David Emery Online

Different Models

18 March 2008

So, now we can add another ‘model’ into the mix:

The Raconteurs ‘Consolers of the Lonely’ To Be Released March 25th

This model is the release-as-soon-as-possible method (which seems to be the common theme with all these release strategies) with a twist, as it’s released everywhere as soon as possible – physically as well as digitally. It’s interesting as it makes a fundamental break from the other two high profile experiments (Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails) by removing the focus on direct sales that they had – this is a relatively traditional release, simply with the 3 month lead time you typically get reduced down to one week.

This strikes me as a far more realistic and a sustainable model that will work for far more artists.

It’s also a return to how things used to be. Back in the day – I’m reliably informed – records were made, got into record shops when they were ready and then promoted which seems like a far more sensible way of doing it. Why on earth should a record get sat on for 3 months while people in the press get to hear it, make the decisions on whether people should like it and (probably) leak it?

The other knock on effect is to further undermine both the album chart and the singles chart. The reason why we have long lead times is to build up a head of steam around a release, which peaks around the release date leading to a high first week chart position (in fact, it’s worse then that – the first sales flash on Tuesday is the real decider for the industry). Releasing an album without this press build up is almost certainly going to lead to a lower chart position, but quite frankly I don’t think anyone really cares. The knock on effect is that the singles chart gets even more confusing, as single tracks off the digital version of these albums will count towards that chart and the whole thing will start looking really odd.

On a completely different note I’d like to draw your attention to the plight of Giant Drag who were unceremoniously dropped from Interscope last year, and are now trying to scrape together enough cash to record another album.

Their previous album, ‘Hearts and Unicorns’, was my 6th best album of 2006 but being stunning musically and writing amazing songs is sadly (and all too frequently) not enough, seemingly.

I’ve donated; if you have an interest in music and supporting artists you should to.