Many of us have just gotten used to the idea of finding unsigned, self-recorded singers and bands on MySpace, then getting to listen to their songs for the first time. The independent, almost socialistic, system gave hundreds of people a feeling of freedom that doesn’t come with buying a CD from one of the major labels.

Now we hear that MySpace Music (music.myspace.com) launched with four major labels, EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal participating with their catalogs. Sure, there is The Orchard, identified as an independent distributor, but something is wrong with the picture, in the minds of the true indie operatives.
Because of the backing of these major corporations and the advertising that is attracted to the MySpace Music world, songs are free, for all practical purposes. Now, it’s true that independent artists and self-produced singers may get some good exposure on this site eventually, and may benefit from the many users attracted to the site by big-name stars.

There isn’t enough space here to get into the legality issues, but some are concerned that the download price could be so low as to raise questions of price-fixing and collusion. I’ll leave that to the lawyers. But with major labels involved, the Web-based MySpace Music may already be a very valuable commodity.
For insight into how some of the indie folks feel about being left behind, read the excellent article from AP Tech Writer Rachel Metz. It’s an eye-opener.

[tags]whose space[/tags]

To hundreds, even thousands of struggling musicians, it seems the mountain is too high to climb. For those who are starting out as performers, the first goal may be to get a contract with a major recording company. From there, it’s only a matter of time before that talented individual becomes a star, right? But that climb to a spot high enough to get noticed and signed by a major label is sometimes dream-crushing.

Read this statement from the well-known Taj Mahal, from the foreword of a book called The NPR Curious Listener’s Guide to Blues.

“The music business has changed. Its earlier incarnation was of music lovers who got involved in commerce. Just like everything else, that group of people has moved on, and what has taken over is a group of people less interested in the music than in the business. So, with marketing and the record companies and media consolidation, there’s less art for art’s sake.

Of course, that’s where indie music comes in. Independent labels and self-produced CDs, along with Web download capability, have helped spread music more quickly, and widely, than ever before. There is a small percentage of industry people who still rely on the major-label method. But the numbers in the indie world continue to grow, in a challenge to the status quo.

[tags]what’s the truth[/tags]

Of course. Doesn’t every performer, young or old, want to have thousands of fans and a popular CD that is played around the world?

There is actually a Web site that uses this idea, and the phrase itself.

At www.want2bdiscovered.com budding artists can try to get exposure and publicity through the online world. This may not be much different from other music promotion sites, but at least the name and the “mission statement” put it at the grassroots level. Of course, this short review isn’t meant to be an endorsement of the site or what it offers. This is meant only to open another door in the music world.

The site claims to be able to get record deals and organize performances in front of thousands. The live streaming of “competitions and showcases” could help as well. The site does have an extensive list of performers.

Here’s what some of the promotional material states, “Want2bdiscovered.com has marketed this website to thousands of A&R reps, record labels, managers, promoters, producers & talent scouts so that your new music will get to the most important people in the industry. When someone in the music industry is interested in your music, they will contact us and we will provide them with your music and contact information or they can access your email address and/or phone number listed on your page. There is NO charge for creating a profile! It’s FREE for all Genres of music!!”

[tags]want to be discovered, a&r[/tags]

I want to offer a few thoughts on this wonderful gathering, though I do have a confession to make. When I started to think about some of the indie music festivals and concerts across the country, it was easy to believe that a “happening” city such as San Diego had a festival that had been running for many years, if not decades.

But as I have discovered, this beautiful city has enjoyed the indie fest just four times. That’s right; the San Diego Indie Fest began in 2005 and will mark its fifth year in 2009. I was a bit surprised by that. I don’t have time or room enough to explain why.

Let the people responsible speak. “The San Diego Indie Music Festival is the brainchild of Alicia Champion, president and founder of Champ Records, and Danielle Lo Presti, president and founder of Say It Records.”

Or, how about these words from a local observer of the scene. “With little down time between acts, its unique setting, and that impressive talent lineup, this festival looks to be one of the premiere indie music events on San Diego’s annual musical calendar, and shouldn’t be missed by any music fan.” Bart Mendoza, San Diego Citybeat.

As with another festival from the west coast, Pickathon, in Oregon, the San Diego gathering may be one that calls for a road trip!

San Diego Indie Fest on MySpace

[tags]san diego indie fest[/tags]