> Personally, the whole mp3s have killed him as a powerpop artist really
> rubs me the wrong way.  Its a convenient excuse that the labels use, but
> 
> I don't believe it.  I believe the fact that the industry charges
> outrage $$ 
> for CD's that may only have one or two good songs on it is what's forced
> 
> people to the mp3 trading.  The always promised "CD's will be cheaper
> than tapes" just never happened because of the greed of the industry.
> Also, the whole "country fans buy CD's" is another statement I take
> issue with.  I believe thats making a very broad (and inaccurate)
> generalization about certain groups/markets in our society.

I agree...it's a flimsy excuse for throwing in the towel.  BUT There IS a
degree of merit and veracity to the statement that MP3/digital downloading
is hurting labels, small and large.  There is NO question it is here at Not
Lame.  None.  Despite the quality of releases increasing exponentially from
even over a few years ago, sales are down, down, down. Especially on
'existing/present day/new bands'.  Reissues are holding strong for many
labels. Why?  Because of the value-added packaging that helps circumvent and
provide ample reason to purchase the 'real thing' to get the liner notes,
pictures, bonus whatevers.

But blaming MP3 for a demise of a career.  No can hold hands w/ that
statement, either.  It's tough as all hell right now b ut the strong will
survive, corny as that sounds.  My three words to Will would only be: Hang
In There.  

And guess what?  YOUR FREE!  have fun again w/ music!

NL is going to release plenty of cd's this year and next, but guess what?
Most of them are going to wacky, crazy reissues as the economics of labels
are right now is that w/ distributors beating down the few labels left
standing, a label is nets less than a dollar on sale.  Or less.  Niche
labels never sell much.  And these days they sell even less. ;-)

Here's the run down, *very* much streamlined for those you interested.

Production cost(including mastering and art design costs figured in):  $2/
cd
Royalites: $2.50-$3.00
Multitudes of over head costs(salaries, rent, taxes, office supplies,
mailing, etc. et.al.)- $2-$3

Distributors want to see a cd come in to them at $7.00-$7.50 ideally......$8
if you can pull it off.

There ain't much in it.  The only thing saving NL is a few hundred in sales,
hopefully, w/ folks who buy it on the web site for $13.

Why on earth does everyone think most indie labels, like their major label
counterparts, are rolling in big dollars is beyond me.  (know yr not saying
that Kev.....so your clear...but most folks, including artists, really
believe that and it's just not accurate)
> 
> That being said, I *do* believe that Owsley has gotten a truly raw deal
> and
> I feel very bad for him.  Will was one of the nicest artists i've ever
> met.
> I simply approached him before a show one time and he had such a passion
> for his music and fans, it was a blast just to sit and chat with him all
> night
> about the industry.
> 
> Perhaps Will could look into pulling an Aimee.  Buy back his rights
> from the label and go indie, or go to NotLame.

No shame in Not Lame.  ;-)

> 
> I'd love to post my thoughts on the Owsley list, but unfortunately its
> run
> like a communist regime.  Any negative thoughts or comments are
> dealt with harshley, most of the time never making it to the actual list
> and/or deleted from the archives.

Curious, Kev.....what goes on there? That's sounds utterly wacky......just a
love fest w/ no room for dissent, I gather?

You mean, like the Audities list the past few weeks?

;-)

Just kidding.  Jus kiddin'.

> 
> Anyway, I hope for nothing but the best for Will and his family, and
> maybe
> by way of his future Country work for his wife, it'll spark interest in
> him
> again as a solo artist.  Or maybe he could return to his roots and form
> a band once more....maybe a Millard Powers/Ben Folds/Owsley/Ross Rice
> super group again.  wouldn't that be something?
> 
> burried in 3ft of snow,
> 
> -kev

Well, there's no good reason for him to not continue to record, imho.
Obviously, his choice.  Sure, years of frustration w/ the majors has taken
its toll. Understood.  But he made the deal years back and the hell came
home to roost.  And we all know where most major label deals end up for a
huge majority of its artists.  The key is holding on the reason WHY an
artist creates music in the first place.  Then, get going and just DO it.
......he's got the home studio set up, I gather.  And he's nailed the talent
side of things. So why not just record a record  a y ear and  go indie or do
it yourself?  Sure, it's risky.  And terribly easy.   What's the shame in
doing what you want and selling 5,000 cd's versus 50,000?  Not a lot of
money in it, but hey----38,000 releases came out last year and less than
5,000 of them sold OVER 1,000 copies.

The industry and its sales numbers have changed/are changing.  New
definitions of 'success' are evolving. To what, I have not a clue.

But to give up.   Come on, get real.  There's a huge world community ready
to eat up good music if you give to them right.

Peace,
Bruce
Not Lame Recordings