Permanent Historical Record: 9/1/07
Overdubs Are Fun!
H.O.G. and DNA finished up the overdubs on the new record. Overdubs are very different now than they were a few years ago. We record a solo, save the parts we like, do another one, cut up the pieces, throw it all in a digital blender, and wa-laa, it is magic. Not that DNA has to do that regularly. H.O.G., is after all, a direct part of GOD, the big G, and if the big G plays something, and it doesn't sound right to you, then you are WRONG.
Add to that fun is the fact that DNA got his Snocap store set up on myspace and on this very website, so it is easier than ever to buy a song you like.
If you actually like a song, buy it, and tell DNA all about it.
Permanent Historical Record: 9/9/07
Democracy At Work...
Today’s music is an example of democracy in action.
August marked an important milestone in music history. 25 years ago, in August, the compact disc was introduced to the world. This marked the beginning of a democratization process in music which is still occurring, and will continue to its ultimate end, hopefully. DNA wants to talk a little bit about that democratization process, because it is the result of this process which affords DNA the luxury of the music DNA makes today, and is responsible for many great changes in music which affect us all, and is responsible for YOU to have much greater power in the ways in which you enjoy the music you want to hear now, and will give you even more power and choice in the future.
Most of the history part of this article DNA attributes to a great article HERE on the BBC news web channel (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6950933.stm). Now that DNA is all properly attributed, please read on:
“In March 1979 Philips conducted a press conference to show off the audio quality of its CD system in production and also to impress upon rivals how well it was progressing. A week later, Philips traveled to Japan after the Japanese Ministry of Industry and Technology (MITI) had decided to convene a conference to discuss how the industry could create a standard for the audio disc. The company left Japan having agreed a deal with Sony. Philips' plan for a CD with an 11.5cm diameter had to be changed when Sony insisted that a disc must hold all of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. The longest recording of the symphony in record label Polygram's archive was 74 minutes and so the CD size was increased to 12cm diameter to accommodate the extra data. In 1980, Philips and Sony produced their Red Book, which laid down all the standards for compact discs. From that time on the companies worked separately on their own CD equipment but in the early days agreed to share components. In April 1982, Philips showed off a production CD player for the first time. US record labels were initially very skeptical about the CD. A year after launch there were 1,000 different titles available. In 1985 Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms became the first CD to sell more than one million copies. It is still the world's most successful CD album. In 2000 global sales of CD albums peaked at 2.455 billion. In 2006, that figure was down to 1.755 billion.”
The above paragraph is a succinct history of the CD medium. At the same time this technology was developing, another recording technology was in the midst of a revolution, too: home recording. What once could only be rented in high end recording studios, the kinds of studios that only big record labels could afford to outfit, was now finding its way through technology in the hands of folks in smaller studios and home studios. The quality of recording was good, and a wave of independent and smaller labels swelled throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Quality and affordability continued to rise while overall cost for equipment was steadily driven downward by near constant innovation. Today, an independent musician can produce a “studio” quality recording, from laying down initial tracks, mix-down, mastering, artwork, and duplication of product on one computer, for less money than a few hours of “studio” time would have cost 10 years ago (DNA is including the cost of a nice computer as the heart of the home recording studio in this comparison).
Both the development of CD technology and the development of home studio technology are examples of a democratization process at work. DNA doesn’t know if you caught it the first read through, but in the quoted paragraph, Philips and Sony AGREED to develop one standard, and several big companies AGREED to share technology. Did the lamb lay down with the lion? Did the Lorax come back? Where is this spirit of sharing now, as Blue Ray and HD are gearing up to lead consumer wallets up the altar?
Back then, it was in their interest to share technology, (News flash to Sony: it is in your best interest to set a standard and share technology this time too. On the other hand, they could have developed CD standards independently and slugged it out in the marketplace, and maintained exclusive rights. They could have agreed to some other kind of arrangement, and made it prohibitively difficult for others to experiment with the technology, but it so happened that what was good for them was also good for consumers. Perhaps someone at Philips understood that greater good and greater profits could actually coincide.
