Scribesmeister v4 (In Zero Gravity)

It was no rumor that Harvey Danger lets their listeners download their latest “Little by Little” album for free - readily available from their website. Yes, Pangz, the news is awesome. But you’ll find this even more interesting…they are not the only band who are doing this sort of seemingly scheming charity. Actually some bands, if not most,allow their fans to directly download sample music (one or two songs) from their websites - it may not exactly be their best single, but there’s no cash out.

Just recently, I read about Radiohead surprising their fans with their latest album with a price tag of what? Drop-any-number amount. Swell.

Long after Prince started sending out his 3121 album records across UK, Nine Inch Nails urged their concert audience to stay away from pirates selling cheap stuff and just get free music from them, Smashing Pumpkins had let go of authentic copies of Machina II and gave a go signal for redistribution. Whether people see it as an anti-marketing campaign or a marketing strategy - these bands want to prove one thing: it isn’t about money. It’s not even to heighten popularity. They say, it’s all about reaching out to a loyal audience. If they believe in you, would people let you stop making quality music by not supporting artists? If not for giving them recognition for all the effort it took to produce these albums - at least by attending concerts and telling everyone how much you love the free music you got. Thus, giving you more reasons to love them.

Besides, why would they still try to climb up the top when they’re already at the peak of their career? Maybe it’s an anti-piracy move or a rebellion against abusive (to talents) recording companies. Haha. But of course, those are just my weird guesses.

If you want the real deal, you have to read this:

Harvey Danger [buy album online, get it from record stores or get it for free and share it with your friends. make a contribution if you feel like it]

At the risk of sounding Pollyanna-ish, making records has never been about making money for this band. If the worst thing that happens is a whole bunch of people hear Little By Little… and no one buys it, we’ll know our experiment was costly. But that won’t make it a failure.

Radiohead [it's-up-to-you experimental pricing.album hasn't been released yet, but it will be..SOON *Oct 10. 2007*!pre-order and get it for any amount. If you're feeling generous, go ahead and pay in full. Wait 'til my Paypal account gets activated. Charing!]

It’s not like Radiohead’s living in a different world. But they’re playing by a different rule book. One that says the money flows from the music, that people have to believe in you, that you’ve got to treat them right.

This is big news. This says the major labels are fucked. Untrustworthy with a worthless business model. Radiohead doesn’t seem to care if the music is free. Not that they believe it will be. Because believers will give you ALL THEIR MONEY! - Bob Lefsetz

Hmm…or maybe it’s just their way of saying thanks to all supporters and f**k off to all losers trying to kill the music industry.

Well, looks like the best things in life are for… (oh come on, don’t act dumb)

ME! Haha.

Update:  Oasis and Jamiroquai to follow Radiohead