DSOP wrote:Gerry wrote:And as far as jazz/minority music goes, I question why so many of you are getting het up about things. Are any of you making millions from royalties? Are your fusion/jazz heroes making millions? Record pressings used to be in the thousands (not even tens of thousands) so the internet has broadened horizons for many artists. Apart from a handful who had universal appeal and global success, the majority of jazz artists I used to see in the 80s and 90s recorded albums, once more, as a promotional tool to get better paid gigs/tours. So, things never changed for them. Did you ever talk to these guys after gigs? Attend workshops and ask questions about the business side of things? I did. I can't have been the only one.
Please, if you want to spew a bunch crap like that, please back it up with specific examples. And who said anything about "making millions"? Most people just want to earn a comfortable living wage. Did you even read what Scott Henderson said in his post?
If you're stealing music, you're breaking the law, never mind the fact that you're HURTING MUSICIANS LIVELIHOODS.
Firstly, I don't steal music. I listen to music totally legally online for free, I don't need to steal it. I also buy music, but not as much as I used to.
Secondly, I did read Scott Henderson's post. Whether he/you/I like it or not, the current generation expect music for free. That has to be factored into any new business model. No point whining about how things used to be. Those days are gone. There are alternatives/new ways of making money. I see them all the time. Medeski Martin and Wood recently ran a subscription for an online workshop and concert, for example.
When I studied music we had people coming in all the time to talk about the industry. I also had dealings (not business) with a guy who ran a jazz/blues record label. He now runs festivals. PM me if you want to know who (I doubt you'll ever have heard of him). Doesn't make me an expert, but it was an eye opener. Granted, record sales formed/form part of the income for a lot of jazz musicians, but for many - especially the lesser known names - records were leverage that helped to form a fan base/establish a reputation, which helped them get gigs. Historically, that's the way it used to be (read any autobiography of jazz guys who lived through the 20s/30s/40s). We seem to have returned to those times (and for many it's always been like that).
Incidentally, did you ever make a tape of something when you were a teenager?
Perhaps recorded a song from the radio?
Did you ever make a tape for a friend?
Tape of a record you borrowed...perhaps from a library?
Ever watched a yootoob vid that violates copyright? (someone uploaded an old video they made of a TV special).
If the answer to any of the above is yes, then reach for that loaded revolver in the desk, place it to your temple and...hang on, perhaps this isn't so black and white? Hmm...I did all the above. I don't consider myself a thief and I do support artists I like.