Vince Gill and The $7.28 Single
The intertubes are ablaze over a recent interview with Vince Gill on the state of country music and well, the music industry in general. I dig the honesty of this article and have long been a fan of Vince (especially after seeing him live a few times out at the Americana Music Conference). I know he speaks for many (including myself) on his frustration of mainstream country with his quote "I would love to hear someone write a song like (the 1981 George Jones hit) 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' rather than 'You're hot. I'm hot. We're in a truck.' It's just mind-numbing to me." While the slam on mainstream country is not new, I decided to focus more on his thoughts around the devaluation of music.
Vince's next topic is on the value of music and I struggle with this ongoing question on the right price for music. As fans, we have never had it so good with services like Spotify, Rhapsody, iTunes and Amazon. It's mind-blowing the amount of music we can carry around in our pocket. Musicians everywhere have the uncanny ability to create and distribute their music independently across the globe with the click of a button. Many of our beloved bands travel to Europe frequently playing massive festivals and have more access than ever to overseas audiences. Not to mention, the impact of digital recording and the low cost of entry for bands to record now days. Music has been globalized and that can't be overlooked.However as many bands will point out, music sales alone are rarely enough to pay the bills full time. Relentless touring, CD sales at shows and merchandise have become the only way to have a chance to keep the dream alive. Digital music has opened a lot of doors for musicians to compete on a somewhat even basis however as Vince notes "The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960." That being the case, .99 cents in 1960 adjusted for inflation for 2010 would be $7.28 (2010 - http://www.westegg.com/inflation). ; No one will buy a track for $7.28 much less an album for $70+. It's just not realistic.There is no magic bullet for the discussion of musician compensation. I have no doubt that creativity and adaptation will continue to lead to some new ideas for adding additional streams. An example that I mention quite frequently to musicians I talk to is the Bob Schneider Frunk model. For years now, Bob provides a way for fans to purchase the live show right after it has ended. In addition, each live show is available at http://www.livetracks.com/bobschneider/ within a few days. I personally grab a copy after each show I catch. People go to live shows for the event and if they are like me, I often want to capture that night (assuming I enjoyed the show). One of the more popular new ways to raise funds is Kickstarter.com which has started a revolution with crowd-funding CD/Video projects for musicians. Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this ongoing question as actual artists will point out. That being said, I hope this important topic continues to be raised. I would love to hear about how the unique ways bands have been able to pull in additional streams of income with their music. Also, I have noticed a few stray comments like "Do it for the art, not the money" which is complete and utter bullshit. Everyone needs money to survive, so if you do feel this way feel free to send me your paycheck and I'll make sure we kick that out to working musicians.
Vince Gill Interview by Rich Gienze
2012 finds Mr. Gill, who turned 55 April 12, in transition. His MCA contract lapsed last year and he's realistic about his place in the scheme of things. "I still want to have hit records," he admits. "You never get that out of your system. But in some sense," he says with amusement, "I have been shown the door." He has his issues with today's country, where fashion and gimmicky songs often trump the truth he reveres. "For me, it's lost its traditional bent pretty severely," he says. "I would love to hear someone write a song like (the 1981 George Jones hit) 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' rather than 'You're hot. I'm hot. We're in a truck.' It's just mind-numbing to me. Vince states "The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960."
That isn't Music City's only new normal. "Income streams are dwindling. Record sales aren't what they used to be. The devaluation of music and what it's now deemed to be worth is laughable to me. My single costs 99 cents. That's what a (single) cost in 1960. On my phone, I can get an app for 99 cents that makes fart noises -- the same price as the thing I create and speak to the world with. Some would say the fart app is more important. It's an awkward time. Creative brains are being sorely mistreated."
Vince Gill's website (@vincegill)
I found this infographic over at CDBaby, however it was made by GrovoLabs.