It didn’t take very long at all for home recording enthusiasts to understand the ramifications of the medium. Within a very short time of the launch of CD’s, the first recordable CD’s and recording machines were available. At first they were pricey, but very quickly, their price dropped, and their application became widespread. Price was no longer an object if you wanted to record your band.
However, the likelihood that your home recorded band would be picked up by a major label was low. The old system of A&R (Artists and Repertoire) guys ruled the process of finding and developing talent for record labels (the “old” method still rules the process, but is not the only means for bands to reach critical mass anymore). With the advent of less expensive ways to record and sound just as good as the big guys, lots of smaller guys struck out on their own. They followed essentially the same model as the big labels (not surprising---it was the only model they knew), finding and grooming talent, getting their artists played in heavy rotation, in hopes of selling the artist to a major label and making a shitload of money. And the major labels took notice. They did what they could afford to do: buy up the best talent, in front and behind the mixing board, and also buy the best labels. Then, they got the best of both worlds: The best new talent, at a fraction of the price, with much less money than they would have otherwise had to invest to get product. It was kind of like the minor leagues for the major labels, with indie labels becoming “farm” teams. At this point, the democratization process was slowed down somewhat, as big fish ate the smaller fish, but not for long. While recording media and devices were allowing more artists the opportunity to create, the internet gave independent artists the means to distribute product globally from their homes. There suddenly became a hell of a lot more fish in the sea.
The result of these three democratizing technologies, CD’s, digital home recording gear, and the internet, meant that anyone, and DNA means anyone, can produce music and get it distributed to a potential world audience. A band doesn’t need a label to launch their music across multiple platforms, nor do they need the PR machine or physical production plants that only big labels could provide to get their artists’ music heard. Those things help sell music, sure, but that is no longer the only measure of success. The democratizing principles which allows schmoes like DNA to record and distribute product also means that the business model which helps define success has changed dramatically since the days the A&R guys developed the talent for majors. DNA doesn’t need to sell 1000 CD’s to make a profit, or if DNA were on a major, more like 10,000 to cover costs, and 100,000 to insure your record deal isn’t scrapped before your tour even starts.
In order for DNA to cover all of the costs of recording, and DNA means ALL of the costs (the actual recording, mixing, artwork, product mastering, duplication, and a digital distribution deal), DNA needs to sell less than 100 CD’s. Actually, less than 50. More like less than 20. Unbelievable, but absolutely true.
It is no wonder that CD sales have dropped dramatically over the last few years. Digital media is in the process of revolutionizing the delivery of music. It is no wonder that record labels are scared of this change. This revolution marks the end of the need for a traditional record label for guys like you or DNA. Nobody likes staring extinction in the face. The fear of extinction is unfounded, however. Huge bands, worldwide bands, will still need the big label’s ability to coordinate big things. But the little guys can put their two cents in too, and have it actually count. What labels are afraid of losing, and what most labels have already lost, is their relevance.
How does this affect you? These changes mean that before you, on your computer, through dozens of services, are literally tens of thousands of bands across the globe that you can listen to. It no longer matters to you if an artist is on Capital Records. You can buy individual songs after you listen to them. A greater share than ever of the money you spend actually makes back to the artist, which in turn, means that the economy of scale is preserved, and the artist can continue to produce quality art at a much smaller critical mass, because so much more money is returned to the artist him or her self.
