Is The Music Business Dead?

The title by no means signifies that music is dead. No, because as long as humankind exist there will always be music. The issue here is the business of music dead? As record stores become extinct and record labels start to go the way of the dinosaur, is music no longer a money making endeavor? Especially with the advent of the internet, music has been able to diffuse faster but due to the lack of regulation of the web, profits are not what they used to be.

I, for one, am for the decentralization of the “Industry”. Who made the labels the tastemakers of what music should be? Very often many great bands go unsigned because they don’t fit into a marketable mold. And then we have the flip side of talentless tarts who get deals thrown at them because their shallow existence is agreeable to the paying public. For christsake people, Heidi Montag “sang” at the Miss Universe pageant last night. How is it she can be beamed into millions of living rooms across the nation and people in America don’t know who Muse is, and AC/DC & The Ramones are not part of music history? (personally, I did an independent study on the Sex Pistols sophomore year)

Maybe I’m being myopic in my stance. Labels are great at infusing money into the early careers of musicians, but the money is always paid back several times over. Musicians only really make money off of tours and sometimes merch, but CD sells always go back to the hand that feeds. My Basic belief is the money should go to the artists mostly and less to the companies. That’s just me. What do you think? Let Me Know in the comments.

it's been a long time

So, I'm moved into my new place...Yay! It's a-mazing. My roommates are exceptional and sweet. Right now, I'm sitting on my bed listening to the new Two Tongues album and eating peach rings (nutritious). The album is OK. It got rave reviews as it being the best material that Max Bemis (of Say Anything) or Chris Conley (of Saves the Day) had ever put out in their previous efforts. WRONG! Is A Real Boy is an amazing album, damn near epic, but not quite. I admit that parts of it are a bit histrionic, but given that's where the Bemis' head space was, it was pitch perfect. And yes, I'm biased, it is one of my favorite albums. But I didn't even bother with Defense of the Genre. Wasn't impressed. Maybe it is true that genius is a step away from psychosis. I'm glad that Bemis is more balanced now, but it doesn't make for any interesting songs, sadly. I suppose I'd rather have luke warm songs then the singer being committed again. I digress.
What I'm looking forward to hearing is the new Meg & Dia album. I haven't heard it at all yet so I don't know what I'm in for so we will see. It's supposed to be their most personal album yet. I'll let you know after I listen to it.
The other day, at the record store, we noticed something interesting. It seems that what ever music you are into in your adolescence, tends to be an indicator of your musical tastes for the rest of your life. My first albums were: Tragic Kingdom, Jagged Little Pill, Garbage, and Sheryl Crow. All on cassette. Spiderwebs came on the loud speakers at the store and memories of me dancing on my bed with the hair brush singing along with Gwen Stefani all came back. Everyone remembers their first album, it's like a first kiss, it can be amazing, or embarrassing. What was yours?
While I like a lot of indie pop, classic rock, etc., I still have a special place for girl fronted rock bands. Can't help it. It's at my musical core.

Starting New

Hello Ladies and Gents!!!
Welcome to the new site. I'm starting a new chapter in my life and thought I should do my best to document it as well as other points of interest. You see, I left everything I knew to move to New York City. Amazing, adventurous, and scary all at the same time. It's quite an experience. I moved here to pursue a dream as a media manager. Basically it's a band manager. So far things are going swell. I intern for this great band Black Taxi and I manage a friends band Living in Polaroids. It's an enchanted life, but it's not easy. I will be chronicalling my adventures for your amusement. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.