| ©Indietude.com 2008 |
| “Fair Play to Those Who Dare to Dream.” Marketa Irglova Academy Awards 2008 |
In keeping with the indie artist theme that brought a win at the Academy Awards for Best Song, I
wanted to re-emphasize the importance or supporting this musical community. Almost every page
on this web site, there is a banner at the bottom which simply states: “A musician is a terrible
thing to waste.”
I often wonder if Marty Godbey knew how profound those words were when he uttered them. Have
you ever noticed that music permeates your life. It is part of almost everything you watch, play or listen
to. A movie, no matter how well written or acted, would be a complete dud if not for the music that
builds momentum, elaborates emotion or communicates direction.
You can’t watch the evening news, commercials, or a TV show without some sort of musical intro or
background piece. The point is - some talented person had to compose that piece. It didn’t just drop
out of the sky. Somewhere, there was a composer, or songwriter and musician involved. Whether it’s
an indie artist, or a union artist someone deserves to be paid.
I know the popular argument is the industry is so big and charges so much for their products they
can afford to allow free downloads. Well maybe the industry can, but that’s not the point. Most of that
money doesn’t go directly to the artist. There is an army of support people who have to be paid also.
Most of us have jobs that we go to everyday. We may even enjoy our jobs, but how would you feel if
at the end of the week, when you’re about to get paid you’re told, sorry Dude Charlie Nogo grabbed
up your product. Sorry, you don’t get paid this week. If you’re like me you’d be pissed off and takin
names. My point is - if I don’t get paid, I’m not going to work. Fair is fair. Right is right. People who
create the music, books, scripts or whatever the art form is – they deserve fair play. They deserve
their moment in the spotlight and they deserve to get paid.
When you look at the price indie artists charge for their live shows, CD’s, band t-shirts or stickers,
they're pretty reasonable in today's marketplace. Most of you have no trouble dropping $5 to $10
or more for a lousy meal, or a cup of coffee at Starbucks – everyday. For the same amount of money
you blow at Starbucks weekly, you could pay for the music you either download for free, or make
multiple copies of for your friends.
I know how easy it is to want to promote an indie band you really like by making copies for your friends.
Hell, I’m sure the artist might even appreciate your support, but that kind of support doesn’t put food on
their table, or pay their bills. Just like everyone else, they have expenses and if their musicians – added
expenses for their equipment upkeep.
So let’s get real, no one rides for free in this world. Even when someone offers you something free, they
want something in return. There is a lot of talent in the Indie community. They deserve your support and
they deserve your dollars. Indie artist, Marketa Irglova said it best, “Fair Play to those who dare to dream.”
wanted to re-emphasize the importance or supporting this musical community. Almost every page
on this web site, there is a banner at the bottom which simply states: “A musician is a terrible
thing to waste.”
I often wonder if Marty Godbey knew how profound those words were when he uttered them. Have
you ever noticed that music permeates your life. It is part of almost everything you watch, play or listen
to. A movie, no matter how well written or acted, would be a complete dud if not for the music that
builds momentum, elaborates emotion or communicates direction.
You can’t watch the evening news, commercials, or a TV show without some sort of musical intro or
background piece. The point is - some talented person had to compose that piece. It didn’t just drop
out of the sky. Somewhere, there was a composer, or songwriter and musician involved. Whether it’s
an indie artist, or a union artist someone deserves to be paid.
I know the popular argument is the industry is so big and charges so much for their products they
can afford to allow free downloads. Well maybe the industry can, but that’s not the point. Most of that
money doesn’t go directly to the artist. There is an army of support people who have to be paid also.
Most of us have jobs that we go to everyday. We may even enjoy our jobs, but how would you feel if
at the end of the week, when you’re about to get paid you’re told, sorry Dude Charlie Nogo grabbed
up your product. Sorry, you don’t get paid this week. If you’re like me you’d be pissed off and takin
names. My point is - if I don’t get paid, I’m not going to work. Fair is fair. Right is right. People who
create the music, books, scripts or whatever the art form is – they deserve fair play. They deserve
their moment in the spotlight and they deserve to get paid.
When you look at the price indie artists charge for their live shows, CD’s, band t-shirts or stickers,
they're pretty reasonable in today's marketplace. Most of you have no trouble dropping $5 to $10
or more for a lousy meal, or a cup of coffee at Starbucks – everyday. For the same amount of money
you blow at Starbucks weekly, you could pay for the music you either download for free, or make
multiple copies of for your friends.
I know how easy it is to want to promote an indie band you really like by making copies for your friends.
Hell, I’m sure the artist might even appreciate your support, but that kind of support doesn’t put food on
their table, or pay their bills. Just like everyone else, they have expenses and if their musicians – added
expenses for their equipment upkeep.
So let’s get real, no one rides for free in this world. Even when someone offers you something free, they
want something in return. There is a lot of talent in the Indie community. They deserve your support and
they deserve your dollars. Indie artist, Marketa Irglova said it best, “Fair Play to those who dare to dream.”
Editor's Note:
This piece may not be part of the normal retro theme of this page, but it is reflective about the indie community
and the support that is essential to its existence and survival in these trying economic times. I hope you will take
a moment to reflect on its message. Thanks
This piece may not be part of the normal retro theme of this page, but it is reflective about the indie community
and the support that is essential to its existence and survival in these trying economic times. I hope you will take
a moment to reflect on its message. Thanks