article: Electronic Music and Real Support (burque.info)

Press Release by efesar
Friday October 4, 2002

Electronic Music and Real Support

editorial note: I did not write this press release and it does not necessarily reflect my opinions, however with respect to Tommy T and supporters of small labels I am publishing it here. I received this from Tommy T, DSBP Records.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2002

We feel that the independent electronic music scene has always been about this great music and its wonderful fans. Whenever we see interest in the scene, it gratifies us to be a part of such an exciting genre and community. Recently, however, it's become apparent that many listeners and "supporters" have been substantially damaging the scene through their continuous CD-R burning and MP3 trading of the music in question.

We're not like the RIAA. We're not an authoritarian body. We're not calling these people pirates or thieves, and we genuinely believe that many fans out there may not understand the consequences of what they think are
otherwise insignificant actions. Many fans may think that burning CD's for friends, or getting burned CD's from friends, isn't hurting anyone. Unfortunately that just isn't the case anymore.

Our experience is that this activity is hurting something very valuable: It is hurting the independent music scene to an almost irreparable degree. Getting more distribution and recognition for this music is dependent on sales, and fewer sales mean fewer sales outlets, fewer fans, less radio play, less money for promotion... you get the picture. Basically, it leads to a dying, shrinking genre. The irony is that the genre is actually reaching more people than ever before, yet sales are staying the same, or in some cases slowing down altogether.

It's not that indie music artists or labels are going to starve, and this press release is not intended as an appeal for sympathy or a money grab. This press release exists because we want the fans to know that the $10 - $15 you spend on a new electronic music release is the lifeblood of the scene. That small amount of money is not being squandered. It allows the artist that created the music to continue, and it allows the label that invested in that artist to continue. This is a small scene, and sometimes just a few dozen sales make all the difference between a release that loses money (as most do) and a release that hopefully breaks even. It also gives the bands many of you enjoy so much the motivation and incentive to continue. It's a simple matter of appreciation and respect.

We are not putting out music with the intention of being rich. We do it because we love the music, we love the artists, and we generally love the scene. However, we are not charities. Whenever you burn or receive a burned
CD released by an independent artist or label for distribution among friends without the intention of purchasing the release when you enjoy it, you are without one doubt displacing the very sales that this genre needs to continue and to thrive. The same applies with MP3 sharing, which may seem harmless when the intent is to let your friends know about the music you love. But these very actions make it less probable that the artists and labels will be able to continue producing the music you love.

This scene remains underground and sometimes embarrassingly independent and unknown for a number of reasons, whether it's lack of reliable distribution or merely getting caught in the ever growing oversaturation of big-money pop music productions. The more people continue to take from the artists for free, the more their music will never have the chance to expand or gain the attention that many of us have been fighting for. Please think about that, and please do all you can to support the artists and labels that are keeping this music alive through their tireless investments of time and finances.

Todd Durrant, A Different Drum
Brian Hazard, 11th Records
Patrick Runkle and David Friede, Cohaagen Music
John Wu, Border Blue Records
David Richards, Ninthwave Records/Lexicon Magazine
Kristy Venrick, Nilaihah Records
Tommy T., DSBP

4 comment(s)

well im doing this because i dont want a day job.... *shrugs* ah well (by Girl Kills Boy 21 years ago)

Ick... You know what... I'm going to address this in the forums... I forgot that the comment section allowed for only a handfull of characters and posted the last comment first. Bottom line is (for now) This fear is unnecessary. And I will proove it myself. (by Cheshire 21 years ago)

... artists do this because it's in our blood. It's a habbit. It's our addiction. And to think that the success of an artist, and the label they are on, is solely reliant upon CD sales, is foolish. If that is the case... take a closer look at the reason the artist became an artist, and take a look at the way the label is being ran. (by Cheshire 21 years ago)

I understand the point made. Why do they not understand the point I make when I say that this dead horse of theirs needs to be buried already. Copies and sharing does not and will not effect the music scene in the way THEY think it does/will. They act as if their CD sales are the only thing keeping the "scene" alive. Fuck that, Fuck them, and Fuck anyone that buys into this fear. It's NOT the only thing keeping the scene alive. Get a fucking day job if your fucking record sales are slipping. We as strugglin (by Cheshire 21 years ago)

This article was added to our database on October 4, 2002, and the article's information was last updated 22 years ago. efesar is responsible for keeping this article's information up to date. This page has been viewed 5169 time(s).


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