MUSICIANS CHANGING LIVES: A REVERBNATION TYPE OF REVOLUTION
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“I don't mind
stealing bread
From the mouths
of decadents
But I can't feed
on the powerless
When my cup's
already overfilled.”
HUNGER STRIKE - TEMPLE OF THE DOG 1992
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We live in a time when even the likes of Kanye West have to remind artists why they are in the game (this shit) in the first place.
REVOLUTIONARY MODEL FOR DISTRIBUTING RECORD EARNINGS: HOW TO BUY A TRACK AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT.
Who really likes buying music through Itunes or Amazon? Who can really say that in the face of safe peer-to-peer networks or cheap Russian online outlets they would openly prefer to fork out that dollar and a bit to fund Mariah Carey's new single or get the Deluxe version of Watch The Throne? Or have you ever wondered where your money on singles really go? Or are sick of hearing that the artist only makes 12c per sale?
REVERBNATION:
At the moment can do no wrong. Not only have they outdone myspace/facebook social network model for musicians to list their gigs, hook up, listen, and also get the likes of Napalm Death to be users (not to mention list gig dates for Mr Bieber though shadow accounts).
They have recently got; 2.5 million users/fans registered and have co-partnered with YO-RAPS for the R&B/HIP-HOP contingent.
Now they have done something to top all that. They have discovered how to give back and get listeners to do likewise.
Now they have done something to top all that. They have discovered how to give back and get listeners to do likewise.
I think Reverbnation has actually switched the light on eureka style on how to get customers to start buying music again, and even more feel good about making a change in the world. And I use the phrase - make a change in the world - seriously. I mean come on.
HOW IT WORKS:
You buy a track you like for $1.29. $0.56 goes to the artists. $0.56 goes to the charity, and $0.12 is for the processing.
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| Did someone say party? |
THE AGENDA AND HOW WHO IT BENEFITS:
THE ARTIST
Any artist on Reverbnation is happy for every single record sale they get right? Well that alone would be making a change for them. You know to get that email receipt saying so-and-so fan has just purchased what they have spent days, months, or even years, performing, and perfecting.
THE BUYER
The buyer would be buying the track not because they have been approached on their highstreet to help so and so charity, but because they loved what they listened to so much they just had to give back to the artist for pleasuring their ears, and get that download stored somewhere for eternity.
THE CHARITY
The charity gets more recognition as their is a range for charities to choose from. And so when the buyer sees the charity the musician is partnering with or has chosen as their charity of choice it gives the buyer:
1) and idea of what kind of causes and issues in this world the musician feels needs addressing
2) what sort of charity the musician believes has the right vehicle to drive and change things
And alongside awareness and good PR the charity also get the sum of $0.56 per song.
THE CAUSE
The end product, or underlying reason behind all this is the cause. The reason why it feels good, and obligatory to start buying music again, to start funding your favourite artist financially (other than giving endearing comments), is for the cause.
Not just the cause of the artist making a living (which is a good thing in itself), but the cause the artist is supporting. And we can support though them, with them. We are doing this because we feel good. When we see that busker (Amon Tobin/Jewel in the 90s) on the street keeping their head down and performing their live act to such a degree of panache we part with a cash, because they brightened our moment just then.
Not just the cause of the artist making a living (which is a good thing in itself), but the cause the artist is supporting. And we can support though them, with them. We are doing this because we feel good. When we see that busker (Amon Tobin/Jewel in the 90s) on the street keeping their head down and performing their live act to such a degree of panache we part with a cash, because they brightened our moment just then.
We instinctively want to make a difference in this world. We all want to have some sort of legacy or stamp of our existence or what impact we had on our surroundings. This is one win win way to change lives. Not because of guilt, or pushed on obligation but because we feel good, because we listened to something that could even change us.
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| Eh! Not so fast homes... |
A FEW QUESTIONS ON THE FLIPSIDE:
Was the artist (50,000 who have signed up so far) notified for a vote by the owners of Reverbnation what they thought of the idea in the first place and if they would want it?
What if the artist isn't down with any of the prescribed charities that have partnered with Reverbnation and would rather the money went for a charity outside of the list that they support in their life, and would want to do it through their music?
What if the artist would prefer to change the balance for the better not worse on how much the charity gets?
Gotta ask these things.
SOME OF PARTNERING CHARITIES:
Beat making Lab
Every mother counts
Heifer International
Fender Music
Foundation
Keep a child alive
Oxfam America
Sweet relief
World vision
FURTHER READING:
Is it time to stick it to the mass labels even more by buying music?
And in the process (for those that aren't already) to wake up from being free-downloading robots, pirates, and personally give back?
Rae Burnz
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