Sam Frank wrote:
quoted 10 lines What I really want to know is if Matador is selling many copies of all
> What I really want to know is if Matador is selling many copies of all
> these (relatively) obscure electronic releases. They really haven't
> gotten much US press (I mean, who gives a fuck about Burger/Ink?) and they
> don't have the fanbase of Matador's indie rock. Most of my Matador indie
> rock lovin friends don't know a damn thing about "indie" electronic
> music--they know the Chems and the Prodigy and Aphex, but not Autechre or
> anything even slightly more obscure. Same goes for
> Nothing with Autechre and plug--does this stuff actually make them money,
> or are they just trying to get in on the ground floor for later albums
> with bigger sales? We Americans are so damn ignorant, it disgusts me ;-)
***Sam: You've brought up *a lot* of different things here :) Those "in the
know" will probably always continue to buy things direct from the originating
labels. For example, when Nothing released those Warp titles domestically for
North America, those "in the know" had already got the imports. Same for
Matador, I'm sure: those really into Pole probably already have the Kiff SM
version of "CD1". The new Pole CD2, however, is being released simultaneously
on the originating label--Kiff SM--and Matador. So "those in the know" in NA
can get the new Pole as soon as it is released anywhere, *and* save money
because they aren't paying import price. Perhaps hardcore trainspotters in NA
will want the Kiff SM version when CD2 comes out on Feb 23, but they have a
choice now. We've all groaned in the past when we bought something for an
outrageous import price and then it goes domestic a month or two later. I'd
say Matador obviously is thinking about what they're doing with Pole et al.
For instance, many labels promo their releases *after* they have been released
(which frustrates journalists, DJs, readers, etc). because many don't want to
read a review of something that's been out for a while, they want the lowdown
as early as possible, well in advance of a record's release. If you're really
into the music you want to read the review done of an *advance* copy so as
soon as it becomes commercially available you can check it out with some
background info you've gained from the review. The Pole CD2 is out Feb 23 and
Matador sent out promos of this to journalists/DJs (maybe radio stations too)
in late November--3 months before release. This shows they're taking the
promotion of Pole et al very seriously, and the press will probably recognize
this. From there features, reviews, and coverage follow. Yes, those "in the
know" have known about Pole for awhile, but those into the Chemical Brothers
(and other "electronic" acts that have huge exposure) might be intrigued by
the fuss and check Pole et al out. You gotta reminder that at one point the
ChemBros were just a bunch of unknowns, same as The Prodigy. That's what
Matador is working toward, and I'm glad quality UK/Europe based music *is*
getting more NA exposure. Building a fan base takes time. There is no such
thing as an overnight success. Other opinions, anyone? re: ulterior motives
at labels; we have to keep in mind that labels are businesses and the bottom
line is making money. As long as they're taking care of their artists, paying
them and not shafting them, it's good for the artist when the label makes
money (I'm talking indies here, btw, not companies like Sony et al). The
"poor artist" scenario is something those who've experienced it would not
recommend. And a label who doesn't sell its artists' material has poor
artists. Andrew
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