IFPI: Big Money to Break Acts

THE HIGH COST OF BREAKING ACTS: Record labels around the world invest up to $5 billion a year in music talent and spend about $1 million to break acts, according to figures published in a report by trade org IFPI. Advances, recording, marketing and promotional costs are the biggest line items, commonly totalling six-figure sums. Other facts: There are more than 4,000 artists on major label rosters, 25% of them signed over the past year, with 30% of all revenues plowed back into marketing and 16% spent on A&R and R&D. The entire music sector, including radio, publishing, audio equipment and live revenue, is estimated to generate $160 billion annually, employing two million people. (3/9a)