Here is an example: Today, you go online and buy “Well” by The DNA Vibrators (Hey, that’s a good idea. You should really do that). You pay .99 cents for that gem. Nine cents goes to the distributor. Anywhere from .10 to .30 cents goes to the online retailer. The rest goes to the artist. Compare this to a typical model at a big label. The artist doesn’t own his or her songs. The artist must first pay back any advance on the sale of the CD. Then, the artist gets a royalty of approximately .09 cents per song. That’s it. So, DNA makes approximately .80 cents per song, instead of .09 cents per song. It doesn’t take a genius to realize that DNA can sell a factor of 10 times less music and make the same amount as some artist on a major label. And if, by chance, DNA has a song which becomes popular, the money generated from that song won’t line the pockets of some exec at a record label. It will line DNA’s pockets, which is a much better deal, from DNA’s point of view. And, from your point of view too. The democratization process includes you, you see. You can buy anything you want. Doing so allows the artists you like to continue to make the music you like. You have a much more direct hand in the production of the art you enjoy. Your dollar goes much further now than ever before in “voting” for what you want to hear and continue to hear, and, it is much more likely that the dollar you spend will actually go back into the artistic process. Since DNA has been reading a little Thomas Kuhn, DNA knows it is under the influence of this philosopher. Still, in this essay, it is appropriate to borrow his terminology (in fact, it is probably the reading of Thomas Kuhn which directed DNA’s train of thought): We stand witness to a paradigm shift, a revolution, which will bury antiquated labels in an avalanche of choice. Do all of us a favor: Go surf right now, and buy three songs from artists you have never heard of. This is the best of democracy at work.
Tune in sometime soon for the next rant: the worst of democracy at work!
Permanent Historical Record: 9/14/07
The Super Double Kick Ass Blog-tacular Anniversary of The Shape Of Things To Have Come And Gone...
It’s…..the…..ONE YEAR BLOG-TACULAR ANNIVERSARY of The Shape Of Things To Have Come And Gone! Exactly one year ago today, the DNA Vibrator went “live,” and began to infiltrate every aspect of your life. Look at your poptarts. DNA is there. Look in your wife’s face. DNA is there. Look in your toilet. Didn’t you just think about what you might have left in your toilet? SEE? DNA is everywhere. For a few of you, DNA might actually be an mp3 in your computer or CD player.* Over this last year, the DNA Vibrator has invisibly, imperceptibly subverted your thought processes from beneath your consciousness. In other words, you are no longer mindless puppets, you are DNA’s puppets. DNA has spread through your computers like a digital Rico Fuckin’ Suave-AYYY with a nasty case of herpes, but there ain't no electronic Valtrex to keep your avatar’s genitals safe. We are all The DNA Vibrator (respectful nod to DEVO here). So, if you all could loan me a dollar, it would really just be me giving myself a dollar a few million times over, and that would really be awesome of all of me to do that for me. Thanks.
In the last year, a few milestones have been reached. Let DNA recap them for you: Since September 14, 2006, not counting this current post, DNA has written over 113,000 words in the blog alone. Last time DNA checked that was like... a lot or something. DNA wrote the word “fuck” or a derivative of ‘fuck” almost 1000 times in the blog. Fuckity fuckle mcfuckerstein. Surprisingly, since DNA is known for his effluvial prosidy, and a vocabulary that you bitches could only opine over in a languid absinthian stupor, until this post right now, DNA never included the words, “intifada,” “scurrilous,” or “cuntflaps” in this blog, even though DNA could have. DNA just didn’t want to alienate any terrorist douchebags with large labia.
Since September of 2006, DNA has posted 127 times. Three of those posts were actually funny.
Since September of 2006, DNA has released the album, “The Shape Of Things To Have Come And Gone,” and has recorded two soon to be released albums: “The Result Of Continuous Exposure To Radiation,” and “The Akkademiks………ROCK!” Two other albums, the Nightsoil Coolies’ post-post swansong, “Libertini,” and another DNA record, as yet unnamed, which will include some live tracks from the show the band did this summer.
Since September of 2006, the band played out live. That is pretty fucking awesome, if you realized how old, out of shape, and generally bad we are at actually playing.
Since then, the DNA Vibrators myspace page went live, this site has gotten thousands of hits, has had thousands of megs of music downloaded, has sold records all over the U.S., Europe and Asia through iTunes and other digital retailers, has sold records through CD Baby and has generally loved every minute of his musical life.
DNA wishes to take a second to publicly thank Mr. Kamikaze and H.O.G. and their respective families for indulging a selfish prick like DNA. Also, DNA must thank his own family who realizes this delusion about it being "important" for DNA to make this music will soon pass. For all of you who have been here with DNA for a year: Well, sorry about that. Didn’t expect it to last this long. But, you knew DNA was long-winded.
*THANKS FOR LISTENING!
Permanent Historical Record: 9/20/07
Here's What Happened...
