The word from NARM 2009

The tone at this year’s NARM conference is understated when compared to last year’s 50th anniversary gathering, yet another indicator of the depressed economy. While decreased sponsorship dollars may have put a damper on the amenities and glitz of the event, the quality of the content and opportunity to establish new relationships remains as valuable as ever.

At the half-way marker for the conference, I’ve already generated a significant number of leads for my services. I’ve also learned a great deal from sessions like A2IM’s standing-room-only Music Business Crash Course and On Site Research’s unique case studies that took an intimate look into the lives of real people and how they’re being affected by our world’s rapidly changing technologies.

The most important difference that I’ve observed this time around is found in the general tone of what’s being said. Questions and conversations in the crowd at past events exposed a dependency by labels and artists on what other people, like aggregators and discovery services, were doing in the hope that a savior might be found. This week’s assembly are getting back to basics and taking the role of hero upon themselves.

Rich Bengloff, President of A2IM, hosted a well received panel of Indie veterans that hinted at a much more sober “new music business model” in the form of sage advice that could have come from any seasoned business person:

“You can’t always control revenue but you can control costs. You’ve got to keep your costs down.” – Rich Bengloff, President A2IM

“The biggest risk is fear. Put out what you think is cool and stand for something. “ – Tom Silverman, Tommy Boy Records

“Selling music is a business and the purpose of any business is to generate and keep customers.” Al McCree, Military Music

The commentary was well received by audience members like Dennis Blount, President of Hush Entertainment. “This conference has reminded me of the importance of establishing good partnerships and being aware of every aspect of my business.” stated Blount during a brief interview over a boxed lunch provided during the crash course. Other takeaways from the conference were a heightened awareness of the need to register both labels and artists with organizations like Sound Exchange to ensure rights holders are cashing in on revenue that is being collected on their behalf and the importance of strategic touring.

So while technology has been extremely disruptive and dethroned much of the old guard, the dust is showing signs of settling. If the back to basics attitude at this year’s NARM is any indication of what’s to come, I’m anticipating less development in the discovery space, continued growth in indie market share and a great opportunity for any business that can provide a service that will help the front line labels run a tighter ship.

Darla.com goes digital, streamlines distributor processes

Vista, California's Darla.com is now offering 320kps MP3's in addition to their 4000+ title physical catalog. They've also streamlined their distribution business with the ability to offer online wholesale rates to pre-approved retailer and distributor customers.

Wholesale customers can log into their accounts and browse the online store at the price points associated with their account. Once they've filled their carts with Darla's treats, they're given the option of checking out and paying immediately or submitting a purchase order. This comes in handy for retailers and distributors who have worked out a customized shipping agreement or payment terms.

Other notable advances to Red Velvet through the Darla project include the ability to mark items for pre-release sales and the ability to generate new release promotional emails at the click of a button, a process that previously consumed several hours of effort.

Seattle's Easy Street Records

I recently took a road trip to Seattle with my wife for a much needed weekend getaway. I had some time to myself on the Saturday so I grabbed my camera and hit the street. I didn’t have any real plans. The sun was warm for the first time in recent memory and, as my Fluevogs hit the pavement, Cursive’s latest release, Mama I’m Swollen, kept the beat.

It’s obvious that music is a vibrant part of Seattle’s culture. There’s a busker on almost every corner, posters for shows and clubs abound and Seattle Center is home to the Experience Music Project, a cultural facility dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in popular music. But if you spend any time in the city, you will eventually discover that the heart and soul of the culture can be found at Easy Street Records. After about an hour of exploration, this is where I found myself standing, camera in hand.

Easy Street is famous for being a key element in the emergence of bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice In Chains and many, many others. The mentions of Easy Street in the footnotes of rock history have been well earned over its 20 years of operation. But the future of the store is uncertain. As we all know, the times they are a-changin’.

Technology has created a temporary chaos as the business of music reconfigures itself. The convenience offered by the net is shifting power from the hands of the few to the democracy of the many. More music is being listened to than ever, more bands are building a meaningful fan base and more individuals are drawing sustaining income from their art. All good things. Unfortunately, this convenience often comes at a cost. In the case of purchasing our music, this convenience is endangering an amazing experience.

