Ben Patterson Spearheads Downtown Music's New Era With Artist & Label Services Division

In a significant move for independent musicians, Downtown Music Holdings (DMH) has established a contemporary Artist & Label Services division, led by industry veteran Ben Patterson. This initiative is a step towards enhancing the resources and support available to artists and record labels under the Downtown umbrella, merging talent and expertise from DashGo and Downtown Music Services.

Patterson, whose career has been defined by championing artist independence, brings ample experience to the role. Having founded DashGo in 2004 and later joining Downtown following its acquisition, his appointment as President cements Downtown's commitment to nurturing artists' careers across multiple platforms and ensuring their ability to build sustainable, engaged fanbases.

The Competitive Edge in Music Services

Downtown's philosophy of 'One Size Doesn't Fit All' rings true in the competitive landscape of music services. Recognizing that each artist and label has unique needs, they aim to offer personalized, holistic support that goes beyond merely distributing music. This approach not only helps distribute music but also involves marketing and promotion to foster growth and success.

Rising Independents

The emergence of Downtown's full-service model offers a promising alternative to major labels by supporting indie artists from their initial stages, guiding them towards significant streaming income and listenership while maintaining creative control and a higher share of revenues. Success stories like Los Tucanes de Tijuana exemplify the potential within the independent route as the band's streaming numbers soared post-UMG.

Shifting Music Paradigms

The music industry is witnessing rising mid-tier artists claiming greater market shares, an indicator of changing listening habits where personalized content replaces the 'superstar or bust' mentality. Patterson foresees a future where diverse artists can gain attention in the widening entertainment ecosystem.

Empowering Independent Careers

In the era of democratized distribution and fan communication, tools such as found.ee, YouTube Studio, and Spotify for Artists become critical for independent artists, especially when striving to reach their audience amid a crowded digital landscape. As these platforms evolve, Patterson stresses the need for proper data management to credit original works accurately.

Challenges in the Attention Economy

One of the largest hurdles for artists is the battle for listener attention across varied entertainment platforms. Downtown recognizes this issue, stressing the importance of strong metadata and administrative support to ensure artists get the recognition they deserve.

Proponents of Transparency in Streaming

The onset of 'artist-centric' royalty models points to a growing awareness of the need for fair compensation in streaming. Patterson believes platforms should be transparent, especially regarding content they own stakes in and how it's promoted to manage costs.

LatAm Music on the Global Stage

Downtown has long recognized the global appeal of Latin music, particularly from Mexico, forecasting its continued growth and influence in the US market. The internet's role in toppling cultural gatekeepers and the data backing streaming consumption support this expansion.

Combating Fraud in the Modern Music Industry

If granted a wish to alter one aspect of today's music scene, Patterson would tackle fraud, aiming to safeguard the income and opportunities for all artists from deceptive practices that drain resources from the creative process.

independence, services, growth