New Wave Outpost Forum

Gotta wonder about some of the no name bands that get their music posted on the numerous blogs around now. A good majority of these bans that had no more than a single or two are decent--there are also plenty that kinda suck. What amazes me is that the music is usullay 25 to 35 years old. Has not been heard by most, and those that had heard it before probably have not heard these songs in a looong time. The blogs expose their music to the world--great you would think since if was not for the blog they would be long forgotten.
And then on occasion you find a post deleted--requested by the band. The band that most of the world has never heard of. Do these guys think they are so friggin great that they will now make a fortune rereleasing any of this? Do they think that if they have the post deleted--its in their favor? Hell--certainly doesnt make me want to seek their music out and find out what I missed--actually has the opposite effect. Their loss.
Yet on the other hand--if I download from a blog and find I really like something--I DO seek out more-to buy if I can find.
Thoughts?

Randy, I had thought of posting something similar to this a while ago but never got around to it. I too visit many blogs to look for music similar to that which I possess and like. Being from Pittsburgh I can tell you that what I missed encompasses far more than what I heard (You guys from either coast don't know how lucky you were).

Just like you, when I find something I like, I try to find out if the band or artist has any other output which I missed. I then check to see if it is available anywhere on CD and (much to my wife's dismay) I almost always buy it. I don't expect that we are the norm, and that's why record companies & artists want to protect their product, but why the hell would anyone to decrease their exposure when hardly anyone ever heard of them in the first place! Obscure artists are getting exposure to potential customers with no investment whatsoever.

I can see both sides of this at this point in time. I don't think the band is being arrogant - but the band is probably still clinging to the possibility of making just a bit more money off their songs. The music is their creation and so it remains their property. On the other hand the blog is just trying to show the peeps what is out there within a particular genre and (because they like it) giving it some exposure.

The internet is a fantastic crash course in deregulation. How do you regulate something that can't be regulated? Plus - after the gates have been opened - people can't handle being told what to do.

On a positive note - it is always a plus to be able to check something out before you buy it... I am a rare breed... I still buy stuff... but the problem is, of course, MOST PEOPLE AREN"T BUYING it anymore! Folks feel that since they have a computer they are entitled to everything they can access.... which is debatable on many many levels at this point. Wiki Leaks anyone?

I think the internet is a great tool and I can't imagine life without it at this point. But if you're a musician and need to put food on your table at this point - you better have a good agent and be willing to see your songs ending up in television and internet commercials. Some bands get it and realize "the more you give - the more you get" is the way the internet works (eg. Radiohead, Vampire Weekend, Coldplay, Strokes).... to give a free song on the 'net is always a great way to intrigue fans and bring new ones into the fold. It is the best biz model to date - I love scouring the web looking for new acts that will blow me away. I'm sure most people do if you're interested in any art form and time is of the essence.

Since I have a family and can't hit the shows as much anymore I try to support artists I enjoy "any way I can" - mostly by picking up their stuff at the store when its on sale. I feel a degree of commitment to the artists and brick and mortar stores since it is always enjoyable to have such things in your community in the first place.

A song or two - I have no problem. It is when you steal entire catalogues.

I agree with most of the points here, in all the time I have had my blog I have had nothing but positive response from the artists and I am amazed at how many send me personal notes thanking me etc.
I wish I had more time to do it because that is without a doubt the best part.