Comments on: Touch and Go Records closes its distribution wing and cuts back on new releases

By: Gabe Loewenberg

Gabe Loewenberg — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:02:37 +0000

I don’t think the CD is going to completely disappear. It is a good, cheap means to get music to people. With people going on the iTunes and downloading just a track or two from an album that in the past would have sold 1,000,000 copies, the record labels aren’t going be have as many CDs manufactured for retail sale. This is going to be the topic for the next post related to this, so keep yr eyes open in the next few days for that.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:53:30 +0000

I agree with Joran, except on this: “the CD going away”. CD sales alone in the US last year as reported were ~300 million. Key word here is ‘reported’ – which doesn’t take into account untracked independent artists. Totally, banging out some stellar packaging, artwork etc. is necessary – geezus, I can still see my favorite album covers from years ago!

Yes, “Bands today must now be the virus they intend to spread.” yes, yes. Smart DIY will win out as much as anyone wants to work at it.

But to the original topic – T&G/Corey have poured their heart into benefitting us all for 30 years. With our support of any new direction that is taken, T&G will survive.

By: Joran Slane

Joran Slane — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:24:34 +0000

Great blog post, Gabe. This truly sucks. I remember the Nirvana/Jesus Lizard split “Puss/Oh the Guilt.” Definitely a milestone in my adolescent quest for new music.

I think you’re right about the CD going away, too. The divide will widen between audiophiles (vinyl, tube receivers) and the general public (low-kbps MP3s, iPods). But what it means for the independent artist – if they’re going to continue to sell their music ON some kind of artifact like a CD or 7″ is that 1. the packaging needs to be stepped up to include artwork, a book, a zine, something. Otherwise, all you’re getting is the data (or music) 2. The performance of the material is going to become more and more important. Bands need to work closer with venues and ticket sales need to be part of any new band’s business model. And the performance needs to be interactive. I want to have the ability to opt-in for a free download or get a free video. Something.

Gone are the days when you can expect to simply show up, play your songs and start a revolution. Bands today must now be the virus they intend to spread.