Re: [microsound] small label deals

[derek holzer <derek@xxxxxxx>]

To add another dimension here, consider this:

After conversations with several small-label owners and self-releasing 
artists, I've drawn the conclusion that most of these ventures are 
pretty much just self-sustaining. After the costs of producing and 
promoting the release, anything that comes back turns into seed capital 
for the next release.

So for me, the question is of intention. If the intent is to put more 
physical merchandise into the world, then this is probably still a good 
way to go. But what is the point of that merchandise? No one's going to 
make any money on it in the long run. To me, a CD is just a method of 
distributing content, something like a calling card. The only way just 
about *any* experimental artist is going to make a living is through 
selling their time and prescence through commissions, lectures, 
installations, performances, workshops and so on. [Or at least that's 
how I do it, as a full-time working artist.] But certainly *not* from 
selling CDs. Hands up if you know *anyone* besides Green Day that 
actually lives on record sales...

So, if the point is to get your material out there so people can hear 
it, and from that make a living from personal appearences and so on, 
then you might consider other methods beyond a limited-run CD release. 
I've found weblabels to be great for this, as there is a minimum of 
money and a minimum of fuss involved in this method of distribution.

OTOH, having a great-looking CD out in the racks or in your hand to give 
to people is also a great way of spreading the message. I really do 
wonder if it reaches more or less people than on the web, espc 
considering that there are at least 1000 copies of each 12K release [for 
example] floating around on Slsk, Gnutella, EDonkey, Bittorrent, 
Hotline, etc at any given moment.

So, if you find a label that is willing to do all those cool things like 
the artwork, promo and distribution, give it a shot. But unless it's a 
label with some brand-name recognition, you might reach a wider public 
via other, less costly channels. Just a thought, certainly nothing 
conclusive...

best,
derek


--
derek holzer ::: http://www.umatic.nl
---Oblique Strategy # 36:
"Consult other sources
-promising
-unpromising"

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