Digital remix

By John Borland, Evan Hansen and Mike Yamamoto
May 30, 2003, 4:00 AM PT

A generation from now, historians may look back at 2003 as a year that redefined popular music.

Although the significance of Apple Computer's recently announced iTunes music service is debatable, it underscores an undeniable trend toward bringing digital music to the masses. This three-day special report examines myriad elements of the music universe that were unthinkable only a few years ago.

Free vs. fee: Underground still thrives

	State of the art: A medium reborn A purely digital world could dramatically change the economics, marketing and consumption of music--and, perhaps unconsciously, even the way artists create their works.
	Microsoft, again: Apple's old nemesis While the Mac maker commands today's headlines, it faces a series of obstacles from the Windows empire ranging from software licenses to influence in media industries.
	Free vs. fee: Underground still thrives Just as e-tail stores gain momentum, free file-swapping systems are stronger than ever. How will these two ways of obtaining music affect each other?