Interesting read on the business of music these days.

[www.forbes.com]

Bizarre, innit?

Thanks for sharing the article. No matter the format, 78 cassette, mp3, the record companies take advantage of the artists. Amanda Palmer and Hanson have the right idea by being totally independent. It's scary for artists to be out there own their own but, the standard record contract offers false security.

When The Rolling Stones did the club gig in London in the summer of 1999, the fleet of people carriers that brought the family and close friends to the venue were clearly labelled... "The Empire Strikes Back".

Because of the venue of course.

--
Captain Corella
60 Years a Fan

good read for all those who bought for years the story of the "poor young artists exploited from those who download music on the internet"

fro thomas edison to tidal, same old story

Would be really nice to see some artists band together and start their own label even. Give the middle finger to the existing major labels.

Hopefully indie distributors/labels allow the artists to take back what they deserve.

That being said, a lot of modern artists don't deserve any money for the rubbish they put out. Feel sorry for the good ones though.

Quote
woodyweaving
Would be really nice to see some artists band together and start their own label even. Give the middle finger to the existing major labels.

Hopefully indie distributors/labels allow the artists to take back what they deserve.

That being said, a lot of modern artists don't deserve any money for the rubbish they put out. Feel sorry for the good ones though.

Jimmy Buffett started his very own label in 1999. He started a label in 1992 but it was with MCA. He hated MCA. They really screwed him over - and continue to. Mailboat is totally its own. He learned... and has cut down on costs of production (which is hilarious considering the packaging is fantastic) while able to make more money on sales ($5 to $6 per copy). He said it involves 6 people when time to release something for regional distribution. He teamed up with RCA for distribution on two of his albums.

Dave Matthews and Michael McDonald started ATO Records, which has quite a collection of underground artists.

Jason Isbell has his own label, Southeastern, named after his album.

So there are artists out there doing it themselves.

sufjan stevens = asthmatic kitty records