E-Music and Me

I just read this article on ABC's new site that's talking about big name artists Jay-Z and Madonna jumping ship from major labels, who apparently just dont get it yet, instead taking multimillion dollar deals with concert promoter Live Nation.

OK yea, I get it, people are addicted to ipods and itunes. CD's are overpriced and the labels are ripping everyone, including the artists off.

I hate major labels, yes. But where I have a problem with all of this is, I like record stores. And I'm not totally on the internet music bandwagon yet. Call me old fashioned but when I buy something I like to have it in my hands afterwards.

I guess I sort of have it set in my head that if music that is online, its music someone already went to the record store and bought.. and that gives me the comfort in knowing that there will be a physical copy I can buy for myself. A CD with artwork lyrics and stuff, in a record store where I can browse and thumb through other CD's.

I dunno, maybe I need to get with the times and realise music is just data and the concept of an album as a work of art is just no more.

All Ages Movement

Here's a cool thing people can get behind. It's the All Ages Movement.

This is an issue thats pretty close to me. For almost all of my old band Fingertight's existence as a local band we've had to deal with the All Ages issue. Basically, teens like live music, but the only venues where live music can be seen is in bars or clubs that only allow "21+" as it was always posted on the fliers. Where do adults under 21, and more importantly, minors (who anyone in the scene knows are the ones that actually support bands)

Anyway, this group is trying to raise awareness to this issue. Check em out.
http://www.allagesmovementproject.org/

The Death of Hyphy

Not that I'm a fan or anything but this is a great example of how the powers that be can crush a local music movement. As I read this I kept being reminded of my feelings toward local radio for not ever supporting my band or other talented local rock acts.

http://www.sfweekly.com/2008-02-20/news/the-demise-of-hyphy/

Specifically, [KMEL]

• yanked local rappers with buzzworthy records from rotation over petty personal beefs

• made it difficult, if not impossible, for artists not aligned with favored promoters to get access to station personnel

• ignored the advice of its own DJs on potential hit records by local artists

• put the kibosh on efforts to spread hyphy in other regions

• engaged in blatant favoritism toward certain artists, alongside other activities that contributed to the fragmentation of the local hip-hop community

• employed a two-tiered promotion system for major-label and independent acts

its a good read. Rappers are lame but it still sucks when suits shut down the local scene for political bullshit.