An Important Question (or two)…
Posted on July 17, 2008
Filed Under Andrew Schwab |
First off, it’s been a little while since I posted, so for that I apologize. Second, forgive a musician for addressing a music topic. This is one blog where the responses are more important than the blog itself, so please respond below…
So, this may be a bit of a trite topic, but something tells me it cannot be spoken of enough, especially right here, right now. As someone who has been a part of this industry for some time, I have watched the evolution of…pretty much everything that has to do with music in the last few years. And one thing I am noticing is that not only are things changing and changing fast, but they are changing at a faster rate.
And never has there been such opposing poles in the music industry.
On one side, there are fans–consumers–who have benefitted so much from recent trends. And by “benefits” I mean with the digital medium becoming more and more prominent, music listeners have increasingly cheaper and easier access to whatever music they want, whenever they want. It seems like there is nothing but upside on the surface in the current context of iTunes, MyZune, Torrents etc.
You really can get music nowadays for next to nothing, and basically as much as you want. And we have so many cool toys these days to play it on!
On the other side of the fence is the industry itself…the labels, the press, the producers, the publishers, the distributers, the radio stations, and of course, the bands. And everyone on that side of the fence has been whistling a different tune for quite some time. As music becomes cheaper, and as attention spans shorten with the accessibility to music, less and less revenue flows through the industry. This means less and less resources for developing new bands, for keeping bands afloat, and for keeping jobs in the industry. Plainly put, the whole thing is shrinking massively in a very short period of time, and it is becoming harder and hard for bands to do this for a living. It is becoming harder and harder for labels to sell music. And labels are executing worse and worse record deals for bands.
People are finding it harder and harder to be a part of this beautiful medium because there just isn’t enough resources to make it possible.
I myself am torn over the issue. On one side, I think this “implosion” (which will continue to feed on itself) will result in a desaturation of everything (less bands = a higher percentage of good bands, and FINALLY METALCORE/SCREAMO/CHUG/SQUEEL/BLASTBEAT/COOKIE MONSTER SCREAM/MONOTONE-SAME-NOTE-AS-EVERY-OTHER-BAND-CHORUS WILL END). I also love getting music at a cheap price as a consumer. But I also love packaging. I love holding artwork in my hands and reading lyrics. And it saddens me that physical albums are “slowly going the way of the buffalo.” And finally, I do this thing for a living, and all of this threatens the industry that feeds me and gives me life in my day.
I was having a conversation about this very topic with some friends recently at Maggiano’s in Costa Mesa (A great Italian restaurant at South Coast Plaza in SoCal), and here are the questions that popped up in my head, ones to answer in your responses:
How many of you really care that physical albums will be a thing of the past someday soon? Does it even matter to you?
How many of you support the artists you love by going to shows, buying CDs, merchandise, etc.? Do you realize the impact and influence you have by your support?
How many of you aspire to work in the music industry in some form? Do you realize how significant these trends are and how they affect your future?
Do you realize that if you start a band NOW, or have started a band recently, your chances of meeting death from starvation and poverty are VERY HIGH?
Now, more than ever before, the power is directly in the hands of YOU. Music is a powerful force, and I for one do not want to see it go away in any way, shape, or form. I want to always have the opportunity to find new bands as a music fan, to be inspired by new songs. I want to do my part to inspire and to keep this medium alive and thriving. And I really want to know what all you think about all this.
Do you care?
Comments
322 Responses to “An Important Question (or two)…”
1. I love album artwork, I always buy the special editions of albums because there is something about the special editions which allows me to see more of the artists, which helps me appreciate the music all the more when I understand the source that much more. So, yes, it bothers me that physical albums are slowly disappearing. On the flip side I am sick of labels re-releasing special editions after the initial release. I will buy the special edition over the regular editions, but not if I already own the initial edition.
2. I go to as many shows as I can, my stereo cannot compare to the energy of live shows. I don’t buy a lot of merchandise but I always support bands I love by purchasing music.
3. I am not working towards a job in the industry but would definitely love one!
4. I had never realized that! Maybe that is why some bands, i.e. Demon Hunter, only do the music thing part time.
I love physical albums and am saddened to see them falling by the wayside to an extent, but also love the easiness and accessibility that the internet adds to discovering new bands and artists I wouldn’t have otherwise. Like you said, there are a ton of generic bands that sound alike and while it may seem like a bad thing, I think that’s where the consumer comes in to choose to differentiate those bands and therefore determine who will be successful.
I do go to a lot of shows and try to buy their merch there as opposed to elsewhere in order to directly support them.
I do not currently make music, but the idea of poverty has never bothered me. I’ve always thought that I’ll believe in my art and music enough that it will be worth it, but that’s purely hypothetical.
i totally care about having the physical albums of the bands i listen to, complete with artwork/lyrics etc. i haven’t had an iPod in years, and i love not having one simply because cd’s are way cooler.
i do support artists by going to shows and buying cd’s and merch, and i realize the impact it has.
i couldn’t agree with you more about all this; thanks for posting this blog!
-michael
Have a look at this:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=87068004&blogID=405680512
I think this is one of the best topics you’ve had so far, Andrew.
And I must say, I whole-heartedly agree with everything you’ve said.
I used to burn a CD from someone every now and then, not all the time, but sometimes, and I felt like I was stealing from the artist and the record companies -everyone that is apart of the music making process-. I stopped a few months ago when I saw a show by Nevertheless and the lead singer looked me straight in the eye and thanked me so much for buying their CD (when I had -just- contemplated not buying it, but burning it from a friend.)
I realized how important it is to the entire music industry that you make the extra effort to actually -buy- their albums and merch to promote them and provide an income for them. Just because people play music for a living doesn’t necessarily mean they’re millionaires.
Plus- I’m with you, I love have the physical CD & lyrics. (I love the lyric sleeves inside!) Buying the actual CD not only helps the musicians, but the graphic designers as well.
Hopefully soon enough, people will start seeing that, without CD’s and other merch, their favorite bands will be out of business.
This is a very interesting subject.
I only buy from iTunes when I can’t find the actual cd(for instance, “The Kane Mutiny”).
I don’t mind if it’s $17.99 at a local bookstore. I prefer to support bands(and non-corporate stores) whenever/wherever possible. If that means paying $10 more than I could by buying it online, so be it.
One of my favorite things is ripping off that plastic strip(darn things rarely come off), and pulling out the booklet. Looking at the wording of the lyrics, the pictures that usually relate to the song they’re next to, and even reading the “thanks” in the back.
I don’t want to see cds, indie bands, and non-mainstream bands become extinct because of a neat idea.
Thanks for your time.
Andrew, as a musician I deeply care about supporting the musicians and artists that I listen to. While about 80% of what I take in as far as music goes comes from itunes and goes directly on my ipod, I still go out of my way to purchase the cds of the groups and artists I KNOW need the support. I love artwork, I love holding it in my hand, but I also love the digital medium and the storage ability of my ipod. I have LP’s that I still play religiously, but also things that I buy exclusively in MP3. I feel like everything is going digital and it’s only a matter of time before it will all be that way. I gave up my dream of making it in the industry because I couldn’t make a living playing out. I try to go to concerts as often as I can, but my money situation as of late has not been good enough. They are artists out there that I do, and will continue to follow to the ends of the Earth, but as a consumer I will take good music anyway I can get it. I don’t know if I have answered your question or shed any light on this for you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, you are not alone in your thinking.
Matt
i want to play in a band because i love music not because i want to make money although it does look like its very hard to make it nowadays. I miss physical albums as well and i try to support my favorite bands such as project 86 who i will see at sonshine soon!!! I totally agree with the monotonous deathcore abundance. i live in iowas and there is five or more that play around the small towns i live in ughhh!!
It is sad that the physical album of music will probably disappear with Itunes and storing music simply on a flash drive device. With every new device it seems as if American’s are getting more lethargic, and developing less of a work ethic. Though new technology is nice, and convenient, it quickly replaces morals and the earlier appreciation that was once clutched dearly. I love buying merchandise from bands. It is an amazing way to advertise truth and at the same time giving to something good. Thanks Andrew for writing this blog. Of course, with every weakness there is a strength to be displayed, one that will always come out strong.
1. I think it would be horrible if CDs went away. I do not own an ipod or anything like that. I enjoy the artwork and having a booklet with the lyrics, as well.
2. Yes. I still buy CDs and occasionally buy t-shirts (if they have something more original than a skull on them). I suppose it helps a band to have financial support from their fans. I was in a band once and at most shows, we didn’t make any money at all.
3. I hope to be in a touring a recording band someday. Yes I realize how the trends affect my future.
4. I realize that I have a very small chance of getting rich by being in a band, but the idea of having to put my faith in God that much more excites me. It would be an extreme adventure in faith.
