not to derail the thread but i just realized that Robert has been in Metallica longer than Jason was...that's F'd up
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Stoner/Doom Bassists Thread, Part 90: Maxed Out
- Thread starter Korladis
- Start date
It is becoming a "thing" at some venues. Now, in certain states, they are also being asked to collect sales tax.
Just another example of someone else being a tick on the back of musicians. We do all the work, they get the money. It is capitalism to such an F'ed up extent that it has wrapped it's way back into some kind of reverse socialism. The serfs are paying the lords for the honor to work their land.
And they still have yet to use him to his fullest extent. He is a very talented musician, but is being hobbled creatively but the Metallica 'brand.' He gets paid pretty good, so I guess he probably doesn't care.
Yeah id be telling them to eat me. This is another one of those situations where if all the bands told them to suck it they wouldnt be able to continue doing that kind of BS. More evidence ill probably never make it out of dive bars.
I remember when I found out, as a fan, that the money I was gladly forking over at the merch table wasn't 100% going to the band. Major *** moment. I thought I was utilizing the one method, short of just slipping them a $20 bill, that a label, venue, promoter, etc couldn't touch. Depressing.
Well, it depends on the tour and venue, a lot. So don't stop supporting the bands, brother.
If its not a tour with a biggish band, there's a good chance there is no cut. Some of the biggish bands even insist they leave the support bands alone... that's nice. In most non AEG, Live Nation, or Canadian venues there is a reasonably good chance there isn't one, and a better chance that, if there is, the band will not be paying the full cut. There are some proven inventory scams and there is also just folks who will buy a reasonable lie. We've done well over $500 in merch and give them 20 bucks. If they ask for a record, we'll use electronic sales because that's all they can prove if they don't count in or out. Most people are super cool about it, honestly. Some don't even bother to collect even if its in the contract.
But the idea is still F**ked.
Oh I still buy sh*t at the merch table, it is just depressing that depending on the venue/tour, that the band still has someone's hand in the cookie jar.
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Yeah i wouldnt stop supporting bands, but as the guy who handles most of our merch stuff it really rubs me the wrong way. Where are they when im paying my money getting my shirts printed to be taking a cut of my already thin margins. Makes me mad and im not even dealing with it.
[Gets on soapbox]
The problem is a classic economic one, and these ancillary parasites know it. There is a massive, nearly limitless number of musicians, and a very small number of venues, labels, builders, recording studios, etc. They can charge whatever they want because nothing us really going to stop them. Because in the US we wallow in this ends-justify-the-means attitude towards making money, there is no shame in fleecing people. Why not suck the life out of musicians. What are they going to do? Not play? The most profitable music in the world is written by 5 swedish dudes that crank out singles like machines. Everyone else can EAD, right? There will always be another sucker with stars in their eyes waiting to get taken for a ride. No matter how many adult actresses end up broken, diseased, or dead from suicide, there is always another pretty face somewhere waiting to make the same mistake. Musicians are no different. We are dupes for wanting to create or do something beautiful.
[Gets off soap box, kicks it, puts on Cathedral]
I've had a feeling that was possible, but never heard about it first hand...what a load of poopie. Won't keep me from buying and I always try to only buy at shows or Bandcamp, band website, etc. to maximize a bands profit, but damn that's shaged up.
@socialleper I agree, it's because there's always another "sap" that will take their place. I wouldn't doubt it if it kills off the whole market at some point, but there's so many young people that want to be a star I don't see it happening.
One things for sure though, I'm glad for places like Bandcamp for this exact reason.
Saw Sunn on Sunday. Puce Mary was the opening act. Great stuff, some kinda dark ambient meets noise. Had an apocalyptic vibe to it, which is totally my jam.
Cool. Who's in Sunn now, is Attila still singing? I got my ticket for when they swing into Detroit next month. Then 2 days later, Electric Wizard.
Honestly, I have no idea who actually was on stage. 5 people in black robes was all I saw. I have really bad eyesight and sat maybe 40 meters away. No one was singing that night - but there was a trombone solo piece. That was pretty badass.
Apropos of nothing, does anyone else think it is weird that Electric Wizard's song "Barbarian" starts off with someone saying "the wizard"? Shouldn't it be something related to barbarians? F'ing stoners man, I swear.
Thx. It seems like the new record is moving away from vox, which is cool by me. Looking forward to seeing them as it'll be the first time.
When you get into one these groups, there's only a few ways to get out. . .
It's quite an experience, especially a physical one. I recommend hearing protection, seriously. Deafeningly loud.
