Liquid listening - interview with Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes regarding the Liquid Audio downloading technology on the Internet - Interview

BB: Let me read you something: "The surface of the earth will be networked by wire, and every wire will be a nerve. The earth will become a huge animal, with ten million hands. No limit can be assigned to the value of this invention." That was written about the telegraph in 1838, roughly a century and a half ago.

NR: Wow. That's really something.

BB: Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Has anything really changed in 160 years?

NR: Yes, I think things have changed a lot. You have to look at what's progressive and what's regressive. I think the Internet is a very positive thing. I don't think it's good when people sit in front of screens all day, every day - whether it's a television or a computer - but I do think the Internet represents a change for the better. For us it's nice to be first on the block with it. It makes a statement about what Duran Duran stands for, having been around since 1978. Back then, our ethos was to move into different areas, to really explore fashion, video, artwork, and live performance. Duran Duran was the first group to take video screens on tour in arenas. That was in 1983. We were the first rock band to make a 12-inch record. We took the idea from R&B acts. So it's nice that we're able to be pioneers again.

BB: In fairness, I have to point out that independent labels have been posting samples and singles on the Internet for years.

NR: Well, it's the Liquid Audio downloading technology that's really new, as well as selling it on the download. I know David Bowie released an Internet-only thing, but this is the first time anyone's put a single up for sale.

BB: I don't think anyone's done it successfully.

NR: That's the excitement for me. It's making something available to people in a new format, and I'm all for that.

Duran Duran's single is available at http://hollywoodandvine.com/duranduran. America Online users can access the single at keyword: Hub. The Liquid MusicPlayer is available for free download at http://www.liquidaudio.com.

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