Hey Mr. Schwab -
I do care that albums will become a thing of the past!! who wants that?? i have stacks and stacks of cds in my room, and i love having the album art and having the lyrics and everything the band wanted to include in their release. It would suck to have them not be released. However with some bands its easiers (and cheaper when you want a cd but have less money) to buy it on i tunes when every cd is 9.99 almost. its a sacrifice you have to decide if you want to make, to only have the music an no album art. With most bands i do buy the actual cd though.. if its a single i hear on the radio i would usually buy it on itunes, rather than the whole cd. but for everything in my hardcore/ metal genre of music i like to buy the whole cds…
And i always support our local MN, ND, WI bands by buying merch and cds. as well as coming out to shows at club 3 and club 1 and other venues around the state of mn. who doesnt like a hoodie and a tee of a rad band?!
Since the start of myspace and purevolume (but especially myspace) it has become so easy for any band to start and get their name out but on the same note, not a lot of those bands are good. they copy something they just heard, almost exactly.. and thats kind of sad. Its my prayer and hope for the music industry that kids keep coming out to shows and keep buying merch and helping their favorite bands out because music is something of an outlet for everyone, something to help you through a hard time, something for celebrations… people dont realize they need to support if they want it to continue…
thanks for the post,
see you guys at sonshine in willmar mn this week!!
<3 kelsey
1. I love having a physical album, the only download I bought was actually “The Kane Mutiny Ep” and thats because you guys didn’t put it on a physical copy. It’s always fun to read the lyrics, and look at all the artwork, and the way the bands have changed their looks over time(The Fro). And you can always put it on your computer for your mp3 player, atleast thats what I do.
2. I do, shows are the best. Especially the ones that really get the crowd involved. It’s also cool again to have a CD to look at, and it’s awesome to in a sense work for the band by advertise for them, by wearing/using their merch. I love to say “An awesome band, that you should check out” when someone sees me wearing a shirt, or a bumper sticker on my car that has the bands name on it, and asks “Whats that?”.
3. Kind of but not sure, we’ll see if thats where God wants me.
4. Yes, unless you’re like Dave Mustain’s child or something. Which sucks, because I love hearing new bands, and if I do end up in a band I wont have enough to make a living.
5. Yes.
P.S Lol at the “Monotone-Same-Note-As-Every-Other-Band-Chorus”, yes thats the good that could come from it, no more sucky bands!
having a physical copy of an album is very important to me. i really think that not only is the actual music important, but the artwork for the album, as it sets the tone for the content. i feel that digital albums fail to recognize the art and craft of the making of the album.
however, it has become extremely hard to support the artists by simply buying cds. this is why i download music. if i like it, i go out and support the artist by going to shows and purchasing their merch. if i don’t, i delete it from my computer.
i really admire what trent reznor is doing with nine inch nails. now that he is label-free, he released his new album, the slip, on nin.com, for free, and if anyone wants a physical copy, they can buy one directly from nin.com. the album is also licensed under creative commons, giving fans the right to remix the album and use it for video projects (noncommercially.) i think the record industry could take a lesson from him, as he is finding unique ways to distribute his music.
as a consumer, i like the easy cheep way to get music.
but i’d much rather go out and support my favorite bands by buying their CDs. i love having album artwork and lyrics too. (i still have just a CD player in my car, so the physical albums are my way to go.)
i am more on the “other side of the fence”\industry. you guys have to make money somehow, and if music is your thing, people should support it.
i respect the bands i listen to as musicians and people, and don’t want to see them out of a label or anything because i didn’t buy music the right way.
Your article is right on the ball. Almost everyone I know download their music and then basically just pass it around. I LOVE actually owning the CD and just looking over the artwork and lyrics. I appreciate the time and money that is put into making music. I hope that physical albums won’t become a “thing of the past.” I really don’t. Usually as soon as a new CD comes out or even before it comes out, I preorder it. And as I finally get to pop that CD into my computer and listen to it, I become completely happy. I just sit there and listen to it, reading over the lyrics, looking at the artwork, and just enjoying everything about it.
So, I would have to say that I care
Like the song “Video Killed The Radio Star” I believe the internet is killing all that was beautiful about music. I mean, when a band can give all they have to finally make it in the industry it makes a wonderful and inspirational story for others to keep pressing on. This may be a touchy subject to some still but I completely took Metallica’s side when the whole war against Napster took place. Many would say Metallica was being greedy but they were, in my opinion, fighting a much bigger monster than that. Look at how much the availability of music online has killed record stores and even record companies. Yeah its neat to get the music we want by clicking a button but is it really opening up doors for more promising bands to not only make it big but to be discovered and touch others with their music and their message. I two children looking to get into music and learn to play guitar and drums and bass and I would hate it if they couldnt achieve their dreams, if it were to make a living in the industry, due to our greed for free or cheap music that we can get online. I agree with Andrew in that I enjoy going to the store and buying the music and having the cool art work and lyrics to hold onto. Thats my feeling on the subject.
- Jake
I love this blog. This is something that needs to be talked about!
As you mentioned, I love holding the physical album in my hands as well. Having the artwork, lyrics, & actually paying for something so worth it means a lot to me. What means even more is that amazing feeling of anticipation I get while ripping the cellophane off of the CD & busting the case open, ready for action!
I love going to shows. Paying under $20 to see even one band I enjoy (or might even enjoy after the show) is a small amount to pay for a great memory. And of course, I always bring extra money for a CD or T-Shirt…sometimes both!
I want to work in the music industry…not as a musician but behind the scenes, either in a record company, doing publicity on a tour, or even just being the merch girl for a good band. I love music so much I want to help supply people with the music they love. I do realize the industry is suffering, really suffering, & getting into this industry in our times is hard to do. I have a backup plan…getting a regular business degree & also studying Music Business, so that if in the future record companies aren’t even necessary anymore (oh dear) I will have a degree. (College is expensive, that’s rough)
I am so impressed and very happy you posted this, Andrew. I have so many friends that love downloading free music & you’ll never see them have over 5 CDs in their music collection. When they see my hundreds & hundreds of albums…they are so shocked. I know they don’t even think about the artists, labels, promotion, & all the people & money involved when it comes to that music being made & released to the public!
Andrew,
I would like to say that I love your band. That being said, I 100% agree with you on this one. I would love to be a musician, to play guitar in a band (I own four). However it would be next to impossible now days to do so. I have bought very little music online, for that matter, I have downloaded very few free music as well. I prefer, as do you, to have that cd with the albulm cover art, and the lyrics, in my hand. I don’t want to have to pay for a more expensive radio in my car so my zune will hook up to it. I like being able to have a vast amount of whole cd’s in my car.
I love concerts, band shirts, your books, anything I can get my hands on. You just keep on, I’ll be sure you have at least one good money paying fan left.
I read the blog and I have often thought about the same things. I grew up around music and musicians and I myself am a vocalist. I’d like to go to college and get into recording and producing, and or learning to run live sound for bands. I think that there are both pros and cons to easily accessible music. I personally believe that if the listener truly cares about the band, that they would support the band and not ‘pirate’ music. As for companies like iTunes who sell the music, I am unsure, because I do not know what percentage of the money goes to the band, and what percent goes to the iTunes company. I believe that it is feasiable for many musicians to join together and go on some sort of strike if this continues. If termination of physical records happens, I will be upset. I, as a vocalist, focus on the lyrics of a song. Often, it is difficult to understand exactly what the vocalist is saying, therefore I turn to the lyrics that are written out in the CD cover. Yes, you can find the lyrics online too, however they are rarely correct, for they are what the general public percieves them to be. I believe that people should come together to meet some sort of ‘happy medium’ in order to solve this problem.
well i personally do! care. if i really like a band i will buy there cd instead of downloading it off itunes, i myself like reading along with the lyrics and i like putting the cover of the cd’s on my wall. i must say tho a lot of times i do get my stuff from itunes, its more convenient, but i love p86 so much that i do buy the “cd’s” instead of downloading it. i like to try and support the bands i really like as much as possible, like going to there shows, buying there “cd’s”, t-shirts, posters, ect. and even in some cases i buy some band merchandise and give it to friends as gifts. i really try and turn as many of my friends onto the bands i really like, then they start listening to it and buy there stuff and it kinda does like this ripple affect (as i like to call it). im very glad you brought this topic up, its one thats never spoken of but is a big concern. i really hope a lot of people read this blog, “STOP DOWNLOADING AND BURING AND START BUYING” people need to support the bands they love, not ripe them off.
God Bless you guys and all you do - sincerely Marena
I hope you know that every kid who listens to METALCORE/SCREAMO/CHUG/SQUEEL/BLASTBEAT/COOKIE MONSTER SCREAM/MONOTONE-SAME-NOTE-AS-EVERY-OTHER-BAND-CHORUS bands, are the kids who made your band successful! The scene of this kind of music is the scene that supports your band.
