I price downloads as Pay What You Want, so you can have that for whatever price you'd like to pay. For the physical CDs, I'm charging $10-12 so that I can recoup the cost of making the CDs (mostly paying the musicians, licensing fees, recording, mastering, replication, etc.). Plus, they're going to come with a real spiffy package!
I would SO love it if my music was torrented 100,000 times. The more the merrier!
And AC...there's no way that it equates to 100,000 missed sales. Most people who torrent fall under two categories: those who would never buy the music anyway, and those who are looking to see if they like it before purchasing more. The former category is worthless, and the latter category are the potential fans that free downloads capture.
That's why all my music is on Bandcamp and fully streamable before purchase. I'd much rather have people be able to listen and decide if they are fans before spending any money. This way, I know that the people purchasing my music are fans and potential long-term backers. I'll take that over one-time disappointed purchasers anyday!
Thanks so much for writing about the remix project! I was so blown away when Spek sent me the tracks and can't wait to release both my album and his remix album next month.
As far as "infringement" goes, I don't believe there is any going on here. I have paid for the rights to record all the Nick Drake tunes, so that's covered. And since Spek is giving away the recordings of the remixes, not selling them, I don't believe he's infringing on anyone. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's illegal to remix anything if no money is changing hands. And as Mike has pointed out, Jay-Z is all for people using his tracks how they see fit, as am I.
Sander's comment above makes me happy and encouraged about the state of things. It's precisely this kind of connect that I'm after as an artist and a human being. It's a bit sad that he was so surprised by my email response to him. That just speaks to the fact that we've gotten SO far away from personal connection that it is now the exception, not the rule. I hope that will change and am doing my part!
And LC...I don't think it's so much that you need to have a solid fan base as that you need to have the willingness to search out your would-be fans. The internet makes that so much easier. Artists willing to put some time into it are reaping the benefits!
And I can tell you that it is definitely a cumulative effect so far. What Mike didn't talk about was my Micropatronage (fan-funding) programs that have helped me raise fund for my last album and my tour. About 85% of the people who gave to my first program (CD) also gave to my second program (tour). They were also my biggest advocates in getting the word out the 2nd time around. So far so good!
And I think the key is that PWYW allows the consumer to decide what the product/service is worth TO THEM. The CD may be worth $1 to one person and $50 to another. I'm just giving them the opportunity (and the prodding) to make that decision. As you say, people generally do want to support things they like and will do so if asked.
Re:
NOT if the creators think it's fair. It may be unfair to you in your circumstance, but it's totally fair to me.
Re: Re: 100,000 potential sales
Thanks for even considering it. ;)
I price downloads as Pay What You Want, so you can have that for whatever price you'd like to pay. For the physical CDs, I'm charging $10-12 so that I can recoup the cost of making the CDs (mostly paying the musicians, licensing fees, recording, mastering, replication, etc.). Plus, they're going to come with a real spiffy package!
Re: Re: 100,000 potential sales
thanks for the clarification!
/dumb
Re: Re: Re:
Amen!
100,000 potential sales
I would SO love it if my music was torrented 100,000 times. The more the merrier!
And AC...there's no way that it equates to 100,000 missed sales. Most people who torrent fall under two categories: those who would never buy the music anyway, and those who are looking to see if they like it before purchasing more. The former category is worthless, and the latter category are the potential fans that free downloads capture.
That's why all my music is on Bandcamp and fully streamable before purchase. I'd much rather have people be able to listen and decide if they are fans before spending any money. This way, I know that the people purchasing my music are fans and potential long-term backers. I'll take that over one-time disappointed purchasers anyday!
Jason
http://music.oneworkingmusician.com
Now there's a video!
For those of you worried about infringement this might just make your head explode, but Spek has now make the remix into a video! Check it out at http://oneworkingmusician.com/and-now-theres-a-video-jason-parker-quartet-nick-drake-jay-z-spekulation
No infringement...
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much for writing about the remix project! I was so blown away when Spek sent me the tracks and can't wait to release both my album and his remix album next month.
As far as "infringement" goes, I don't believe there is any going on here. I have paid for the rights to record all the Nick Drake tunes, so that's covered. And since Spek is giving away the recordings of the remixes, not selling them, I don't believe he's infringing on anyone. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's illegal to remix anything if no money is changing hands. And as Mike has pointed out, Jay-Z is all for people using his tracks how they see fit, as am I.
So just enjoy the damn tunes! ;)
Jason
http://oneworkingmusician.com
Thanks DH! So glad you're diggin' it, and thanks for throwing us a few bucks! I really appreciate it.
Sander's comment above makes me happy and encouraged about the state of things. It's precisely this kind of connect that I'm after as an artist and a human being. It's a bit sad that he was so surprised by my email response to him. That just speaks to the fact that we've gotten SO far away from personal connection that it is now the exception, not the rule. I hope that will change and am doing my part!
And LC...I don't think it's so much that you need to have a solid fan base as that you need to have the willingness to search out your would-be fans. The internet makes that so much easier. Artists willing to put some time into it are reaping the benefits!
Cheers all.
Hey DH - always glad to talk strategies and music! That's one thing I love about the web. The never-ending flow of ideas.
Hope you dig the tunes!
Jason
Right on MadderMak, Karl E. Taylor and VancouverDave! Thanks for your comments and kind words.
And Gene Cavanaugh, sorry you didn't find this interesting and/or useful. I find the "back" button works great in these instances... ;)
That's exactly what a Micropatronage program is, Hephaestus! Here's two examples:
http://oneworkingmusician.com/come-on-tour-with-the-jason-parker-quartet
http://www.jasonparkermusic.com/new-jason-parker-quartet-cd
DH...I see what you mean.
And I can tell you that it is definitely a cumulative effect so far. What Mike didn't talk about was my Micropatronage (fan-funding) programs that have helped me raise fund for my last album and my tour. About 85% of the people who gave to my first program (CD) also gave to my second program (tour). They were also my biggest advocates in getting the word out the 2nd time around. So far so good!
And I think the key is that PWYW allows the consumer to decide what the product/service is worth TO THEM. The CD may be worth $1 to one person and $50 to another. I'm just giving them the opportunity (and the prodding) to make that decision. As you say, people generally do want to support things they like and will do so if asked.
Thanks for all the great comments folks!
Re: Re: Re: Actually...
Dark Helmet,
I'd be happy to follow up! Can you explain more what you mean by a "cumulative effect"?
Thanks,
Jason