APPENDIX BMI
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The RIAA has forced the shutdown of 2000 websites offering MP3 files by
sending “cease and desist” letters to the internet service providers. Anyone
suspected of downloading “infringing” files can be sued. The record
companies have even sent viruses to disable the hard drives of suspected
offenders, and federal legislation is being sought that would legalize this
practice. All of this is an obvious attempt to maintain control of music
distribution in the age of the internet.
Companies like CD Baby retain their positions as alternative sources of music
because they sell the music of independent artists and very small labels
only. And only the first two minutes of each track are available to
listeners. If you like what you hear, you can buy the CD. And so, inspired
by the courageous stand of Janis Ian, I decided to post all 131 tracks on my
eight CDs as MP3 files at CD Baby. Why? Because I can.
* * *
It is becoming increasingly difficult to remain an independent musician.
Each passing year seems to present new roadblocks to freedom. Respectable
venues are harder to find, airplay is harder to come by, and the legal
hassles are harder to avoid. The lures of fame and fortune are eternal
temptations. We are seduced into believing that we will make it big someday
if only we would sign with a major label, and we are tricked into believing
that we are being robbed of royalties if we don’t sign up with ASCAP or BMI.
Don’t believe it. You can make it on your own. All you have to do is set
realistic goals for yourself. Make your own recordings at a studio owned by
someone else who is struggling just like you. Digital technology is
widespread. You don’t need an expensive studio. Buy your own CD burner and
print your own covers, or else find someone who will do a “short run” for
you. Again, digital technology is widespread. You don’t need a slick
package. Seek airplay on college radio stations and internet radio stations.
You can’t get on the big stations. They don’t even have local programming.
Handle your own bookings. Send out promotional CDs and biographies to
selected venues where you have a realistic chance of getting hired. You can
afford it. CDs are cheap if you make them yourself. You can sell your CDs
at your concerts, and online, and at your local music stores. Keep your
focus regional. You can’t get national distribution unless you’re famous.
By all means, band together with like-minded independent musicians. Form
loose-knit coalitions, unofficial unions, fighting for your right to be free.
Those who make it big do so quite by chance. It has nothing to do with
talent. That is not to say that brilliant musicians cannot become famous.
All I am saying is that it is a matter of exposure, promotion and
distribution. Your chances of finding someone who believes in you, and who
can provide those things for you, are none the smaller if you have remained
independent. If and when you do become famous, when you actually stand to
make substantial royalties, then is the time, if ever, to join ASCAP or BMI.
In the meantime, which might be a lifetime, you will be making a modest,
honest living doing what you love to do. That is a better measure of success
than the “bottom line.” Most people work at jobs they do not love, and are
secretly or openly envious of those of us who love what we do. It does not
come about by accident. We arrange our lives this way. Someone is going to
control your life. It might as well be you.
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