I seem to care that hard copy CDs will not be available but I really dont know why. I guess I’m a little old school. I have a large CD collection and MOST are hard copies with liner noted etc. But I really don’t ever look at them I just like having them? The thing that bugs me the most with music is I listen to Christian music and bands seem to be embarressed to label themselves as Christian bands (I know its not good for CD sells). It’s just that Christ is not embarressed of us and I wonder if when we see him face to face if he will understand the selling CD arguemnt? Well thats my big problem with music these days, as far as the hard copy CD thing I’m sure I will get used to not having nice looking CDs and liner notes and will move ahead with the rest of the world. But I would like to see more Christian band stand up for thier beliefs, I mean Christ stood up for us to the point of torture and death I think we could at least say we follow him with at least a little bit of pride. Well thanks for your time and I will keep Project 86 and all Christian (even if they wont admit it) bands in my prayes. Jason.
I absolutely would take a pakaged CD over getting one off of iTunes anyday. It really does bother me that people feel a need to get their music so much faster and more “conveniently” that they often miss out on the artist’s whole vision for the album. Reading through a Cd booklet and getting that side of the art is very important to understanding what is it that the artist is trying to say… it’s pathetic that that’s inconvenient. I do intend on working in the music industry at some point, and so this scares me.
The music industry seems to be getting all sorts of messed up… it makes me wonder where we’re headed, even in the near future.
yes. i care. i understand what you mean about the ‘holding the artwork in your hand’ thing.
i’ve always appreciated having a hard copy too. and i think bands should do more to promote disk purchases. recently, as you know, the whole online music this has really been pushed.
i think its bad to steal music, i dont do it.
but sometimes its easier.. doesnt make it right… but thats the attitude of most listeners.
all of us down here put you on a pedestal.. i know that probably wasnt completely intentional. but because of that, sometimes we cant see that we actaully support you with our purchases..
we never hear that side of things.
My answer to a few of the questions…
Do I care the physical CDs will be a thing of the past? Yes. And I hope that won’t become a reality. Although, odds are high. And hen I have the money, yes I love to support the bands that I like and see live by buying their merch.
It’s a problem. It truely is. And I for one, do care. But love getting cheap music of course. And with that being said… I’m one of the ones who downloads before they buy. If I like it…I buy it. Simple as that. But obviously everyone who likes what they download won’t be purchasing it. Especially if you don’t have the cash for it.
In your case, Andrew I’ve bought every Project 86 cd … a couple t-shirts and attented a couple shows (would like to go to more). So I got your back! You know… with my total of…maybe a 100 bucks in Project 86 merch in the last 4 or 5 years heh…
But in all seriousness… when I first started listening to you guys I downloaded a discography (I think the latest CD at the time was Songs to Burn Your Bridges By) and I’ve been a huge fan every since. And I’ve had a lot of financial issues in my life and they’ve recently been somewhat resolved and I have money now. So when all that started working for me I started to buy CDs. I hate the idea that I’m getting free music from artists that I listen to and like and respect.
To sum up my view: Something should be done. Consumer prices for music are getting more cheap as time goes on mainly ’cause of download purchases. And becoming very detrimental to the music industry. I don’t want the artists who make such great music for us to enjoy to not be able to make a living doing so. It’s one hell of a job and I’m sure you guys love doing it most of the time.
Anyway…there’s my take.
-Garrey
Oh man. Thanks alot Andrew, this really opens my eyes to your side of the story. It really makes scence though. I for one love to just go to the music store and hold a physical album in my hand. Its part of the experience for the consumer /listener. Unwrapping the package and popping the thing in my cd player is always a great experience. This article makes me want to stop buying things on i tunes. Really. It would be TERRIBLE to see a band like yours go empty handed. The industry sounds like a monster, sucking to sap out of you until your uninspired. Then they move on to the next talent/band. Anyways, I love Project, and I pray you guys are “a voice of one among the silent who’s tired of burning among the flames.” peace - John
wow…i myself am guilty of commiting the acts of which you speak.however i try my best to support the bands i listen to.i have purchased every single cd Project 86 has released.I also use itunes to get the music i want…but again…i try my best to support the bands i listen to by going to shows,buying cds and shirts,and making an effort to make their lives a bit easier by having that needed money.
It does bother me that CD’s and album in general will become a thing of the past. I love physical artwork. I am 23 and I just started buying vinyl recods. I do have a small collection but its something that I take pride in. I have Living Sacrifice and P.O.D. vinyl records. That is very cool to me. You cant have an artist sign an MP3. But that doesnt matter to those who dont go to shows. What happened to roadtrips with friends to see your favorite bands. I know gas prices suck and it sucks because I live in vegas so many bands dont trek across the desert to play for us. So me and my friends will sometime drive 500 miles in one day to see a show. Just like we did to see Mirror of Dead Faces, Sleeping Giant, Living Sacrifice, Project 86, and Demon Hunter. We do know our support helps and you guys do seem to love it when we say we traveled to see you play. I even had to buy Songs to Burn Your Bridges by at the show even though I already had it on iTunes. I got it autographed. And the P86 Cobra Shirt. But I think I might be one of the last that care about higher quality music. MP3’s just dont do it. My friends and I love albums and the artwork that is done by great people, Ryan and Don Clark, Dave Quiggle to name a few. Not many pay attention to that stuff anymore. I wish to start a band but it seems like dangerous territory. I dare not tred those waters. How can you stay afloat in this crowded market of pop garbage. My friends and I share our music yes I have music I did not pay for but if I like a band I will go to a show and buy stuff even albums I have digital copies of. Not everyone does this I know but it is in our hands and its time we demand better quality music. I love Project 86… From back in the day. I love the old stuff. I do own the new album and there are a few songs I like but it remains few no matter how many times I give it a listen. It seemed to be just like the rest of the market. Just lost in it all. No longer distinct. I hope to see a return to the proud days of that band. So many other bands have fallen the same way and I hope to not see them go the same path.
I’ve been a musician for over a decade because of the small alternative and indie bands that started out well before Nirvana here in Seattle. After having been in a couple of different bands during college it became quite clear that I wasn’t going to be able to support myself doing music while trying to pay for school. Even though that’s partially a personal issue it seems to follow the current trend in a not so surprising pattern.
I honestly care probably a bit more than an average listener because I love having a bit more information from the bands. I enjoy reading the coverleafs, looking at the artwork (ranging from rediculous to astounding), having the lyrics so I can understand what they’re saying, and so on and so forth. However, I do enjoy the convenience of being able to get my music online. If there were a happy meduim between the two I’d personally say that, if I buy an album, I would also want the peripherals to go along with it. I can’t say that having the artwork on a little screen is nearly as cool as having it in the hand; so then I think it would be awesome to pay a little bit more to have a cover or booklet physically mailed to me.
On the other hand I love going to shows and buying the shirts and other stuff (if time and finances are available).
God willing I wouldn’t mind getting back into a band ASAP because I miss the comraderie and the ability to make good music happen with good friends. We’ll see where that leads…
Absolutely! A lot of people don’t see the darker side of the iPod age. It’s great for consumers, but creates extra struggle for the artists. Although it is becoming increasingly popular to just throw your stuff up on iTunes and forget about the packaging because of the costs, a lot of creative bands are trying to keep the flame alive by investing in good, creative album artwork (one of which is P86’s “Rival Factions” if I may say so. LOL).
Any music lover should realize how all of these changes are vitally important. And as always, we need to support artists with our encouragement and buying their merch. They need it more than most think.
-Carrie
1: I’ve always preffered CDs, mostly because I have better things to spend my money on than an mp3 player, and I don’t like walking around with chords hanging out of my head. And like you said, the artwork and the lyrics are very important.
2: I always buy CDs, and merch when I can afford it, yes.
3: I’m working on starting a business as a photographer for hire for local bands, and I certainly realize that how much they can afford to pay me is quite directly related to how much they have.
I’m also a guitarist, and have been trying to get a band together for quite some time, but it hasn’t been coming together very well so far.
My chief goal in life is to work in film, but I plan on being very involved in many other things as well, including music.
First of all, I want to say THANK YOU Andrew for putting down this frequently said complaint in a way that doesn’t sound so… complaining. As I have gotten older, and I’m only a sophomore in high school, I’ve come to realize that I want music to be my life, or at least a big part of it. I’ve been seriously considering starting a band, and I never thought of how the dying industry would affect me until now. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the waning quality of physical CDs. I appreciate bands such as yours, Showbread, and Trenches (I hear that their album cover is going to be pretty cool) that make the physical package exciting and worth the extra money. My family thinks I’m crazy for paying so much to buy physical CDs, but it’s always made me feel that I’m supporting the artist more. However, I do occasionally use cheaper, or even free, sites to get my music. I think, well, just one or two albums won’t hurt, besides I’m just one person. But if millions of others are thinking the same thing, then the music industry is going to go under. Hopefully, more people will start to consider what they’re doing when they get free music.
