Today,
many bands and artists (both signed and unsigned) are having
to rely more on alternative sources of income when it comes
to funding their musical ventures. It was once the norm where
people readily paid for access to music but, of course, times
have changed. As such, the perceived value of music has dropped
over the last number of years, and when there’s free music
there for the taking, many people are going to reach out and
take it with no moral qualms keeping them awake at night.
Just to be clear, we are not making any judgments on those who
consume music (or any other content) without paying for of it.
On the contrary, as long-time music consumers ourselves, we
recognise that with so much music now available people
simply do not have the purchasing power to buy everything they
would like to. While many music consumers are still as passionate
as ever about their favourite bands and artists, the day they
realised they didn’t have to pay to gain access
to quality music was the day everything changed.
Technology has, undeniably, revolutionised how everyone acquires
music and with a surge in the number of people releasing demos,
EPs and albums, striving to become successful in the music industry,
there’s currently an abundance of ambition in the face
of underwhelming odds. We fully recognise that we’re a
part of this oversaturation and we’re on a quest to find
our own little niche in the creative realm. But selling music
in today’s world is, perhaps, analogous to selling bottled
water. People don’t have to buy it because they
can usually find alternative sources, for free, if they really
want to. However, if they discover something they truly connect
with, something that really moves them, perhaps they
will see the logic in contributing to its longevity.
As independent musicians, with no kind of record label behind
us, we have decided to offer a certain portion of our music
for free in the hope that it becomes more accessible, reaching
those who may truly enjoy it to the extent that they become
genuine fans and see the value in giving something back in exchange
for future music. Some will argue that we are automatically
devaluing our music by giving it away for free. Maybe they are
right. But has music not already become devalued and is now
just one of a vast number of entertainment sources readily available
to people? Afterall, a significant number of music fans are
no longer passive consumers but have become empowered content
creators with the freedom of unlimited choice and creativity
at their fingertips.
Another
way of looking at the notion of free music it is that many businesses
occasionally give away freebies or offer reduced rates for their
services in order to garner long-term interest. Is recorded
music really so different, especially in this bloated industry
where music is ubiquitous and free-flowing? To clarify, we respect
the right of other bands and artists to want to charge for their
music upfront. That is their right. However, we believe in this
new method of exposure and it’s something we are willing
to explore for the foreseeable future.
While the costs of recording, production, mixing, mastering,
artwork, duplication, advertising, and promotion are all expensive,
this money gladly comes from our own pockets so that we can
share our creative vision with our friends and other people
across the world. At the end of the day, music means more to
us than simply a consumer product, where compensation is demanded
in advance. That said, we certainly aren’t opposed
to accepting any donations, should anyone feel like giving something
back in return.
Does this mean we will stop making music if nobody ever buys
anything from us or if we receive zero donations? Of course
not. This is our passion and it is something we love doing.
But it may take us a little more time to put out subsequent
albums if we only have our own personal finances to fund all
the aforementioned expenses. Perhaps, the notion of musicians
asking their fans for money doesn’t bode well with some
folk. But is it really all that different from bands selling
their CDs and concert tickets so that they can use those profits
to further their musical endeavours? Whether it’s donating
directly to a band or buying a t-shirt or CD (which are manufactured
and deliberately priced in order to generate profit), the same
money often goes towards the one ultimate goal.
So if you really enjoy our music, or find it useful in other
creative ways, you can make a small contribution via the PayPal
links below or email band@chosen.ie
for other options. Your donation will go towards the costs of
future music. Once again, we are not signed to any record label,
nor do we have drug addictions or other rock ‘n’ roll
vices to feed. Your contribution goes towards the making of
good music that you and others will get to enjoy, sooner
rather than later. Thanks for your support!
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