Fortune writer Tim Arango has an article titled "The Record Label As Venture Capital Firm" that looks at the changes occurring in recorded music companies. As music sales decline, companies are looking elsewhere for revenue. Warner Music Group, wrote Arango, is "inching toward a deal to acquire Front Line Management," the nation's largest artist management company. "The deal has been rumored for months within the industry," he added, "but sources tell me that talks have lately gained momentum."

Part of the article questions the practicality of putting record label and management under one roof, thereby eliminating the checks-and-balances that can work in the artist's favor. These days, though, artists may have to consider letting labels in on other revenues to get label contracts. Said attorney Fred Davis, "If the investment required to establish a band is the same, but the rewards to record companies are dwindling, than we have to be willing to explore new economic relationships."