Chugging Cans Of Riff Rock In Sleeveless T-Shirts
By Amber Goodwyn
There’s an interesting article by Greg Sandoval up on The Verge about the early pioneers of the give-away-music-for-free-on-the-Internet phenomenon (Radiohead, Trent Reznor et al) re-examining their stances a few years on. Unfortunately, the imagined utopia of cutting out the middle man was subverted by A) consumers’ increasing demands for free music in general and most often opting out of paying for it when they could, and B) big companies co-opting the free music model and reduced the value of music by basically giving it away for free in exchange for ad revenue. The article ends abruptly without much of a suggestion as to what the fuck musicians should try to do in the wake of these new conclusions, which took the air out of my water wings. I suppose the Titanic that is the music industry will continue to navigate the icy Internet waters for a while longer, though a few have made it off the boat just fine: Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls recently gave a rousing TED talk about her financial success thanks to fan-powered marketing.
Personally, I believe that neither scenario reflects the realities of most independent musicians. I suggest that bands and fans of independent music seek out small labels, which can act as curators of music content and usually operate with a focus on community-building and financial fairness.
I GOTTA GET THIS JUNO INFECTION CHECKED
Top of my list for this issue is the Bison BC and Black Thunder show at The Exchange on Thursday, April 18. Black Thunder will release their new CD, Through the Mirror, a concept album which they assure me is “awesome”. Bison BC’s stoner metal and harmonized guitars are also not to be missed. If drones and tones are more your style, search the web for an invite to a new music party happening at a private home in town that same night. Hint: dorkbot Regina and holophon are implicated.
YODELAYHEEHOO!
I am hip deep into yodeling music these days after checking out wreckthismess’ Wreck Yodel Extreme Mixcloud playlist. I’ve found it thrilling to encounter the singing style in non-folk contexts like new music, experimental electronica et plus. /Amber Goodwyn
In my ears: Eleanor Hovda’s yodel-inflected Song in High Grasses.
ag@prairiedogmag.com