Ben Weasel Release
Ben Weasel's newest release.
I know there are a bunch of people out there that feel strongly about the subject of Ben Weasel releasing his newest production on ITunes only and I respect their feelings on this subject (even though I do own an IPOD). I must say that I do support the idea of creating digital only releases (for the ability for the bands & DIY labels to produce great music at a lower price), but feel that the way this marketed through ITunes, is being done is hypocritical to the punk rock, DIY mentality by one of the pioneers of DIY punk rock.
My friend Dave from Jailhouse deals first hand with the retribution of this type of deal & wrote a really good "rant" (for lack of a better word) about his feelings in regard to the ethics of it all. (see below).
The Following was Written By Dave at Jailhouse Records and published with his permission;
www.jailhousedistro.com (Great DIY Record Label)It is rather disheartening to know that Ben Weasel, one of the people I have looked up to most of my life, has released his new solo album solely on I-tunes!! A corporate, ultra capitalistic company who has done more to harm the independent music scene, and DIY ethic than almost anyone I can think of. Besides maybe Warped tour?
Where is our scene going? The current state of music, especially punk rock really need to stand back and take a look at itself, and realize "What the hell is going on!?)
I will now never be able to listen to the new Ben Weasel album, because I refuse to submit to these "Lie Tunes" or whatever new companies pop up everyday.
As an independent label, how the hell do you compete with this crap without sacrificing your soul, or at least a piece of your independent dignity?
We are trying to combat the digital thing, by offering our own DIY digital downloads of all of our albums and consignment albums via our new website, but it's certainly no I-tunes.
Like I've said before, please continue to make a statement as a punk, by giving the middle finger to these companies, and though it is tempting sometimes to utilized these modern means of distribution, and companies like Sonic bids, and crap, try to stick to what the scene meant to you when you first became involved.
To me it meant, and still means, hard work, diy ethics, non compliance to corporate entities, self reliance, and maintaining a sort of "co-op" community within the scene in which we all share common values, and rely on Each Other, instead of the powers that be, in order to succeed, and to survive.
Right now there are companies that are struggling Suburban Home Cabana 1 Studs&Spikes Asian Man Valiant Death Jailhouse! Records and thousands more that are sticking to the ethics in which our scene was founded on without compromise, but yet, people are more willing to head over to mp3.com or to I-tunes, or to become a bitch for Rockstar Energy, or Warped Tour, or any other pay to play (or play to battle) company, venue, or label.
For example go to www.punkplanet.com and take a look at all the independent culture magazines that have shut down, not due to postal rate increases, but due to lack of support by advertisers, and readers. It's a damn shame.
P.S. when you pick up the next issue of Alternative Press, and their compilation CD's that are included in most issues, realize that these bands and their labels have PAID GOOD MONEY, to appear in these issues, and most of the reviews that are good, they have PAID GOOD MONEY for. Compilation tracks on AP's comps, are approximately 4-1200 bucks a piece depending on track placement. Request a media kit from these thieves, and inquire about advertising with them and what they can do for your band in return. You will see what I'm talking about., I did this, They are liars, and thieves, and their rag is good for nothing but to use in the fireplace.
To check out Jailhouse! Records go to; www.jailhousedistro.com
I know there are a bunch of people out there that feel strongly about the subject of Ben Weasel releasing his newest production on ITunes only and I respect their feelings on this subject (even though I do own an IPOD). I must say that I do support the idea of creating digital only releases (for the ability for the bands & DIY labels to produce great music at a lower price), but feel that the way this marketed through ITunes, is being done is hypocritical to the punk rock, DIY mentality by one of the pioneers of DIY punk rock.
My friend Dave from Jailhouse deals first hand with the retribution of this type of deal & wrote a really good "rant" (for lack of a better word) about his feelings in regard to the ethics of it all. (see below).
The Following was Written By Dave at Jailhouse Records and published with his permission;
www.jailhousedistro.com (Great DIY Record Label)It is rather disheartening to know that Ben Weasel, one of the people I have looked up to most of my life, has released his new solo album solely on I-tunes!! A corporate, ultra capitalistic company who has done more to harm the independent music scene, and DIY ethic than almost anyone I can think of. Besides maybe Warped tour?
Where is our scene going? The current state of music, especially punk rock really need to stand back and take a look at itself, and realize "What the hell is going on!?)
I will now never be able to listen to the new Ben Weasel album, because I refuse to submit to these "Lie Tunes" or whatever new companies pop up everyday.
As an independent label, how the hell do you compete with this crap without sacrificing your soul, or at least a piece of your independent dignity?
We are trying to combat the digital thing, by offering our own DIY digital downloads of all of our albums and consignment albums via our new website, but it's certainly no I-tunes.
Like I've said before, please continue to make a statement as a punk, by giving the middle finger to these companies, and though it is tempting sometimes to utilized these modern means of distribution, and companies like Sonic bids, and crap, try to stick to what the scene meant to you when you first became involved.
To me it meant, and still means, hard work, diy ethics, non compliance to corporate entities, self reliance, and maintaining a sort of "co-op" community within the scene in which we all share common values, and rely on Each Other, instead of the powers that be, in order to succeed, and to survive.
Right now there are companies that are struggling Suburban Home Cabana 1 Studs&Spikes Asian Man Valiant Death Jailhouse! Records and thousands more that are sticking to the ethics in which our scene was founded on without compromise, but yet, people are more willing to head over to mp3.com or to I-tunes, or to become a bitch for Rockstar Energy, or Warped Tour, or any other pay to play (or play to battle) company, venue, or label.
For example go to www.punkplanet.com and take a look at all the independent culture magazines that have shut down, not due to postal rate increases, but due to lack of support by advertisers, and readers. It's a damn shame.
P.S. when you pick up the next issue of Alternative Press, and their compilation CD's that are included in most issues, realize that these bands and their labels have PAID GOOD MONEY, to appear in these issues, and most of the reviews that are good, they have PAID GOOD MONEY for. Compilation tracks on AP's comps, are approximately 4-1200 bucks a piece depending on track placement. Request a media kit from these thieves, and inquire about advertising with them and what they can do for your band in return. You will see what I'm talking about., I did this, They are liars, and thieves, and their rag is good for nothing but to use in the fireplace.
To check out Jailhouse! Records go to; www.jailhousedistro.com