Well, since our last little visit, DNA has finished the album, "The Result Of Continuous Exposure To Radiation." It is on its way to CD Baby and the rest of the world. Next week, DNA will drop it off at several local places that might give DNA some press.
If you check out DNA's myspace page, you may have noticed that DNA hasn't logged in for a few days. That's because some internet thingy is broken and it won't let me log in. Their service people claim to be working on it. We'll see. For the money DNA pays to keep that site running, it better get fucking fixed.
Also, since the last post, DNA had to appear before a committee to interview to become a Ph.D. student in the Special Education department at SIU. After a few days, DNA received the news that indeed he has been invited to become a Ph.D. student. That will probably start in the spring.
This is turning into an actual blog right now, like, "Dear Blog, today I got my period" kind of blog. It's not really living up to its promise or premise of being an insider's view of the Carbondale music scene, or the place in which DNA rants on topics philosophic, scientific, or religific. Sorry about that. You do not need to know nor should you care about the mundane life details of the tool of the DNA Vibrator. "My myspace page is broken...I'm gettin' muh Ph.D!" ---So fucking what, loser. Tell me something I give two shits about--- Suffice it to say that everyday sucks for the tool, and when he lets go his conscious self and allows the DNA Vibrator to speak, he feels a moment of peace.
The Akkademiks record is nearly complete. One song is missing, a piece about glaciation and global warming, and once it is done, DNA gots the green light to get that project out the door. DNA had hoped to have had some feedback from the Geology dept. at SIU before he went global with the shit, but its too late now. As soon as it hits the streets, DNA will let you know.
Also, DNA has begun work on the next album in earnest. No, "In Earnest" is not the title. That would likely be a very different album than DNA would go for. All hetero here. The next album will be called "Demandatory" cuz DNA promised H.O.G. that he would call it that.
DNA has several new articles planned for the blog, but right now, time is tight, which is why DNA just wrote "what happened" since last week.
Permanent Historical Record: 9/23/07
On The Anniversary Of The Death Of Jaco Pastorius...
September 21st was the 20th anniversary of Jaco Pastorius’ death. DNA urges you to go to the official website and read. Then, if you don’t already own, go to iTunes and buy Jaco Pastorius’ music.
DNA falls into the category of “Never met him, never saw him live, but was greatly influenced by him.” DNA had always approached the bass as a lead instrument, not just relegated to provide the backbone of the song. Sure the backbone has to be there, but the bass is lyrical too. Jaco captured that perhaps better than anyone.
As is often the case with amazingly talented people, he lived a tumultuous life. He was killed at 35 years of age.
R.I.P. Jaco. Thank you.
Permanent Historical Record: 9/28/07
Hear me, Rylans!
Only the geekiest of the geeky should be able to tell DNA what movie that line was from. If you do, there will be a surprise for you.
Now, today must have been the day that DNA was destined to make impassioned pleas. It started at DNA's work, in which DNA tried to find tutors for classes at the university by going to those classes and pleading for students, out of the goodness of their hearts, to give of themselves to help others. Guess what? It worked. DNA's faith in humanity was restored. By the end of the day, a much more important plea found it's way into the tool's email. And this, DNA passes on to you, dear reader. Now it's up to you to provide a little more mortar to hold together the edifice that is humanity. Please read through to the end:
I have a special favor to ask of each of you. It's the kind of thing that I normally wouldn't do, because it's asking you to believe in something that I believe in. But this is one of those cases in which it is a moral imperative that I act.
Do I have your attention?
My sister-in-law and her hubbie, good people, didn't vote for GW, eat grape nuts, like wine, you know the type, have been trying for some time to adopt an orphan from Nepal. Now don't do it---don't stop reading, I'm not going to tell you that for just 38 cents a day you can make little Haj happy. This is for real. Government unrest in Nepal, and our own policies, have stopped this adoption in mid-stride. It's killing them, emotionally, them and about 400 other families in similar situations.
