chris_oh ([info]chris_oh) wrote,
@ 2008-12-01 16:36:00
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Waiting for the train
I am sitting in Amer’s, which is a Mediterranean deli/ coffee shop in Ann Arbor, waiting for my train. It leaves at 7. I took the bus from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor at 1:30 to hang out with Andrea when she got off of work at the Library but plans changed.

When I got off the bus, the first thing I did was head to the train station to get my ticket. It ended up being 45 clams. That’s $15 more than the ticket price last night. When I got to Amer’s, I went online to check if I read the correct price. Since I left the train station the ticket had gone up to $75. Damn!

While I was waiting, I read an interesting article that David Byrne wrote for Wire. I would like to share it. It’s about the current evolutionary state of music and the business of music. It’s mirrors things I heard Calvin Johnston and Ian MacKaye touch on, on Soft Focus.

http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/magazine/16-01/ff_byrne

I should be heading out.

Later amigos.

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[info]westsidelove
2008-12-01 11:22 pm UTC (link)
i read that a while back, it is interesting. however, the way most people think the music industry works and the way it actually works are two very different things. what i mean is, musicians have never really made that much money off album sales. the only real reason anyone needs a record label is for distro or promotional support--basically that money needed to sell thousands of records (unless your Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah!, in which case you're rich kids who pay your own way). it takes money to sell records, but the amount people make off these bands is insane!

then again, you have not-as-marketable types of music played by people with fucking doctorates and those people make even less than the kids from blink 182. basically, don't cry for the artist either.

i will new quote the great Jeffrey Lewis:
Don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
you're the one that's got to pay at the end of the day.
And try not to want people to like you too much,
you'll just need more and more flattery to recharge your batteries.
And don't let showmanship become more important than honesty,
if you don't want to be so many things you see.
You don't have to act crazy to do something amazing,
you can be just like you should and still do something really good.
And even when you know there's nobody listening,
say it to yourself because it's good to your health.
I know nothing makes sense if you think too much,
religion, a pigeon, radios and television.
Though it takes so much strength just not to suck,
and not to be a cynic but defer another gimmick.
But you are distraught at the thought of losing everything again,
and they say it's not the way you play the game but if you win.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because every sip of soup is going to get recouped.
And you get a good review and then you get a bad review,
but don't get suckered either way because none of them know you.
But don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
because they'll call you a cab and put it on your tab.
I'm leaving town for a while but I'll be in touch,
one thing that I know is true is that I got a lot to do.
And that it takes big heart to make great great art,
and I'm just a little dot in the great big pot.
But now that I have started and it's hard to stop,
I'm wondering at night about the wrong and right.
And is someone your savior if you owe them back a favor,
no they are not, so there's only one choice that you got.
Don't let the record label take you out to lunch,
though the fishes look delicious someone's got to do the dishes.
People might say you're insane or just looking to complain.
And you need them the more than they need you,
so don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Everyone has been fair and nice and you consider them a friend,
but everything still has a pricing you don't want to overspend.
Because it's your wallets and your soul when the check comes in the end,
no matter what the situation or if you love your occupation,
I will move off on the hors d'oeuvres, it is not what I'm in it for,
I only want what I deserve, I want no less, I want no more.

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[info]chris_oh
2008-12-03 05:58 pm UTC (link)
That's one long ass quote! Wasn't she on Barsuk and Saddle Creek? I hear some indy labels can be just as bad.

Another interesting fact I read was that Dischord, and Touch and Go don't sign contracts. All their contracts are verbal.

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