Putting it better than I can.
August 28, 2008
It strikes me that I should write more about the current state of the music business, or lack of business, than I do. It’s something I plan to address at some point soon.
In the meantime, there’s two bits of writing that might be interesting to read on the subject:
The first post is by my good lady and covers in some detail the recent movements in the online ‘mix tape’ type services i.e. ‘the sharing music online with your friends in some sort of playlist’ aspect that’s getting some on this side of the business all in a flap.
The second post (actually a talk) is by Rhodri Marsden, who’s someone I’ve been bumping into – in a virtual sense – for a while now.
I more than broadly agree with the contents of both.
August 29, 2008 at 12:28 am
Both very well written and to the point.
Especially with Rhodri’s point – you’ll get screwed over. If you skip the middle man, the ‘fans’ will probably too.
You survive on real fans, but it’s comparable to charity – they didn’t need to pay to get the album.
Call me old fashioned (in the digital virtual age), but I prefer my albums in a physical form. I’d only go for a download if its all that I can find (or for the odd song).
You’ve said it yourself regarding the quality of a CD compared to an MP3; yes we have loss-less formats, but it’s getting the majority to accept and keep it.
So that’ the other side of the coin – one lot don’t want to pay, and the ones who do want the world included!
When you sell the LJ tracks, I just want some signed stickers ;P
August 29, 2008 at 12:31 am
I meant to say:
You survive on real fans, but today it’s comparable to charity – they didn’t need to pay to get the album, but do so out of support or simply because its right to do so.
August 30, 2008 at 4:34 am
Dan’s last comment says it all for me. Real fans will always pay, and because it is right to do so. They don’t mind paying for someone’s music, if they are a true fan of that persons music (maybe I’m really speaking for myself here). But, I’m sure you know what I mean.
Sure, we can all get the music we like for free somewhere. If we look hard enough for it. I enjoy what you, and Norman do. So I don’t mind in the slightest paying for it.
I think it’s right that I should. But, I will always buy direct from the label, beit, SFR, Skint, or whatever. Same goes for Mr Gandey, MFG, and others I really like. I would never get it from the likes of iTunes, Juno, Beatport etc:.
I agree with both what, your other half has mentioned, and Rohdri. As always, they have a very insightfull view point. Straight to the point, with no messing about.
As a person that posted on MUXTAPE, amoung other places. I feel let down by those powers that be. They just decide, ‘hey wait a minute, that doesn’t suit us’. ‘Lets take that down’, gggrrr. The middle man strikes again.
The ‘LJ’ project will be interesting. To see which way you decide to take it. By that I mean selling the music, ofcourse.