Have you heard the A.A. Bondy record "American Hearts"? A guy with a guitar and harmonica. You kind of expect it to sound a bit like Dylan. And it does, but only to a point. No disrespect to Fionn Regan, who seems dead set on imitating Dylan in song, dress, mannerism and even hair style, but A.A is his own man.
He's original yet familiar. A great songwriter with a cool voice. His show last night at Mercury Lounge was inspiring. So much music from one skinny little guy. Great dynamics, too.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
WTF?
What's happening in the music business? It's no secret that sales of CD's have plummeted and the major labels never miss an opportunity to MISS an opportunity. Every decision they make seems to insult the intelligence of the record buying public and stupidity abounds. (which is strange to me as there are some very clever folks at the majors. I deduce that they are powerless to make any significant changes.)
Even as recently as 10 months ago I felt like I had a handle on how many / most serious bands might get a foothold. It seemed that word-of-mouth marketing in consort w/ direct contact with fans (and potential fans) via MySpace, YouTube and social networks in general was a great way to spread the word.
Now MySpace has become a huge wank: bands selling themselves to other bands. Very little genuine contact between band and fan. There are exceptions to be sure, but the time required for an artist to personally manage their MySpace (and FaceBook, iMeem, etc.) is not practical for most artists.
I'm full of optimism about the music business. The record business is another story. I'm impressed with Yep Roc and Merge as they meet the customer / fan / consumer just about every place that customer can be found which of course varies from act to act. This includes utilizing social networks, e-mail blasts, and fun + engaging promotional devices that feel.... real.
For a start those 2 labels (and I imagine a few others) are adequately staffed with people that know and understand how their customers engage with music, which by the way is not the same for those 2 specific labels.
Regardless, It's challanging and rewarding to navigate the course, one artist at a time, what might work, what will work, in achieving their goals. There never has been (now more than ever) no single plan, no silver bullet, no fast track to success. Not with genuine artists at least.
Even as recently as 10 months ago I felt like I had a handle on how many / most serious bands might get a foothold. It seemed that word-of-mouth marketing in consort w/ direct contact with fans (and potential fans) via MySpace, YouTube and social networks in general was a great way to spread the word.
Now MySpace has become a huge wank: bands selling themselves to other bands. Very little genuine contact between band and fan. There are exceptions to be sure, but the time required for an artist to personally manage their MySpace (and FaceBook, iMeem, etc.) is not practical for most artists.
I'm full of optimism about the music business. The record business is another story. I'm impressed with Yep Roc and Merge as they meet the customer / fan / consumer just about every place that customer can be found which of course varies from act to act. This includes utilizing social networks, e-mail blasts, and fun + engaging promotional devices that feel.... real.
For a start those 2 labels (and I imagine a few others) are adequately staffed with people that know and understand how their customers engage with music, which by the way is not the same for those 2 specific labels.
Regardless, It's challanging and rewarding to navigate the course, one artist at a time, what might work, what will work, in achieving their goals. There never has been (now more than ever) no single plan, no silver bullet, no fast track to success. Not with genuine artists at least.
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