Solicitation Intros
Posted By Alan Cohen in Soundcheck on January 16, 2006
It appears that Brad Skistimas of Five Times August is frustrated with his CD sales. He seems to think that people are not buying his CDs because they are content with listening to the music on his MySpace site instead. As a result, Brad has added a 15 second intro to each song on the MySpace site telling fans that they should support local music by buying his CD.
Fans have asked Brad to remove the intros because they find it to be annoying. Brad responded to these fans with this self-rightous blog post:
"Since I tagged the songs with the intro, I've had a few people request that I take it off. Am I going to? No... I'm not. I put that intro on each song knowing that some people might be annoyed with it, but I figure if they're really annoyed with it and don't want to hear it anymore, there is an option... just get the CD.
So, do I take offense to it when somebody tells me to take it off? Well.... yea, I kind of do. I mean the music is there for you to listen to, all you have to do is skip through the intro or deal with it. You might say it's annoying ... but as the guy behind the music, trying to promote it and sell it as an independent artist, without any major label backing me up, I might say it's a bit annoying taking demands from people that haven't really made the effort to actually support my music the right way. It's not supposed to be free... it's my job, and I'd love for you to understand that."Click Here for full text
Now I might have some sympathy for Brad if he were actually making his songs available for download. But he isnt. The songs are only available to stream on MySpace. That means if anyone wants to add the songs to their Ipod or listen to Five Times August in their car, they would already have to buy the CD.
In fairness, Brad is the artist. He should have the right to add anything he wants to his songs. However, adding something that you intend to be annoying to fans is just deplorable in my opinion. Independent artists should cater to their fans, not drive them away. The people who listen to his music on MySpace are probably the people who also pay good money to go to his shows. As far as I'm concerned, going to a concert is every bit as valid a way of supporting musicians as buying their merchendise. But apparently Brad doesn't think that would qualify as supporting his music "the right way".
So fine Brad, you can try to spite fans into buying your music if you want, but its pretty petty if you ask me.
Mike Orren, says:
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3 years, 10 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
FiveTimesAugust, says:
This article was brought to my attention from a fan in Dallas. I thought it was important that I reply. It boggles my mind how greedy some people can get with music. Iâm not pointing fingers, because I have great fans and a really supportive following. I only wrote my blog in response to a few e-mails Iâve received over the last couple months, and just wanted to put it out there for anybody else who was wondering if I might be able to retract the intros.
I think itâs important that Alan should do a little more research next time before posting negative opinions toward someone. Iâve been doing Five Times August for 4 1/2 years now. Iâve been through the âIâm going to give out my music for free to make myself look coolâ stage already. Yea, itâs a great way to get out there when you are starting out, but Iâm not starting out anymore. In fact, I think itâs really cool you can find some of my older songs on sites like Limewire. Thereâs some rare demos and early album tracks on there that I used to give away on my website because I donât sell them anymore. What Iâm asking is that you support the music Iâm selling now. A lot of people donât know where to get it, so I made the intro for the songs to let them know. Yea, I thought some people would get annoyed with it after a while, but I donât think itâs âdeplorableâ .. itâs just another marketing strategy. Itâs like any other commercial youâd hear on the radio or see on TV. Iâve got to do all I can think of to get your hands on my CD. Thatâs my job.
So maybe I donât hand out my music for free, but that has nothing to do with whether or not I care about my fans. I take offense to that. I write back to every e-mail I get, talk with fans after shows, and even respond to negative articles people post about me online. Trust me, I care.
The âgood moneyâ fans pay to see me at my shows isnât really all that great. I live in Austin, TX, the âlive music capital of the world.â Musicians come and go here. On average, my shows are $5 cover. The venue takes one or two dollars for themselves. Then they take a cut for the door guy. Good money, definitely.
âAs far as I'm concerned, going to a concert is every bit as valid a way of supporting musicians as buying their merchandise.â
You are absolutely right Alan. But if you check out my past show history on my website, youâll take note that 98% of my shows have been in Texas for the last 4 1/2 years. I get a lot of e-mails asking when Iâll be coming to their town, usually outside of TX. So how am I supposed to get there without funds? And how do I make money again? Ah yes, merch sales.
The problem with the internet is that when you read someoneâs blog, you never really know what their tone of voice is while reading their thoughts. So, Iâll apologize that Alan took it the wrong way. I wonât say Iâm sorry for promoting my music, and I wonât apologize for not handing out my music for free. But if thatâs the case, see ya at a show Alan!
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3 years, 10 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Mike Orren, says:
Good points Brad-- And thanks for responding.
And while I understand the logic in your strategy, I'm wondering what sales of your last album were?
Here's an interesting study that suggests that giving the music away may increase your sales: http://blog.pegasusnews.com/2005/11/t...
But whether you do so or not is certainly your perogative :)
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3 years, 10 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Alan Cohen, says:
First of all, I'd like to thank Brad for taking the time to clarify his position.
That being said, I do not think that his argument is in direct clash with my position. I have never faulted an artist for not making his music free. In fact, I think it is perfectly valid to post your songs only in streaming format if you do not want other to download them.
My argument is that you should not do anything to purposely leave your fans annoyed after listening to your music. When those fans express their annoyance, you certainly should not take offense to that.
I certainly do not buy the argument that you are unable to travel because of CD sales. Many artists that have found ways to book tours and travel without annoying fans into buying their CDs.
The one argument that I find valid is that you want to make sure that fans know how they can purchase your CD and support your music. If that was truly your intent, then I can support that. However, I think that omnce fans begin to comment that it is annoying, you should try to find an alternative way to inform your following.
While I fully stand behind my post, I think that all independent musicians can certainly understand many of your frustrations.
Next time you are in Dallas, I will definately come to your show. If I like what I hear, I might even buy a CD.
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3 years, 10 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Mike Orren, says:
One thing I'll add to Alan's remarks-- He is a musician and has had to hustle to get shows booked out of town, so he knows of what he speaks.
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