I have always liked going to shows, seeing the musicians do their thing, then go buy their crap from the merch booth. I prefer to hold the CD in my hand, look at the CD book if there is one, and put the CD in the player for the first time. That doesn’t mean I don’t put it on my mp3 player, but the physical product itself is important to me. Even if the medium changes, i.e. 8 track-> cassette tape-> CD-> ???memory cards with songs on them???, I’ll still want that product to hold, especially if it means I can support the band. I had a band, we made a CD, and after a show at a church one day I heard the kids who came talking about how they’ll copy the CD for each other. First thought was: “Sweet, my music is getting pirated! They must like it!” Second thought was: “Heck no they aren’t copying it for each other!!!” Since I was also an adult sponsor at this event, I took a little time to talk to them about this sort of thing… who knows if it had an impact in the long run?
I completely agree with you, Andrew. The fad of similar soundings bands must end. It seems that when all these new cookie-cutter bands come along, and the established bands that need to adapt to the demand of the consumer suddenly “sell out”, when all they are trying to do is continue what they love to do for a living. Also, it seems prevalent in today’s musical landscape that one need not have talent to be in a band. As long as you can scream, or make noise that is passed off as singing, and be able to play a few simple chords, you can have a platinum album.
I too love the physical albums. The artwork helps paint a vivid mental image of what the song truly means, and helps the listener really comprehend what the lyricist was feeling when he scribed the song. I care that they are disappearing. Despite being able to get the album cheaper digitally, sometimes the artwork and band notes are worth the extra few dollars.
I support the artists by going to shows, buying merch, buying physical albums, and, most importantly in my opinion, spreading good word of mouth about said bands. Publicity is the best thing for bands, as it gains them fans and support.
I’d love to be a professional musician. I’d someday love to hear scores of people singing my words and hearing how my words relate to their situations. I’d love to change the world through music, yet I’m afraid that any potential band I’d be in would be a flash-in-the-pan success.
The music industry needs to re-evaluate what their true focus is-not money, not fame, but the music itself. If only more people thought like you, Andrew…
I am not so comfortable with this shift in the industry. Granted, the digital ocean of bands has been absolutely amazing in the never-ending quest to find good music for my insatiable habit. But. I have seen the affects of the change from a palpable-format to a digital-only world and it’s near-personal in its toll-taking.
My dad has been a sales rep for a label for 20-some years. When he was hired, the company had 29 sales reps nation-wide. Now there are 7. He’s taking pay-cuts and the company’s future itself is looking darker every week. In the same vein, my sister worked for CCM Magazing. The decline in the industry drove CCM to an online-only format and a month later, she got laid off.
Granted, I do see the bands’ point of view whose music is ultimately providing these people, my family, with jobs. When I write music, my goal is not necessarily to put food on the table of some dude. However when that dude is responsible for my music getting bought by stores and into the hands of listeners, then we are both benefitting from each other.
I’ve obviously been raised since birth on a steady diet of music, so maybe my bias will be showing through… but I would totally prefer buying a CD, tape, or vinyl complete with artwork, lyrics, liner notes, and any other goodies (even label catalogues are a fun touch). I know that iTunes is starting to digitally bundle things like these in with their albums, but it’s totally not the same experience. At all. The lesser price for the mp3 album is not worth the less experience.
It has been kind of cool to see bands and labels recognizing my demographic and have gotten pretty creative in their album packaging to compete with digital sales. I own 600-some CD’s and seeing this format fall away is going to suck. It would be diffent if the format were upgrading but still a physical thing. But it’s not.
I’m currently in a band, and it’s been very tempting to simply release albums through pay-par-download apps like SnoCap. I don’t like the idea though, because to me it cheapens the music. I’d much rather sell a CD-R to a real person for five bucks and have them enjoy it than have some random internet-user download the album for $4.99, put it on his iPod and never listen to it again. It’s not about the extra penny, it’s about the experience. It’s about talking to people about the songs. It’s about establishing a true, actual “fan” who actually gets what you’re talking about. This is possible, however less likely, with the mp3. It’s not a terrible terrible thing, I just wish the music industry relied on it less.
I am guilty of the occasional bit torrent album download. I’m not defending the legality of it, but I primarily use it as a tool to sample bands I may find interesting. If I find something that I like, it’s very likely that I’ll buy their album or go see them on tour and buy a shirt. (I’m also big on band merch… I think I have 4 or 5 shirts that AREN’T band shirts. Indeed.)
I went to school for live production. And I’ve been booking shows since I was 17. The live aspect of the industry basically exsists to promote bands’ albums. When bands aren’t making as many albums because they can’t afford to do so (because they still owe the label/whoever money from the last album) they don’t tour. It’s an increasingly huge investment, especially considering the price of gas these days. I can’t work with bands on tour when there are so few.
So. Yeah. Thumbs down for the Digital Music Age. Call me a dinosaur, but it just cheapens the experience. I’ll continue to shell out a couple extra bucks to get the cd.
Sorry this was long.
I really do care that albums are becoming the next fading “trend”. I for one LOVE to see the artwork that goes around an album. It speaks so many more volumes than even just the words or the music.
I love to support bands in any way that I can, and try with as much money I have that is extra that comes my way.
I have been in the music industry and would completely love to get back into it, but it is hard, especially when talking ministry related things.
Basically I DO CARE!!!
1. Yes, I care that physical albums are going away… but I think that Ecards, wallpapers, etc are the next evolution of a visual to go with the audio (I don’t really appreciate these things, but I am guessing my children will one day) and that’s not entirely a bad thing)
2. I go to every Project 86 MI show. Buy their shirts. Buy their CDs. The same goes for other bands that I enjoy. What do I get out of it? Amazing music.
3. Everyone’s dream is to be in a band, express their feelings. It’s just unrealistic for 98% of us (if we all DID start bands, that would bring about that over-saturation you wrote of).
Art always goes on in some form, and the prior generations will always misunderstand it.
How many of you really care that physical albums will be a thing of the past someday soon? Does it even matter to you?
I love buying physical albums! I love reading the lyrics, because I want to know the song. I don’t want to wait for a few months for flawed lyrics to show up on the web. I want the hard copy! I don’t want to download music much either, because I want the hardcopy. And I don’t want to keep burning them to a CD.I’d rather just by the physical album and rip it to my computer and have the physical album safe and sound if something were to happen to my mp3 player.
You can’t download the artwork or thank yous from the bands on iTunes.
How many of you really care that physical albums will be a thing of the past someday soon? Does it even matter to you? It will,it matters because the artwork of the album gives view to the songs of the album, therefore no artwork no visual..no fun.
How many of you support the artists you love by going to shows, buying CDs, merchandise, etc.? Do you realize the impact and influence you have by your support?
I love buying gear, but a lot of artists want big and glam. I am not big and glam so I pass it buy. Also, they buy from companies that make crappie t’s with unreal sizes. I tend to like american appearal,( just saw mewithoutyou last night and bought some gear and when I saw it was AA I knew it would fit.) I’ve also seen you all play most of your Ohio shows. Keep coming to Cincy, C-bus!!!
How many of you aspire to work in the music industry in some form? Do you realize how significant these trends are and how they affect your future? I don’t but I love music so…
Do you realize that if you start a band NOW, or have started a band recently, your chances of meeting death from starvation and poverty are VERY HIGH?
I tipped mewithoutyou last night to fight against starving musicians who have helped shape me. Andrew, come to Cincy and I will do like wise.
I completely agree with you on this topic Andrew, I love to get music cheap, but above that love is my love for supporting bands, Every band that rises above the rest in my mind, gets my money, T-Shirts and physical albums. I also love the feeling of looking at my physical CD collection and going “dang those bands are good”
I am very much like you in that I find it nice to be able to find music so easily. Also that it weeds out the really terrible ones. However, I am very much a purist, and I want my CD booklet, artwork, lyrics, etc. While I did download the new Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails for free online, I still bought the Radiohead on disc when it came out. And I believe I heard the new NIN is coming out on disc as well, and I will buy that. I cannot imagine the peice of art total without the physical art to tie into it all. And to answer your biggest question of “Do I care?” Yes! Very much so. As a fan of music, I am constantly searching for new ways to support the artists I love. I go to shows as much as I can (though as I grow older and responsibility grows larger, it becomes harder to go to as many as I used to). I buy the albums, as I previously mentioned. I try to spread the word about good artists and get people to BUY the album and GO to the shows rather than download the album and watch videos on youtube. I have thought about all of your questions and more, and continue to. It seems that, as with most all technological advances, we need to slow down a bit and find the medium in this. Like it was said in Jesus for President (and this is a paraphrase) “Technology has progressed, and the human heart has not progressed with it.”
I have been a fan of yours (The band) since i don’t know maybe late eighties. I think your tour of your second album. I sen you warm up for Queensryche. It was okay show. Then I went again at The HOB Hollywood a show after. Forgot the time. Your show was so kick butt. I said to myself These guys are going to be huge? I have seen all shows since except for the glass house and that small place in O.C. Your show has deteriorated. I hated white zombie until I seen him live. Damn what a show. I have been a fan of his since. I know you guys are hurting I can tell by the crowds you get at HOB. You need a manager to get you on a major summer tour, Play your old stuff with a painted back drop and blow everybody away. That will help your bands carrier. The ? of downloads will no matter what the record companies want will be a reality soon. No more cd’s except for collections? Maybe? You have a killer collection or library of music. I’m trying to break into the business with HD, which one day will change the movies in the same way Film will be gone in ten years! I say if you want some exposure? try to get your songs into struggling movie makers films. You wont get rich, but it will bring major exposure and if you blow people away with your shows. Older songs. Go back to your roots. Forget trying to please the trend and reach down and find why you again like in hustle and flow with that dude who became big and forgot who he was. I would love to use your music for my shorts and some day I want to make a feature and go the Tarantino route. Make a Cover album for the movie. Who ever promotes you? Fire him! You should pack HOB all the time and blow away new crowds with the warm up spot. You guys have that in You. I have pumped your music to everybody I know My Dirt bike is #86 You guys are good. I just went and seen a show a couple months ago. No eye candy and no rock star show. Go back and look at footage of White Zombie and see how he promoted him self. He was/is a master of it. I know your Christian and that has a limitation to it. Try different avenues to promote your library of music? Like movies? I’ll pump you. To answer again it will one day be basically all downloads. The business has to find ways to get smaller bands attention? If you want to talk more I would be glade to talk Shoot I could get your word out bette than whoever is promoting you now?
1. I think that, unfortunately, the physical variation of albums will eventually dwindle down to next to nothing. Maybe to a sort of “Special Edition” physical print or something. I love having the case, artwork, booklet, and disk in my hand. I enjoy looking, reading, and listening. The massive growth in digital popularity worries me a lot.
2. I go to as many shows as I can. I try to stay away from local shows and keep my money for bands who try to live on the road for a living, touring and making music for many to enjoy. I also like to ask bands if they need a place to stay overnight to save them some hotel bill or something.
3. I do plan to work in the industry in the sense of recording/mixing/producing. I expect hard times, but I want to do it.
4. I have no plans to start a (touring) band.
Is this for the mag? or Project 86? Because I was talking to Project 86, if you want to forward it to them that would be better fit to my response.
i completely agree with this i’ve felt like this a lot lately because i too am on both sides of the industry, i have not bought music online yet because i like having the actual disc, 1 to back it up and 2 i know the bands receive more revenue, i do think however that if you want your music to get out a good start is direct to hard drive downloads via iTunes or some other means, i know how frustrating it can be knowing you get nothing out of your hard work and dedication to your art (music) financially, it’s sad knowing that my local Tower Records closed down because they were losing money on the fact that no one came into the store to buy music anymore
Let me just start by saying that I have the utmost respect for you as a musician, band member, writer, brother in Christ, and just as a person in general. Reading this and considering my own habits and contribution to the industry, my eyes are opened to the issue of dissapearing physical albums, when thinking back, the first cds I got, i was obsessed with looking through and just reading the booklet inside out. Now when i want a new cd, all i have to do is just click “Buy Now”, put it on my iPod, and listen to it as I desire. It takes away from the value of the whole album. Bying the cd really does come as a package of art, meant to be explored and read, and I miss that since I discovered digital music. On the issue of supporting my favorite artists, I always make sure to see them with my friends next chance we get, and buy a t-shirt or two, realizing the money is help and support to them. (I recently went to the “Stronger Than Hell” tour in Phoenix, AZ, to support Demon Hunter and Living Sacrifice and other christian bands playing with them.)Project is one of my favorite bands, and I’ve still yet to see you guys live, which I cannot wait for, I think you guys are absolutely, ridiculously amazing and inspiring. I’m attempting to venture into the industry to seeking my calling in music ministry. I play drums, and I know stronger than anything else God’s given me this gift to bless others and bring Him glory, and that I’ve been given this gift with a mission, to seek his heart in worship and lead others in the same. It scares me to see the industry starving for money, especially If that’s where God is calling me to, so I hope that I can start keepin my part up and continue supporting fine artists and musicians (such as yourselves) so music continues to be created. I hope my feedback helped answer some of those questions, can’t wait to see you guys live!
God Bless,
Ryan
I have spent some time thinking about this very thing myself. Here are my responses to your questions. It really matters to me that albums/physical packaging are going the way of the buffalo. As a Napster subscriber I use that service to dl tracks I already own to my MP3 player and I use it to check new music. If I really like I pretty much always end up buying a physical version anyway. I love lyric sheets but with many of the new releases the artists are making lyrics irrelevant anyhow and that too saddens me. I, whenever possible, buy merch and albums from artists directly (usually at shows but since moving to nowhere MT from their webstores). I have long advocated supporting the artists more than retail and labels (because as you know the artist never sees revenue save from direct sales).
Here is the flip side though. Artists are empowered to DIY and retain so much more of creative control as well as direct revenue by using Itunes to sell their music directly. Also… I hate to say this but the problem with rock n roll has always been that too much money can be made but it is usually made by the wrong people (everyone but the artists). So starving my purify art too because those committed artists will make music for the passion of it again (a rarity these days) instead of dreams of rock stardom. Most of the time an artist’s first couple of albums are their best (not in Project’s case though) because they have to work for it and are still connected to the real world. Guys like you deserve to be well paid, the craft of a physical album should not be entirely lost, but ignorance and patronizing by the labels have contributed to consumer revolt. And that is my two cents.
I would rather buy a pyhsical album and only like one song and know that I helped that artist keep his job, then buy one song and he only gets a penny.
It’s almost the same as eating at a nice resturant where the waiter brings you the drinks and food and you don’t tip them. Artist’s put all this hard work into this album and all you do is download it. The lyric’s is like a bonus gift and who doesn’t like free stuff?
i do care very much. infact, not long ago I decided to only buy physical copies and replace all my itunes albums with them. they are way more better than just a poor quality mp3 128kb files on my saturated pc’s hardrive.
I believe that every day being in a band or starting one is becoming a fantasy for me.
sad
Yeah its sad to see, you can get music from all over the place now. Listin to whole cds on the internet or worse download them. I understand you saying you like having the physical Cd in your hand, i’m the same way. I love music, I love buying CDs. Even if I can listin to the songs online, most of the time I find songs online then later buy the Cd. It’s sad but its so convienat. The digital music is replacing Cds, just like cd’s replaced cassettes. Don’t like to see it but its happening. But I’ll still keep going to shows to support the bands I like. I’ll keep doing what I can to keep them afloat.
1. Digital can’t kill Vinyl. But if it did, I’d care.
2. I go sometimes. I don’t think they care that much.
3. Not me.
4. Maybe music shouldn’t be a business. Maybe you shouldn’t dedicate your life to writing 100 odd songs then living off of them till your death. Maybe.
I don’t care if the industry dies and suffocates on the ashes of it’s burnt contracts.
hey. as a consumer. i like things to be cheap. it makes me happy, when a cd is on sale.
I DO NOT BURN CDS. i buy all that i have.
AS a musician in a band. it sucks to be broke. when i go to a show there is not many where i live in so cal. so when i go to say the glass house. i try to buy stuff from bands. cause i know they need the money to go to the next town. not all bands have the money or jeremy camp, or the newsboys. most are broke just making it day by day.
i Lord willing plan to play music and am playing music now. and i hope that people will stop ripping off music and start buying it. before music goes away. cause if it can’t support it self it will become obsolete. God help those days.
ALSO I LOVE ART WORK!!! i prize myself on my Cds.
-wesdavis
psalm 139
As a music business student, I have had many discussions and debates over this very topic. Going to confrences that cover this topic have been interesting too. The industry seems to be at a loss right now as to how to remedy them losing money from all the digital downloading.
To answer your questions:
1. How many of you really care that physical albums will be a thing of the past someday soon? Does it even matter to you?
— I love having the physical product in my hand, but I am part of the older generation that enjoys it. My younger cousins could care less, they don’t understand all the work that goes into an albums release. They just want the music in their latest mp3 player with the least amount of work/money/effort needed to do so. But there are some albums that I could care less about having the artwork because it seems some artists are becoming sloppy with their releases and don’t put much effort into their cases/artwork and a lot don’t even put the lyrics in the packaging. Its easier to just download those and look up the lyrics online.
How many of you support the artists you love by going to shows, buying CDs, merchandise, etc.? Do you realize the impact and influence you have by your support?
— Being a recent college graduate with absolutely no cash in the bank, I go to shows when I can get in for free. And thats the honest truth. Unless the band is one of my absolute favorites I will spend at most $30 for a ticket and bring $20 to buy some kind of merch. And I realize the impact of the fans at the shows, but if artists price themselves out too high then the venue has to charge more, and more people can’t afford to go. It’s a problem that happens more often than not.
How many of you aspire to work in the music industry in some form? Do you realize how significant these trends are and how they affect your future?
— I have my degree in Music Business and am very passionate for it and would love to work in it, but it is near impossible to get into it. I have interned for places and they won’t hire interns. It’s all about who you know and how imaginitive you can be to solve the problem that Andrew is talking about. How to bridge the gap between physical product and digital products. If you can figure out the solution to that you will be a millionaire real fast. I definitely know that the the physical vs digital products plays a huge roll in jobs in the industry, and it has a domino effect on other aspects of the industry as well as Andrew said in his article.
Do you realize that if you start a band NOW, or have started a band recently, your chances of meeting death from starvation and poverty are VERY HIGH?
— Going to college can do the same thing. I am living below the poverty line, and am one of the smartest students to graduate from my program, one of the most driven too, but because of the industry being how it is now, I am stuck doing a job I hate (but at least its a job) and with bills that I can’t even afford to pay — lesson from Heidi kids… DO NOT TAKE OUT STUDENT LOANS… get other ways to pay for college!
Andrew I thank you for your insight on this issue, it is something that has bothered me for some time as well. I have sat through confrences and meetings throughout the past few years talking about this and everyone seems to be at a loss to finding a solution. If anything I think larger labels are going to go down and the music industry is going to be ran by the indie labels. They may not have the budget the big labels do, but they still put out quality products and music. A good chunk of them put out better music than the majors. Yes the lifestyles may have to change of the musicians and of the people that run the labels, and that too would have a domino effect on a lot of things. Maybe its a good thing that everything is going digital. People should maybe embrace it and let it happen. Start taking cuts on paychecks. Does anyone really need a $25million home anyway?! or a $2million car? It’s used to get from point a to point b.
It may all be rambling, but its my ramblings.
Thank you for your time, and any feedback I’d love to hear it.
I hate how fast things are going digital!
I love actually having something in my hands that I can look at, and see the work that’s been put in and the art and lyrics that someone took the time to make.
Buying things online just isn’t the same as buy a cd, no where near.
I myself have a band, and it’s hard to sell cd’s we have with the way the economy is going.
Plus with all the sites like Limewire getting free music is ridiculously easy, which hurts bands.
I too love finding new bands all the time, everyone brings their own unique perspective on situations and topics, and it’s great to hear opinions through music! The only thing i don’t like is how many metal bands that are out there that all sound the same. And how all there songs sound the same, it’s ridiculous.
1. I care very much about physicall albums. As a musician, I always felt the art was as much an expression as the music itself. I want to know the lyrics and I like DVD’s as well. I hope that it still stays afloat. Rarely do I actually buy music in digital format, I’m a fan of the Compact Disc.
2. I try to make to shows when I can. When I was in a band, I greatly supported my fellow musicians by wearing and listening to thier merchendise and even donating money if I had some to spare.
The last two answers require a bit more depth. I was in a band for 2 and a half years and quite about three months ago and got a job. I’ve had some time to think about why things had to end and why I hated nearly everything about life outside of music. It was my life and everything else was just a dream. Wake up at 4:00 AM. Go to work. Make less money than I need to live. Repeat. I was sick all the time and I gave my life to my art. After conflicts in the band kept arising, I felt God pulling me in a different direction and all in one day I quite my band and told them I was moving 2300 miles away.
Now, from this experience I have begun to realize something. When you take out the idea of “making music for a living”, you really see life as whole. When you start noticing other aspects and tasting things that were dull before, the inspiration becomes more pure. If more and more bands start living normal lives, people will be forces to play music for one reason: They love it. No record labels, no pressure to be apart of the latest trend. Just honest, beautiful, inspired music. I think the industry is winding down for a reason. Chrisitian music is bigger today than it has ever been. We must except that these bands are also part of the “body of Christ”. God is desiring a spotless bride and if He has to take away our “careers” to get to our hearts, I hope I He will.
yeah i care alot. i think its not right how now people can just get music wherever and however they want to. i mean it is convenient to be able to always have access for virtually nothing, just because of the fact we live in a world where NOTHING is free but what people forget to stop and think about is that the bands they love and the music they strive to listen to isnt going to be there if the people providing that music arent making enough money to continue doing what they love. also it is very expensive for you guys to buy the equiptment, to go on tour, to set everything up in general and without the help of people actually BUYING your music it makes it very hard to make that a career and keep on doing that. so ya i agree 100% with what your saying the main thing is bringing this to others attention. goodluck with all that it would be a shame to see you guys go under i defently have all your cd’s (and yes i purchased them the old fashion way) =p again good luck im rooting for you guys!!!
Christie
i prefer to buy actual physical cds for exactly the reasons you mentioned — i like having something i can hold in my hand (and put in my car stereo), seeing the artwork, and being able to read the lyrics (when included). also i’m disappointed with a lot of the options for digital music. i think $1/song is too expensive when you often don’t get artwork or lyrics and definitely don’t get a disc (granted you can usually burn to a disc), and also the files are usually encumbered with drm, which makes them difficult to use. thankfully it looks like steps are being made away from drm.
as far as going to shows, i live in an area where acts i’m interested rarely play within driving distance. that said, whenever it does happen i’m out there, and i’ll buy a cd after the show provided i don’t already have all of them :). i’ve managed to see project 86 4 times now, but most of the rest of what i’m into doesn’t give me that opportunity. i am under the impression that buying a cd after a show is financially better for the band than buying it at a store.
all of this comes from a fan of music who loves to see and hear the creative work of others, but is far from being in a band myself.
I hear you Schwab. I most definitely hate the decrease in physical albums and the increase in “digital-over the internet” crap. Downloading music has no evidence in itself. If my hard drive was to crash, the music I downloaded would be gone. It’s all getting really annoying. To answer your first question I really hope bands keep putting out PHYSICAL albums. I also enjoy very much being able to have artwork and lyrics and something PHYSICAL to read. Its just not the same when you download it.
As for your second question I can say yes. All of the bands I truly love (including Project 86) I have and always will support them through whether it be concerts, shirts, cd’s, dvd’s, merch, etc. not just because I support but because I also WANT it.
I also aspire to work in the music industry in some sort of way, whether it be playing the music or recording it and yes that is another reason all of this bothers me. But as long as I am around and making music, I will never stop putting out physical media.
I love you guys and will always support you in anyway. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.
Let me start this off by saying that I’m a relativly young person, still in my teenage years, but I’ve been a fan of yours since way back when i first borrowed my sister’s Truthless Heroes cd, and thank you for never failing to deliver on every single record! Really, not to sound prideful or stupid, but music is truely a huge part of my life, and I’ve been thinking about what this article explains so well for quite some time. I’ll respond to your questions in order…
1. I really, really, care. I can’t even begin to say how much i care. i’m an avid collector of cd’s (and i’m getting into vinyl), and i hate the thought of not being able to hold the music and lyrics in my hands. On the other side though, sometimes I don’t mind digital music, such as non-album songs, or digital EP’s, because that sometimes can be a more profitable medium for the band to sell in. But I’ll always buy the physical copies, as long as i possibly can. And after I can’t, I’ll get certain band’s phone numbers and offer them absurd sums of money to make me a REAL copy.
2. Hm…if I get into an artist, I usually go out and buy (or order) all of their cd’s, because of the fact that I want them, and that if I don’t support them, how will i get their music? I live in a rather out of the way area, so I don’t get to go to many shows, but when I have the opportunity I always do.
3. At this point, I’m not sure. I love to play music, but I’d only go in if I was sure i could bring something new and inspiring, not just a mindless clone of something that’s been done a hundred times before. Also, it isn’t exactly lucrative, though if I was passionate about it, that wouldn’t matter quite as much.
4. Yes. not from personal experience, but I have a friend who’s trying to make it as an artist in PA. Overall he’s making progress, but he’s by no means wealthy.
Sorry that was so long, it’s just a subject I’m rather passionate about. I can’t wait to read other responses!
1. I hate the thought of physical albums disappearing. Sure, mp3 and WMA are more convenient mediums to distribute music through, but CDs come with ART! AND GOOD ART AT THAT! (well, most of the time). If an album I buy sucks, i can more often than not at least say the artwork is neat. i enjoy the mp3 and the mp3 players for the afore mentioned mp3s, but you can’t replace good album art.
2 & 3. I have dreamed of playing guitar in a metal band for a long time now, and i’m finally in a band that’s already been signed for a year, and as our label’s main focus right now, there is a very real possibility of us going full-time with this. sure, it may mean picking up part time work when we’d be off tour, but this is still a dream-come-true for me. Being able to express oneself and the contents of the heart through music is one of the greatest experiences in human existence, IMO. I’d hate the thought of the industry possibly going under, but I’m also still more on the consumer side of the stick where I see the industry as the over-commercialized garbage pump it has been since Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara first started dominating the airwaves…everything since them (at least to my knowledge) has followed the same path metal went in the late 80s (with the exception of metallica and pantera and a few others) - One band/group comes out and they have this new explosive sound and they’re just totally mindboggling (which, to be honest, nowadays i don’t see what’s so mind blowing about some of these artists i’m told are such) and then here come the clones, with full backing by the labels and full tilt promotion and airplay (when Soulja Boi first got on the radio, i remember hearing Crank Dat 5 TIMES IN A MATTER OF 2 HOURS) and this explosive trend keeps getting milked until a new act is found with something that can be marketed as “new and hip”, and the old bands that can (or are willing to) do so change their style as to fit into the cookie-cutter shape as prescribed by the media as to the “next big thing”.
however, i’m a part of this beast now (like it or not), so I hope for a revision (at best) of the practices used in the industry that could somehow keep it alive and kicking, seeing as how in a very short while I may be looking to the label to put bread on my table.