Do me a favor, and I promise to reward you greatly, grasshopper: Take the letter I present below, fill it out to the appropriate state representatives and senators, and email this message to them. Also email it to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (that would be Senators Joe Biden and Dick Lugar). As much as America can suck, people die every day to get here. As bad as our representative government is, it is better than just about all other alternatives. So, help me out. CC your email to the senators to me at pugh@shawneelink.net as proof that you have completed this quest, grasshopper, and I will send you a fresh off the presses, brand new, ain't even been seen by my wife yet, copy of the new DNA Vibrators record, "The Result Of Continuous Exposure To Radiation." You should send the letter below off NOW, just to hear the Hand Of God's absolutely bad-ass guitar work over the whole album. What more can you want? Help a baby get adopted, and hear some guitar wanking, all courtesy of your friendly neighborhood DNA Vibrator.
Thank you. Oh, and pass it on. If anyone you pass this on to confirms with a CC to my email that they emailed their congresspeople, then I will honor my pledge and send off a free CD to them, too.
Below is the letter you can cut and paste into your email browser. The easiest way to get the email addresses of your congressmen is to go to here for your senator's webpage or to go here for your representative.
Your address
Today's Date
Your representative or important person’s address
Dear ,
I am writing this letter with the hope that you can assist with the stalled adoption of a Nepalese child named Suresh to caring parents that are in need of help.
Over two years ago, our close friends, Rick Navitsky and Tanya Leinicke, began a long journey towards adopting a Nepali child. Tanya had just completed a decorated tour of duty in Iraq with the United States Air Force. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal upon her separation from the military. It was time for them to start a family. Rick had served in the Peace Corps in remote Nepal from 1990-1993. He not only speaks and writes Nepali but has a profound appreciation for their customs and culture. They both felt it was their calling to adopt a child and it was only natural that they chose Nepal for their adoption.
In January they received a referral from their adoption agency, Adopt International. They immediately traveled to Nepal to meet their son, Suresh. Suresh is a happy, healthy, wonderful child who has melted all of our hearts. We are all anxious for him to join not only the family of Rick and Tanya but also our wider community of family and friends.
In May, Nepal released an official statement that all international adoptions had been placed on hold. The Ministry of Women and Children’s Welfare had plans to reform the adoption process. Unfortunately four hundred families from across the world, many from the United States, had already met their children and were caught in the middle. They are not only unable to bring their children home, but also find that obtaining information on the process is nearly impossible. They have no where to turn for help.
As you may know, Nepal is in a state of political turmoil. The Maoist uprising and the decay of their monarchy has led to a great deal of economic distress and violence. Orphans are by no means immune to their country’s distress. Every new day brings more children for the orphanages to feed. The orphanages desperately need adoptions to start again. The influx of parents from Europe and the United States brings hope of a new life for these orphans who would otherwise be left without families, education, or hope for a future.
Tanya and Rick will provide a wonderful, loving home for Suresh if they can only get him home. In the meantime, they are traveling to Nepal frequently to visit him. They are both practicing physicians in Alaska. Their forced absence for these travels is not only causing them a great deal of strife but must also be affecting the healthcare of their community at large.
I am hoping that through your knowledge and influence you can forward my concerns to the appropriate person. Perhaps your efforts and concern will help to bring not only Suresh home to Rick and Tanya but may also bring children home to the over four hundred families that are waiting. Please feel free to contact myself or Rick and Tanya with any questions. Your attention and assistance is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
(Put Your Name Here)
Rick Navitsky, MD, FACEP Medical Director, Emergency Dept. Alaska Emergency Medicine Associates Providence Alaska Medical Center rnavitsky@provak.org (907)301-7223
Tanya Leinicke, MD, FACEP Alaska Emergency Medicine Associates Providence Alaska Medical Center; Adjunct Assistant Professor WWAMI Biomedical Program, UAA; Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine tleinicke@salud.unm.edu (907)301-7222
Rick Navitsky and Tanya Leinicke 3970 Defiance Street. Anchorage, AK 99504 (907)222-6235
Now, because DNA is a bastard, and wants you to hurt if you can't help, here are a couple of pictures of Suresh. If you can't help this little guy, then something must be broke inside you. Like your heart.
Free Suresh!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment