It is the question of the moment in music circles, where a short but growing list of recording stars that includes Prince, Madonna, Nine Inch Nails and — as of Sunday night — Radiohead have indicated their willingness to depart from the conventions of music sales and the control of the four multinational corporations that dominate the industry.

In the latest instance the members of Radiohead, the respected British rock act, said that the band would sell its new album, at least initially, exclusively as a digital download and allow fans to decide how much to pay for it, if anything. In a statement yesterday, the band said it had begun taking orders for the album, “In Rainbows,” which will be available beginning Oct. 10.