The fourth in our Orb-sponsored series on the future of digital media features Gerd Leonhard and Dave Kusek, authors of the just-published book "The Future of Music."

Kusek and Leonhard, astute observers of changes afoot in the music industry, say the "record industry as we know it is dying, but the music industry is exploding," and envision a future in which a good portion of digital music is provided via a utility-type arrangement - like water or electricity -, for a flat monthly payment, rather than sold ‘by the unit’ (i.e. as single downloads).

Says Leonhard: "In this newly developing ecosystem there are hundreds of viable micro-channels and thousands of outlets that will give rise to an economic model that finally allows mid-level artists to survive, even thrive. Mass markets shrink and niche markets explode..."

And Kusek: "Artists have always had to work hard and that is not going to change. However, they can also work a lot smarter, and have a lot more control of their own careers and time and direct relationships with the fans..."

For much more see the interview. And if you missed previous interviews with Jeff Jarvis, Tim Wu and Hank Barry be sure to catch them as well.