As we reach the end of the year, it's good to reflect on how the music industry is evolving.  A little over a year ago, in October 2007, two events shook the music business.  First, Radiohead offered fans a chance to set their own price for the digital download of its new record, In Rainbows.  That same month, LiveNation paid Madonna a record amount to take a stake in all aspects of her musical endeavors.  On the one hand, an established band was embracing the concept of the social mob and on the other a music business was trying to reshape the corporate business model of music.

In both cases, the moves did not really impact the average band. After all, Radiohead already had a huge established fan base. They could afford to roll the dice on an open pricing model.  And the LiveNation-Madonna deal was a huge windfall for Madonna, but all it really signified was that labels would have to start focusing on getting a piece of the touring revenue for artists.

This year-end artist of the month, The Donnas, are in some ways the perfect band to represent the bridge between the old business model of music and the new.  The band has been around for over a decade now and had a deal with a major label well before the wheels came off for the industry.  Last year, however, they went off on their own, releasing their album, Bitchin', on their own label.   This is also a band that works very hard to earn attention (and dollars) form its fans.  Aside from an official site, they also have a site reserved for "Donnaholics", where hardcore fans get exclusive content and inside info.  They also hold occasional special concerts for their fans where the fans pick the set list.

This band clearly knows how to cultivate a fan base.  And they are managing to record, tour, and promote without the benefit of big-label dollars.

Musically, the band is perceived by some as a novelty act, with lyrics that celebrate dumb fun in a way that is unexpected from a female perspective.  While the range of the band is certainly narrow, if a band like The Ramones can be revered, it is unfair to dismiss The Donnas for following a similar course.  Sometimes we give too much credit to bands who constantly experiment (most artists are not talented enough to master multiple stylistic approaches) and overlook the ones who know what they are and go for it.    And certainly, aside from the catchy music they create, how can you not respect a group that has taken total control of its career and is thriving. 

Check out the videos (and audio) of our exclusive live session with The Donnas below.  We'll post our interview with the band at a later date, as well.