily get mad that they leaked early. Think about it: Vanessa is touring before the album comes out. Artists make their money from touring NOT album sales. The label might be grateful these things have leaked, because its been 2 years and people have forgotten about her. Maybe not the diehard fans here, but trust me, most people don't care... and they remember "1,000 Miles" and that's it. So if they hear something now, she has the possibility of selling more tickets, getting more hype, etc.
I haven't heard the album because the link was deleted, but I'd love to hear it. And I'll definitely buy it. But I think a lot of people assume this is the worst thing that could happen, and it just isn't. You don't know who put the mp3s out there. There was a time when labels were leaking to Kaaza.
Here's a good article:
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/44/features-bemis2.phppeace,
jessica
