Comments on: 1,000 True Fans http://blog.thoughtwax.com/2008/03/1000-true-fans Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:00:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Nick http://blog.thoughtwax.com/2008/03/1000-true-fans#comment-61997 Nick Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:35:47 +0000 http://blog.thoughtwax.com/2008/03/1000-true-fans#comment-61997 I don't think Kelly's 1000 fans is really compatible with major label/blockbuster thinking - for example, a certain major label band of my acquaintence sold over 100,000 copies of their last record and they're still working part-time to pay the bills. They definitely reached the 1000 fans (in fact, they repeatedly sell out the 1,500 seater Great American Music Hall in San Francisco) but because of the major label system, they're still in debt, still receiving less than enough to survive. AND they've been doing this for over 15 years! Truly a product of the major label "middle class" The problem, of course, is the amount of money the label pumped into advertising the band to *get* them to sell 100,000 records. I think going for the "gravy" is fraught with difficulties, which is why I agree with Kelley's approach so wholeheartedly. Oh, and I'm *immensely* curious about applying the concept of "Think Globally, Act Locally" to the music industry. I think by focusing on people's LOCAL actions in regards to music patronage you might foster greater respect of same on a global scale. In any case, it'd be an interesting ride finding out! I don’t think Kelly’s 1000 fans is really compatible with major label/blockbuster thinking - for example, a certain major label band of my acquaintence sold over 100,000 copies of their last record and they’re still working part-time to pay the bills.

They definitely reached the 1000 fans (in fact, they repeatedly sell out the 1,500 seater Great American Music Hall in San Francisco) but because of the major label system, they’re still in debt, still receiving less than enough to survive. AND they’ve been doing this for over 15 years! Truly a product of the major label “middle class”

The problem, of course, is the amount of money the label pumped into advertising the band to *get* them to sell 100,000 records. I think going for the “gravy” is fraught with difficulties, which is why I agree with Kelley’s approach so wholeheartedly.

Oh, and I’m *immensely* curious about applying the concept of “Think Globally, Act Locally” to the music industry. I think by focusing on people’s LOCAL actions in regards to music patronage you might foster greater respect of same on a global scale. In any case, it’d be an interesting ride finding out!

]]>