The first thing I noticed when I approached the store was that it was full of real people. Not “friends” or “members” or “contacts”. Real people. Tall, short, skinny, fat, attractive, odd, interesting people. Some were obviously immersed in the search for treasure. Others casually loitered about and a few even seemed to have arrived together to share the experience. (I can’t say I’ve ever invited a friend to sit down and shop online with me).

As I browsed through the aisles, I quickly scanned through hundreds upon hundreds of albums; the cover art tangible and vibrant in its native resolution. I discovered new bands and was reunited with forgotten titles. I was reminded of my 14th birthday when my aunt bought me one of my first CD’s, a copy of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (it was a fun memory but I felt no compulsion to replenish my NGDB supply). I experienced the unanticipated. I felt no need to “pull” my content but enjoyed the gentle “push” of the Staff Picks rack. I took my time.

I asked a man standing behind the counter, sporting a serious moustache and a dapper fedora, if I could take a few pictures. He figured it was cool but thought I should check with the owner to be sure. I was directed to Matt Vaughan. I introduced myself and shook his hand. I didn’t poke him or tweet him or ping him. I shook his hand. I asked if I could take a few pictures. He asked why and I explained what I did for a living and that I wanted to write about my experience. There seemed to be a bit of suspicion in the air. He reached over and pulled a jewel case out of my hands. Radiohead, The Best of. The expression on his face seemed to read, “A decent pick. But “best of”? Not a true fan. I guess I’ll let it pass.” I sheepishly explained that I was just looking for something to listen to on the drive home with my wife. With a smirk, permission for the photos was granted.

After taking several shots, I approached Matt again. I showed him the playlist on my phone. Beastie Boys, Cursive, Oceanship, Pennywise, Primus, Vampire Weekend. This time I received an approving nod, “Not bad.” I asked him if he could suggest something to add to it. “Where’s your Fugazi?” Fugazi for me has always been like that guy that all my friends seem to know. I’ve heard his name a thousand times but for some reason we’ve never actually met. Matt made the long over-due introduction. I followed him to the other side of the store and he pulled down Obits latest release, I Blame You. “This is good stuff. I’ve been listening to it a lot lately.”

Matt and I continued to chat for a bit but it was obvious I was no match for his wealth of musical knowledge. We found some common ground in being entrepreneurs. It turns out online physical sales are making a small but significant contribution to his company and they’re about to start selling digital product through thinkindie.com. Times are tough but they’re a creative and tenacious group. They’ll get through.

Finally, I grabbed a $10 Easy Street T-Shirt and headed for the counter. As I left, excited to unravel the mystery of my new CD’s, I realized that there was no way for me to load the music into my blackberry. And as Matt had pointed out, “The wife probably won’t be into these.” I would have to wait until I returned to my computer at home. The inconvenience of the physical world was suddenly, painfully apparent. But the wait was well worth it.

Matt nailed my playlist and made two perfect recommendations. Fugazi has taken me on a fresh trip down memory lane and Obits is now on heavy rotation. Both albums I never would have bought while sitting alone on my computer. The music I acquired has become much more than just a creative product for my listening enjoyment. The experience associated with the purchase has given it context and a deeper meaning. These albums have become a touchstone to my love for the Indie record store.

It may seem strange for me to write in support of the endangered record store. After all, I’m a passionate technologist and strive to create software that will help usher in the emerging music industry, the online industry. I am a craftsman of convenience and I believe in where things are headed. But I also believe we must remain conscious of what we’re in danger of losing. There is so much more to life than what we can touch with the click of a button.

Let’s not always choose to sacrifice experience for convenience. April 18th is Record Store Day. Show your support. Call a friend, grab some cash and go on an urban adventure. Visit your local record store and create a memory. Give your music context. Don’t just do this on record store day, do it often. You’ll love your music all the more.

Rock The Earth!

All of us at Rook / Red Velvet would like to congratulate Shawn Kilmurray, a gentleman who has been very generous to us in the past, as he has been appointed Executive Director of Rock The Earth.

Our hats off to you sir!

Billboard Digital Music Live! coverage

We're returning from Billboard's Digital Music Live with a great sense of satisfaction. The event resulted in some great exposure, fantastic connections, some new leads and a few new friendships.

It also resulted in the best written article I've seen covering our technology. We received some local love from the Langley Times. You can read the article at
http://www.bclocalnews.com/business/37361004.html .

Overall, a very successful trip.