I’m sitting here listening to the new Nine Inch Nails offering (it’s purty good) because I have to review it for one of the alt weeklies in Louisville. In honor of Trent & Co., please enjoy this Vulcanized version of “Closer.”

I’m fascinated by all this bucking of the system, as it were, considering how little money musicians actually make from album sales (unless they’re like Madonna or something). The Slip is available as a DRM-free download and the multi-track versions are available for people who want to do remixes. Of course it could be argued that Reznor and Radiohead don’t need the money that potential sales could garner therefore it’s easier to try new adventures in record releasing. However, it only takes a spark to light a fire or some such cliché, and it will be interesting to see how these new models trickle down to smaller bands (or have they trickled up? Is this voodoo economics?).

Rolling Stone has a story today about Rock’s New Economy and what smart artists are doing to make money in the face of lagging sales (licensing, merch and touring, etc). It’s interesting to figure that most major label bands would have to go Gold before they see a dime off royalties.

That said, I don’t mean to pan the major label system. The giants have a place at the table. Some of my closest friends work at majors and it’s tough to see them dealing with an ever shrinking environment when they are dedicated and work hard… to bring us Hannah Montana… just kitten!

However, I hope that from the current state of semi-controlled chaos something great can rise above and we’ll all get to be a part of it. Maybe it’s rising now.

In other news, longtime SXSW friend Bill Bentley (he who was the drummer in The Bizarros, a long ago Austin band that featured Sterling Morrison from the Velvet Underground), has launched a new site (along with managing editor Amanda Hanson) aimed at old folks talkin’ ’bout the old style too (to quote Peter, Bjorn & John)… I keed, as Sonic Boomers features music and cultural news and info that will help keep the 50 is the new 30 set au courant. Contributing writers come from such prestigious lands as Rolling Stone, Paste, The New York Times, The Washington Post,and NPR to name a few. Check it out (and tell me if there’s an RSS feed anywhere. I want to subscribe!)

Our email is down so I’m sure there’s other exciting stories to tell hidden within the depths of lost to Mother Nature server land. You shall just have to enjoy them next week!

Have a splendid weekend, lp

ps. Email me at musicblog@sxsw.com, if you like. I might get it one day!

Original post by LP

Posted: May 16th, 2008 under Linda Park, Latest News.
Comments: none