IT AIN’T WHAT YOU DO, IT’S THE WAY THAT YOU DO IT….AND THAT’S WHAT GETS RESULTS

A GUEST POSTING by flimflamfan

In recent times, some artists have taken to social media to decry the ripping off of artists and fans by: record companies, venues streaming platforms and ticket agencies. It could be argued that this ‘outpouring’ is genuine in nature and it might well be (for some), but I can’t help but get the sense that it is little more that political (small p) posturing for the majority.

This stream of consciousness may get a little messy. I apologise in advance if it fizzles out, is contradictory, or makes little sense.

Artists who are, or define themselves as independent or DIY, can often seem like arch hypocrites, particularly if they have had a loyal following for some time before making it ‘big’ and then begin to milk fans.

I don’t begrudge any artist the hope and/or possibility of making money from their art. I’d actually say (of myself) that I encourage it as I want to hear more new music, or in days gone past – hear/see artists live.

That’s said, I’m becoming increasingly irked, at those that claim they are victims of the music industry while creating ‘victims’ of fans.

Of course, any fan can choose not to engage with a particular artist and its wares. A fan can decide to buy just the CD rather than the signed CD with postcard, or the LP, or the LP with signed postcard or limited-edition vinyl in every colour of the rainbow – each colour limited to just 500 copies, challenging the very notion of ‘limited’.

The thing is, in my experience (based on my listening and buying preferences) it’s not just the majors that are involved in this rather shady practice but so-called independent bands, labels and record shops.

In recent years, much has been made of the impact of vinyl on the environment. The latest wheeze – eco and bio vinyl editions to meet ‘demand’. These, of course, can carry a premium. Bundles too have become absurd. Bands I name here I do so for illustrative purposes only, mostly to use up-to-date info. And so it is that Franz Ferdinand is releasing 11 versions off its new LP, The Human Fear. From Direct Download (£7.99) to Deluxe Bundle (£85) and all that lies between. I fail to see the need for these overblown bundles? Franz Ferdinand fans may disagree and may buy all 11.

Vinyl, is of course, an easy target given its prominence in all things independent but the ‘limited edition’ releases of CDs, books etc., can be disingenuous at best. A recent book release re: independent scene was trailed with ‘limited’ and ‘signed’. It sold out. Miraculously, it re-emerged just as limited and signed days later. Copies were plentiful.

Confession… I’m not sure I’ve ever streamed a song. I’m not even sure of the terminology? Does Bandcamp stream? I’ve bought stuff from it, but I don’t listen to music on it. Bands have been extremely vocal about certain sites, most notably Spotify, and its hold over the market and their income. Some time ago, some artists removed some or all of their music from Spotify – most have since added their ‘content’ again. It seems to me to be a most unhealthy relationship and one in which if the artist was living in the same house as Spotify, I’d urge the artist to leave, as the harm one day could prove fatal. There are many reasons why someone may collude with their abuser (may need to collude), however, I’m not clear on the rationale of moaning inaction. What purpose does it serve?

And so, we move to venues. Pay to play has long strangled creativity in Glasgow. I assume it could be a similar story elsewhere? It’s not new, but it is largely accepted. Again, I appreciate a venue has overheads and needs to make a profit, but as a business it is risk by definition. Venues are closing in increasing number (so the news informs me) and on some occasions I say, “good!”. That may be too candid, but it is how I’ve felt when certain announcements have been made; the press release reading as if the business offered it services free of charge to the ‘community’ and that the business itself was akin to a charity. No doubt there are supportive venues out there. Venues that seek profit, but not at any cost. Venues that understand the basic principle of making money at the bar rather than from a band making its live debut.

Next. Tickets companies. As most of us will know from the recent reunion of a certain band, it’s apparent that the band/artist when selling tickets via a specific platform can have clauses that not only set the ticket price but protect that ticket price. Despite this fact, many well-known artists with influence took to social media to claim they had “no control” – e.g., step forward the Manchester singer. This is/was clearly bollocks. Not wanting responsibility is rather different to having no control. No artist is a victim in this charade. As with release bundles, tickets can now be sold as bundles and independent bands are very much into this sordid practice. They go by many names but seem to largely coalesce under the banner of VIP. Recent VIP tickets of seemingly ‘independent’ bands that may, or may not, have included: access to soundchecks, photos with the band, signed merch, meet and greet the band, access to after-show and disco. I find it a tad much for these ’independent’ bands to attempt to take the moral high ground against Ticketmaster when they’re fleecing fans with Bundle tickets to cover the cost of their after-show party!?

I’ve no idea why I awoke with all of the jumbled in my head this morning. I hope it’s a less jumbled read? My motto: a morality sold cannot be moaned (clearly, I just made that up right now).

Now. To clean that cupboard. A moany gits life is full to the brim with such workaday pleasures.

flimflamfan

JC adds………

As you all hopefully are aware, I encourage the submission of guest articles, reviews and postings on any subject under the sun, as long as there is a musical connection of some sort.  FFF’s piece arrived last week, but it’s taken a few days for me to find the space to have it appear….and indeed, there’s a couple more guest offerings that have been submitted in recent times that have taken a while longer than is ideal to be readied for publication, but they will be here in due course.

FFF didn’t make any suggestion as to what song(s) should and will appear to accompany his piece.   I have just the one song on the hard drive with the word ‘greedy’ in its title.  Its title kind of feels appropriate today.

mp3: The Westfield Mining Disaster – Greedy Bastards, Save Your Souls!

Released in 2010 on the album Big Ideas From Small Places.