I love record stores. I love the idea of Record Store Day. But it dawned on me this morning of Record Store Day that what we really need is to support the bands that make the music. What we really need is a Indie Band Day.
There are so many great indie bands out there that need any support they can get, but you are not going to find their music in a record store. Record Store Day supports the stores and the artists able to get their product into a store. Many bands may never even release physical product to buy in a record store. Or if they do release a CD they will never get it into a record store. So, go find a band you like and go visit their website and buy just one of their products… a digital download, a cd, a t-shirt, something, anything. Support a band.
Indie Band Day, what do you think? Lets pick a date, have a suggestion?
I like it. As a Brit myself the obvious day for this for me would be October 25th, the date of the death of the legendary John Peel who did so much to promote and support indie artists during his lifetime.
I think Indie Band Day should be August 1st. There are no major holidays. Summer is winding down so the major artists have had ample time to shine in the concert season. School is still weeks away, and Indie artists can be celebrated going into the fall when music lovers will have lots to talk about with their friends before returning to school.
I agree with the August 1 date. Let’s do this!
I like your idea a lot! But, why should Indie artists only get one day out of the year, when they bust their humps out there 364 of the other days a year including holidays which any musician knows are the most profitable days to go and perform and make money. Being an independent musician myself, I think everyday should be Indie day. That’s why UNIR1 Records opened up it’s own Amazon account. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Bob Jovi or Bon Jovi. The playing field is now level for all Independent artists. If an artist has 100 fans and has sold 100 CD’s, then that artist is doing a heck of a lot better than most of the bands out there. I think everyone is really missing the boat here. There are Nationally signed artists out there that have opened for the biggest names in show business and yet have to work a second job just to make ends meet. In my opinion, they are as Independent as any Indie artists. They are just bound to slavery until big brother decides the contract is up, which leaves the artist feeling used, alone and “independent”.
We love your articles and posts, Mike. It’s nice to see someone with a creative mind, not only do big things for big acts. But, also for the little guy as well. Perhaps, in time we can teach artists and musicians that in order to be the best, you have to learn from the best, and then do better.
Always a pleasure playing tennis with you.
Sincerely,
Scott Price
UNIR1
Things Just Get Better When You & I are One!
I love this idea. I think that it should be a floating date though. Instead of August 2, it should be the first Friday (or Saturday) of a given month so that going to see a show can be part of it. Weekends offer a lot more opportunities for show options.