In light of recent musical developments I’m going to do something in that I’m going to showcase an artist who is already appeared on the blog once.
In case you’ve been hiding under a rock Radiohead has just released their latest album. That in and of itself isn’t really the amazing part. They have decided to release it via the Web prior to being in stores. What’s different is that they a have not set of price. Instead, they are allowing their fans to choose what it is worth to them. Actually, the concept isn’t really that amazing. Bands have been doing this for quite awhile. The main reason why it is news worthy it is because it’s a major band.
Essentially they are lucky. They have been able to use the machinery that so many people are angry with. They have used it to gain a huge following. It is because they have a huge following that they can now safely release music on their own. They have enough fans that they can sustain a career. I can name you five artists right now doing this same thing. Unfortunately they don’t have the benefit of having been put through the machinery. Thus their story gets ignored.
Along comes Trent Reznor, who had days later announced that his next record will also be priced by the fans themselves. Nine Inch Nails is the name of his band. Just like Radiohead Trent is making news. Also like Radiohead Trent has had the benefits of being signed to a label. Regardless I’m a fan of both of them.
So as I stated today marks the first time I’m going to showcase a band for a second time that isn’t directly related to me. I can remember the first time I heard this song. I can remember the girl I met dancing to this song. I was in Colorado in a club in Denver. It was a damn good time. Her name was Tammy. We dated for several months and eventually I moved away. Months later she started dating my old roommate and eventually they got married. See, there’s that Good Luck Chuck thing happening.
I strongly believe that music is worth something. It’s the primary drive behind me doing this blog. What’s your feeling about it? Is music worth something to you? Why do some people believe it should be free?
(** Disclaimer: If Trent’s old label decides to put a hole in my head, I’ll have to put a hole in the server where this audio resides. The post will remain to show that I believe it’s best to cater to fans – not fight them. **)