31 replies to this topic

[Steve]

Punk Rock Geek, on 13 June 2009 - 07:04 PM, said:

Do the labels get money for shows?  I'm not sure how the process works.

Great post, by the way, Jorge.

I don't know how it works either. My experience with setting up shows extends only to DIY bands.

[Decay153]

El Jorge, on 13 June 2009 - 07:01 PM, said:

Here's my personal take on it, so take that into consideration:

I've been working in music for almost 20 years and have worked from a part time sales clerk at Tower Records, to store manager at Sam Goody, all the way to the past 7 1/2 years with Anti-Flag. I never liked the major label mentality and consistently avoided it, especially after dealing with all the corporate nonsense hoisted upon us as a manager at Sam Goody. What we're seeing now is the result of an industry run by people who are completely out of touch and are finally reaping what they sowed for decades, a business model that hasn't worked since the advent of mp3 players, CD burners and torrents.

That being said, it's getting increasingly harder to fund new bands and take a chance on upcoming artists since the odds of recouping the money spent on recording and marketing new releases is getting more difficult by the day. While on one level I rejoice at industry behemoths falling by the wayside piracy is affecting EVERYONE and making it increasingly more difficult to invest money since the odds are stacked against labels when it comes to ever making that money back.

I'd like to think that there's a "renaissance" around the corner (the same way Nirvana turned the music business upside down 17-odd years ago) but it's pretty unlikely. More and more bands and labels will flounder since support is dwindling and coupled with a weak worldwide economy I think it's going to get alot worse before it gets better. Music should be much more than just files taking up space on an iPod or a hard drive.

Those who seek traditional methods are sure to, but what about the internet?
Bands already notice that since mammoth labels are losing ground, you don't necessarily need their power to succeed.
Barack Obama, Dane Cook, a growing number of people will hit it big by just being friendly and spread on Myspace 24/7.
The internet has done so much for every local band I know. It's such an incredible tool and opportunity, with the power of FREE downloads being a crucial part of spreading the music.

[Lyth]

The major labels will screw up the internet because of DRM.

[Decay153]

Lyth, on 13 June 2009 - 07:20 PM, said:

The major labels will screw up the internet because of DRM.

The major labels will screw up traditional copyright paranoia with DRM, not the internet music.
Honestly, if they were to DRM everything that ever passed their facilities, the most convenient method of going around it or reaching non-DRM music would skyrocket.

People naturally don't feel right about the internet (being a free flow of information) being regulated with information protections.

[El Jorge]

If majors had embraced the internet years ago they wouldn't be in the predicament they're in now, IMO. Taking on Napster years ago began the free fall that everyone's affected by.

Instead of figuring out how to make it work for everyone's benefit, the "powers that be" instead chose to sue "pirates" with the RIAA's blessing and vilifying themselves even more in the process. Other strokes of genius are the 360 deals where they madate taking a cut from every aspect of a band's income, which is even more disturbing.

[Decay153]

El Jorge, on 13 June 2009 - 07:27 PM, said:

Taking on Napster years ago began the free fall that everyone's affected by.

Instead of figuring out how to make it work for everyone's benefit, the "powers that be" instead chose to sue "pirates" with the RIAA's blessing and vilifying themselves even more in the process. Other strokes of genius are the 360 deals where they madate taking a cut from every aspect of a band's income, which is even more disturbing.

Yup; I was really struck by a quote from the CEO of CDBaby -essentially saying their album sales were at their peak when Napster was- it makes no business sense to tear that awareness method down.

[Lyth]

What I think is an interesting possibility is the more than press the "piracy is bad" stuff, it could get to the point where mainstream society really, really hates it for no apparent reason and they start having propaganda in public schools over it, and all kinds of weird shit.

[Decay153]

Lyth, on 13 June 2009 - 07:35 PM, said:

What I think is an interesting possibility is the more than press the "piracy is bad" stuff, it could get to the point where mainstream society really, really hates it for no apparent reason and they start having propaganda in public schools over it, and all kinds of weird shit.

It's too late   

It's part of the new generation to accept filesharing as a method of sharing.

And I love piracy; it's really incredible as a musician to see music spreading freely.

[Lyth]

When do they have RIAA stuff in schools?

Piracy is free culture. and awesome

[Dommeke]

Lyth, on 13 June 2009 - 03:23 PM, said:

I always thought that one was Pat.

I you watch it until the end, you see that Head passes by in a funny way.

[Decay153]

Dommeke, on 14 June 2009 - 03:35 AM, said:

I you watch it until the end, you see that Head passes by in a funny way.

Oh haha I always watch like 3/4 of videos.

[Dopamino]

Most people think that the RIAA is a government agency now. They might as well be, given the amount of clout they have.