I'm a bit frazzled and depressed about the current state of the music industry. Right now, I don't even feel like listening to music. I feel a death. It's literally akin to the feeling I had the morning after Dime was shot onstage. I'm at a point in my life where I can't justify supporting an industry that continues to take from the people that support it (artists and consumers alike). There are too many other goals and hobbies competing for my money (nonetheless of which is getting my wife through grad school and buying our first home in the near future). I'm not saying I'm giving up music, it's in my blood, but I suggest a change for us all. I am working out the logistics of boycotting the big four music companies and all their subsidiaries. When you look at the lists of labels this includes, it's depressing, because not only are they numerous, but there are also many labels whose artists are among my favorites. It will be a major sacrifice (no pun intended). In the near future, only truly independent artists and labels will receive my dollars. I have yet to decide if I will include indie labels that are merely distributed by the big four, or if I should just find the ones with RIAA ties. As I said, I'm still working on the logistics. If we want to speed up this process of killing off the old regime, we have to make them feel it in their bank accounts (and let me assure you, I filled their coffers aplenty). Vote with your dollars. Vote with a bullet. Fuck 'em.
Posted on 01/22/2008
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My Trusted MOGs
Interesting idea. You may find it will be easier in the future to support bands/indie labels etc, as there has been rumours of more than a few abandoning RIAA because of hteir lack of effectiveness. So far the only thing they have come up with to compete in the digital age is to sue everyone and that's not sitting well with the artists who count on the fans for support.
My Trusted MOGs
I hear you (pun intended)... I don't think I could go as far as allowing Music to DIE for me (& I Know it's not the case for you), but I also know that I've given enough of my money to so many of these hideous conglomerates that I will be very choosy when going ahead in the world of consumerism with regards to albums...
To say I am sick & saddened by the bullshit of the music industry would be a humongous/jinormous understatement
My Trusted MOGs
I'M DOWN!!
My Trusted MOGs
I will buy NOTHING new from this point on, unless they're on an indie not associated with the big four. If it's a band I have to have, but their label's on my blacklist, I will buy used/secondhand and noone will get royalties.
My Trusted MOGs
good point... used/secondhand would be a far better way to go... shite state of affairs my friend, a SHITE state.
My Trusted MOGs
davesonic, you're right about that. Some of the EMI bands are threatening to withhold their new albums, even the much-MOG-hated Coldplay. I don't know what good artists breaching their contracts will do, but if they have the power and money to do it, then I will support their next endeavors.
My Trusted MOGs
I applaud you, Jarod; it's high time we voted with the only thing the RIAA and their major-label cronies comprehend: our money.
My Trusted MOGs
Way to put your foot down...I respect your idea. Do the artists make the majority of the tour/ live concert money...? I haven't really heard or researched the cuts there?
My Trusted MOGs
Sunshine, it'll vary by contract. Most labels don't see as much money off the tour (although they have been trying to change that, and newer artists may have signed contracts like that), but it depends. And then there's the promoter/venues who get their cuts. As for merch, usually the artists see all or most of the profit, minus their production/material costs. The labels are trying to get in on this too, especially since record sales have been steadily declining over the past several years.
There's always the side of the argument that artists are losing money too, and they are. But it's time to separate the wheat from the chaff. If an artist puts out quality material, people will buy it or see them live. The major record label is no longer needed in this day and age. This means some artists may have to get smarter and/or work harder. So be it. Words, sounds and images can be read, heard and seen across the world instantly, which is an option that was never available before. It's time for the industry to focus on what good the technology can do. Where is the money going?
My Trusted MOGs
i can live with amazon/e bay purchases
My Trusted MOGs
The money... at least most of it... goes to the fattest of the cats, so far as I can tell... SSDD.
My Trusted MOGs
Yes, I'm with you here all the way Jarod. I've always preferred to feed my monkey with concerts anyway :0)
My Trusted MOGs
Best idea I've heard in a long time, and one that seems like it could take root (with enough anger on the part of the consumer).
I think one might have to start compiling a list.
My Trusted MOGs
Yeah, last year I started choosing between buying an artist's latest CD, or going to see them live (which usually meant more $ because of merch)
My Trusted MOGs
keep the faith brother. keep the faith.
My Trusted MOGs
Cool...
My Trusted MOGs
I'm in as well.
My Trusted MOGs
These sentiments sound eerily familiar to me!
My Trusted MOGs
Why no posts ? I'd be interested to know what you're listening to/enjoying.
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks, I'll probably do one in tandem with Dale and SC's Best of 08 posts. Just taking a few more days to solidify my choices, then I'll post the list there and make a full post here as well.