Hey Andrew, long time fan of Project 86 here and I wish to fulfill your desire for a response so here goes nothing.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you just said. I will be the first to admit that yes, I have downloaded music for free (or at least next to free) at one point or another. While for a time I found this practice to be easy on my wallet, I eventually found it left me empty everywhere else. Gone were the days of waiting outside the music store at 9:30 on a Tuesday morning before the store opened so that I could be the first to pick up a copy of the latest album from my favorite bands. Gone was my excitement and anticipation over the wait leading up to the music I had yet to hear. Gone was the thrill of holding the artwork and physical album in my hands and placing it with my ever growing collection. All that was left were some files that, let’s face it, are likely to someday crash and disappear on me because I was too lazy to back them up. Everything is so easily accessible, everything is so simplified that the magic seems to have been lost somewhere in the mix. I don’t like it that the world of myspace has created millions of bands that I have no possible way of ever keeping track of. Sure, it’s wonderful that the digital medium has created a path for artists that might otherwise never have been heard, but the problem is that there are, as you said, SO MANY. The music industry is becoming overcrowded to a point of insanity. Even the concept of the album as a whole has begun to become lost on me. I drive around in my car and skip from song to song on my iPod. I almost never make it all the way through an entire album because I hear one song and my brain thinks, “hey, switch to something else now,” and so I do. I don’t think that an artist such as yourself would be absolutely thrilled that I choose not to listen to your body of work you poured your heart into just because the digital realm has produced a new form of A.D.D. in me. It’s like I can’t pay attention anymore and that breaks my heart. It makes me wonder where in the world the industry is going and what the future will hold for my own children. Again, I think it’s wonderful that there are new avenues for artists to be heard, but how long will it be before there is so much music that it just becomes another form of spam I opt to ignore? I’m already plagued by indie/pop-rock/screamo/chug/metalcore bands, “wanting to be my friend” on myspace on a daily basis. You know what I do? There’s a little button that says, “deny.” There’s also a little button that says, “flag as spam.” How sad is it that that has become an option synonymous with music? It simply should not be that way. I hope advances can be made and I love that viral marketing is becoming more popular because that does admittedly regain some of the anticipation I once had. The problem however is that easily accessible downloading still defeats and tears away any of that excitement and build up created by said viral marketing. I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to the inner workings of the music industry but I do hope something changes some day. I hate to think of turning on the radio someday when I’m older to an “oldies” radio station and having no idea who is singing what.
To be honest, I actually do care very much about this issue, and I support the bands that I love as much as I possibly can, especially Project 86 (my favourite band). I would choose to buy a cd over downloading the album 100% of the time, and I download very very little music because, like you, I love the physical product. I love leafing through the artwork and reading the lyrics. Often times, I’ll spend a lot of time just looking at the booklet. Then there’s also the fact that I possess both the artwork and printed cd that was fashioned in the way that the artist desired, which I think is kind of special in its own ways. I also realize that, by buying the cd, I’m supporting the band moreso than I would be if I downloaded it. I also attend shows whenever possible (which isn’t too often because of where I live), and I always spend ridiculous amounts of money on merch. I have a very extensive collection of band shirts that I wear almost everyday. I’m like a walking billboard for the artists that I like.
Music has made a very tremendous impact on my life. I’m not just saying this because it’s your blog, but the music of Project 86 has pretty much made me into the man that I am today. Your lyrics and music have by far impacted me more deeply than anyone that I’ve ever known, short of God Himself. I have a father and a step-father, but you and the rest of the band were the fatherly role model that I never otherwise had. It’s the least that I can do to support the music that I love. I know that virtually every band ever has dramatically made a difference in the lives of countless people everywhere, and it would be a real shame if those bands became a victim to their own consumers. I’m not dissing anyone who downloads music. I just think that they should consider the repercussions of their actions.
God bless and keep it rockin.
I do care that the physical album will be a thing of the past. Though how soon it will be a thing of the past it is hard to say. As much as they say vinyl is dead and gone and cd’s have replaced it, as they have, i was in a Fred Meyer the other day and saw some new vinyl by some big name groups like the white stripes and metallica. As much as they say vinyl is dead, it seems to have not gone away yet. Vinyl as a medium i love, and still do. It is being able to look at the art work, have they lyrics to look at, things like that. I would hate to see the cd go away as well, i must have the lyrics.
That being said, I am not so sure that i would ever purchase a full digital download of an album unless i could’nt get it any other way. I would much rather have the hard copy in my hands, to have the lyrics to look at, to read. Although with the way things seem to be going in the industry, i can see the importance of the digital download. I use to work in a record store when i was younger, and i really have no love for the record companys. to me it seemed that there was more importance on “make us a ton of money” rather than a quality product. there were bands that i thought to be rather good that went away because they had no support. I do not care for the dj on the radio to tell me about this “hot” new band and expect me to believe it. I’d rather hear it and decide for myself. Always have, always will. I think that the ways things are now may have worked in the past, but it is time now for a change in the way things are done, even if it means heading towards a more digital world.
I will alway support the groups that i really love in any way that i can afford. I always look for relase dates and buy it from the store the first day that it comes out. I go to shows when i can and buy the merchandise as well, when i can afford it. New cd’s always come first.
When i was younger, i always wanted to work in the industry in some way, and in a way i still would, if i could find a job that would pay my bills. Music is something that i have always loved. I have friends who are in bands in the area i live, and i support them by going to their shows when i can. I think for any band to have a chance of surviving nowadays they really need to develop a good local fan base to start and go from their.
I love music, i have always enjoyed buying and listening to music and discovering new talent. But i never have relied on the radio to tell me what is hot and a must buy. I must hear it for myself. sometimes it may take 3 songs before i will go out and buy something new. $16 for a cd seems a bit steep to pay for me only to find out there is only one or two songs that i like. being able to listen to a full album before it comes out on myspace has been good. i will sit there and listen to it in a seperate window while i’m online. then i will know whether or not something new is worth buying for me.
Change is in the works, that is for certain. I hope that whatever happens, that it will weed out those that are in it solely for the money, without hurting those who do it for the love of music.
well schwabster lets look at it this way. The music mainstream is going out the door. when rappers start using vocoders to catch up to other genres and start signing about RESPECTING women its kind of going against everything they want to said 2 years ago.
Basically its coming down to what you bring to the table for the industry. If you have something unique, controversial, or catchy enough that your 14-30 demographic will start talking about it you will have no problem getting to the top.
People worrying about the ‘end’ of the industry, cds, ect dont really have a grasp on how things go. theres always ups and downs, it just is a bit rough until things work themselves out. I’ll say the same thing that I say to the people who worry about the end of the world.. “The earth has been around a long time, people have been claiming they are going to see the end since the beginning. So why bother worrying about it? chances are you die before it ends but in the rare chance that it does end, either way your gonna die”. if people have an appreciation for the current, there will be no need to worry about the future. They still make vinyls! I think there is some innovation that zunes and ipods could imploy to carry entire artwork over, and the new age of album art could be something completely differnt. Think about vinyl to cassettes. Imagine how worried people were when you converted to this dinky piece of plastic that had no room for nothing more than copyright information.
As far as buying music goes, We all should know that going to the shows and buying merch puts more money in the hands of the artists. not to say you shouldnt buy CD’s because the label likes that more haha.
This is all coming from a guy semi-in the industry. I dont really want to namedrop or seem like some patsy looking for attention but creativity is the best way to get listeners (this should be painfully obvious but no one seems to get it due to the millions of ‘underground’ bands trying to copy underoath’s 2nd to last cd). People have already heard that, they dont want to hear it again. This is going to sound a bit rediculous but look at fall out boy. Overproduced and sold out but they still manage to mix it up and bring something fresh every album (whether they write it or not, i dont know).
comments are appreciated on this.. I probably could of put this in a much better structure but its a comment on the internet….
The answer is yes andrew I do.I believe you are on to something I mean really whats the fun listening to music if your not open to buy the cd instead of just going on itunes and buying one song man if I did that I wouldnt had fallin in love your (Words to burn your bridges by) cd. When I first heard the spy hunter that was the only song I liked by you guys yes I could of went to itunes and just bought the one song but,no I bought the entire cd and guess what I fell in love with it. Sence I bought that cd I have fell in love with all your cds usally at first I only liked one song from every cd but instead of buying the songs on itunes I bought the actual cds.Look ok I am a big supporter of christian bands and I believe the only way to support u guys is to buy your cd in some ways you guys inspire me to do something more in my life and I want to thank you for that I mean you guys are like my heros’so I want to support you guys any way I can to buying cds,to buying posters,shirts,hats,and,even going to your concerts when you guys come to NM.In someway I hope I will inspire a confused sad teenager some day just like u guys have done for me.Once again I want to thank u for inspireing me through out the years I hope god blesss’you guys in some many ways well this where I leave you I hope this letter inspires you in some way like you guys have inspired me to become a youth leader Someday THANK YOU.See you guys soon and KEEP ON ROCKIN!!!!!!!!
Peace AAR
First of all, I really love buying music in the physical package. It’s just more fun.
I also buy merch and cds and go to shows (when money affords it.) unfortunatly, from the view point of the consumer, Things are tight everywhere. Which means less money to buy physical cds or even buy it digitally from places like Itunes. Which leaves me to borrow and burn cds from friends.
I do aspire to work in the music industry, as a musician. So i can see from the view point of a musician also, knowing some of the bands from my area that have no money and do gigs full time.
And I also realize the high poverty rate among musicians right now. It’s pretty insane how little money the music industry is making- with as many bands and musicians are out there.
I whole-heartedly agree! I for one have felt these same sentiments for sometime now. I actually have stopped buying my albums on iTunes and have started shopping in the few mediocre music stores to buy the physical album. I read somewhere in another online article (which i won’t even try to remember… jeez… that’s another topic in itself for writers… any way i digress) where the writer stated that he loved going to the record shop and spending hours perusing the store for that perfect album for that moment. Then buying the LP and having to wait to get home to his room to listen to it. Back then music was something we worked for… it cost us something… our time… our passion… our money… then the music would take us to another place entirely. I miss that… Now I simply download, plug in, load up my playlist, unplug and go. I now have the soundtrack to my life in my hands with minimal effort. I think this cheapens the art for the consumer in some way. (this may require further discussion) but I have felt that sudden urge lately to “unplug” and go back to having more appreciation for the art and not be so “consumed” with what I can consume. I can be a greedy little turd… but thankfully I am coming to my senses.
Andrew,
Yes I do care. I own plenty of albums, and although my .mp3 folder is large, I enjoy the experience of removing the wrapping from a new disc, and going through the booklet. I enjoy it when a booklet isn’t just an insert, and actually has substance. I feel that when the packaging, the CD graphic, the design of the booklet, and the way it all melds matches the overall message of the album or band, that it shows the band really cares about producing something important, and not just about hitting the next big single-goldmine that so many seem to find to be priority one.
As for concerts, I can’t imagine not having them. Personally, I love concerts. It allows such an incredible experience that is only available to those seeing it from the band in person. To hear the band play it as they meant it to be heard, the energy and experience only possible when seen live, is indescribable and irreplaceable. I’ve seen 12 Project 86 shows, with a multitude of bands, and just like with nearly every other show i’ve seen, I could probably mention a memory or two from each show, or at least talk about the band’s individual performances. That says something, something important, that should never go away ever.
Keeping it in a one line statement: if music was body, the album is the heart and the concerts are the mouth. Murder isn’t friendly, let’s keep the body alive.
I much prefer to purchase the record with its artwork, and I definitely support bands by buying CD’s, T-shirts and posters, and going to shows! That’s a huge part of it for true fans of a band’s music. That’s what makes the complete experience!
I always buy the cd. I don’t know, to me I just feel like if I really like that band, I am gonna get their cd. Like you said, I love seeing the artwork and spending the money for something that the band worked so hard to put out. A lot of my friends ask why I don’t just buy or burn the songs I like, but I almost feel like I owe it to the band to buy the whole cd, plus you get the booklet and artwork. I love going to the concerts too. There is not much better. Just the energy and intensity is awesome. And then having the chance to meet the guys and say thanks is great. I wish people would spend the money to buy the cd, it is just so much better I think. It shows support for the band and what they have put together, which is everything from the music, to the artwork, to little details we don’t know about.
Physical albums can’t go away. Say it aint so. It annoys me when I can only get an album in mp3 form. A few times I have bought an album from Itunes but it’s only because I needed new music NOW. I’m with you on the artwork thing, thats part of the album. I have bought albums solely because I really liked the artwork, It says alot about the band sometimes.
I support bands by buying the physical album and maybe a t-shirt if they somehow have an XXL (but they never do, “Oh, the XL is huge”, yeah the first time you wear it.) and I try to go to concerts if they arent way overpriced.
I’m a live sound engineer and I went to school for recording, I definitley want to have a part in making music, but I think the fact that the money isnt there anymore for professional music careers can be a good thing. It should thin the pack, getting rid of anybody whos in it for the money. Its pushing so many artists into independent recording, and then they see theres more freedom there. less money, but more freedom
(which makes sense in most anything). And when you’re putting your own money up for the album production you care more about it (”wherever your treasure is, there your heart will also be”), so I think it will lead to better music. We just need better ways of getting the music to a larger audience. I think Relevant is good at this with the magazine and the podcast. But I think we just need to take back radio. Make it play what people like, not the other way around. Maybe the death of the Big record label will take its thumb off radio and give radio a chance at new life. –On a side note, I read “It’s all downhill from here” last year and its one of the very few books I have been able to finish in my life. great read. And I hope to hear you melt the face off the Relevant Podcast in the near future.
To answer your questions, Andrew “Do you care” my answer is a resounding yes. Now to answer your individual questions.
1. I feel the exact same way you do about actual cds complete with artwork, printed lyrics, and all the other packaging that makes it “unique”. I prefer to buy an actual hard-copy cd because of this factor as opposed to burning it, downloading it from Itunes, or having a friend rip it to my computer. Almost all of the music I acquire is through buying actual cds. For the record, I don’t even own an MP3 player and I rarely download stuff from itunes. I suppose, I would be considered “old-fashioned” in my way I acquire my music, but it works for me and I prefer it that way.
2. A long time ago, I made a commitment that I would support the bands and artists I genuinely liked and listened to out of my own pocket. While I have acquired some music illegally (mainly through friends burning me cds or ripping albums to my computer), I made a vow that eventually i would replace the music I genuinely loved with hard copy cds so that I could no longer “steal” with a guilty conscience. Though I have not succeeded yet in replacing all of my music, I am well off to a good start and will be starting a full-time post-college career very soon. This will guarantee a steady supply of cash, which means more money for music, merchandise, and concerts.
3. I have a family member (actually my own twin sister) who is in the music industry and I know how frustrating it can be for musicians to work their butts off and receive almost nothing in terms of pay. I used to think it would be cool to “break into” the music industry, now I am focused on another career involving music for which I got a college degree for (minister of music in a church setting.)
4. Andrew, I don’t know how you do it especially in a place as expensive as Orange County. (I really wanted to live there but decided against it when i found out how high the cost of living was.) I sure as heck hope you don’t die of starvation or poverty. I pray for you everyday.
Its sad, but it is reality. The only way things will change is if the industry stops trying to sell CDs, and finds better ways to sell music. In the future bands will rely almost solely on live shows and merchandise. As an aspiring musician/industry involvee, I more fear the oversaturation of the scene, than I do the changing technology. I too love the feel of album artwork in my hands, but would much rather carry all the music I could ever need in my pocket, than have shelves and shelves of CDs collecting dust. CDs are dead. Music is more alive than ever.
I only have onse downloaded song in my MP3 player and thats only becaue i couldn´t find it in sotores anywhere.
I buy CD´s. Howver i think that one can download music and STILL support their favored band by downg that other things you said, i for one, do all of the above
Yeah, i know. It sucks. Id on´t really know anyone who DOESN´t have downloaded music. You can look at any teenager and say ¨Hey look, someone with downloaded music¨
IF that was their only job, maybe. But i an´t see it happening unless that person-band is SO persistant that they will not quit to even find a dayjob.
Personally I dont like how everyone can just go and get songs off iTunes or whatever. I love cds and I buy them. I dont own an ipod or anything. It’s scary to think what is happening to the music industry. I am starting college this fall and want to pursue a career in the music industry. It is scary though to think that I might not be able to make a living or if a job will be there and possible to have. I honestly wish it would be back to where if you liked a song you had to buy the cd. I dont know…it’s scary whats happening.
p.s. I love going to concerts and supporting bands. I always buy a t-shirt or cd when I go.
Andrew, I’ve been a fan of yours since I found your self titled in a coffeehouse called “The Mill” in Milbury, MA, in I want to say 98. I was eight or nine at the time.
Since that day, your band has been my favorite and that has never changed. Since then I’ve bought all of your albums, and except for the last two, I’ve bought them more than once. In the case of the first two, I’ve been them four times each, due to damaged and lost discs, and digital files from computer iss