Comments on: A New York Times Op-Ed Piece by Damian

By: Julie McDowell Garner

Julie McDowell Garner — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:22:49 +0000

I keep thinking about this. Nobody buys a CD because they have to anymore. I rarely purchase anything; mostly I rent music from Rhapsody, and that’s because I’m one of the honest ones. For me to buy music, I need to be invested in the band…to like them enough that I know I’ll hate it if they can’t afford to put out new music. Groups (like you) who are welcoming, who see their fans as part of the process instead of the enemies who must be kept behind the gate …only those groups will survive. And I will support you with every penny I have because I feel invested, included even, in what you are doing.

As for Paracadute, it’s a brilliant thing to know when the plane is going down… when it’s time to get out alive. Though you have to play nice in the media, I think you’ve gotten the message across with one simple word. Kudos.

By: Michele Somers Cullen

Michele Somers Cullen — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:38:54 +0000

If you were able to make that situation clear for someone like me, then it should be crystal clear to anyone in your business, including, of course, the record companies. It makes perfect sense to me. I’d love to hear what their response would be, but it’d likely be delivered in legalese that no one out here in laymanland wants to deal with.

We just like the videos. Wise up, record companies. All of us are leaving you in the dust, not just the bands.

By: oddlyme

oddlyme — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:06:20 +0000

Well thought, well said – well done!

By: OK Go! Part 2 – Fresh On The Net

OK Go! Part 2 – Fresh On The Net — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:59:53 +0000

[...] – should have known those crafty selfpublicists OK Go! had ulterior motives when Damian slagged off EMI in the New York Times. They already had a killer video up their sleeve and EMI allegedly [...]

By: Social Media WIN: 80s Game Mouse Trap & OK Go – This Too Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine version

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:29:27 +0000

[...] band member Damian had an excellent op-ed in the NYT 2/19 on the state of the music industry and how they stifle independent and groundbreaking bands. Would [...]

By: Eric Paul Carreiro

Eric Paul Carreiro — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:19:31 +0000

Damian,

I found this piece to be exceedingly intelligent, thoughtful and well-rendered. I am surprised that there are as few comments as there are (especially when compared to those for your videos), but encouraged that the responses have likewise been, on balance, similarly thoughtful. In light of today’s landmark announcement of your peaceful split from EMI, I wanted to revisit this piece, to congratulate you and your band for your accomplishments thus far, and to wish you all the very best in your new venture with Paracadute. I hope that this does indeed make ‘being OK Go’ more than a bit easier, and that you continue to succeed on all the levels that are important to you. Yours is a unique story, and you have placed yourselves in a unique position. Obviously, many of us are watching with vicarious relish and happiness for you. I certainly am enjoying being a witness to your art and your adventure. Your evolving place in the industry and business model are fascinating byproducts. Thanks for the music – it really is great – and for the trailblazing. Keep enjoying the ride.
Godspeed and prosper you all. See you on the road!

By: Karol Mattes

Karol Mattes — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:43:33 +0000

I once saw John Perry Barlow speak at a conference about the success of the Grateful Dead, which he thought was greatly enhanced by their willingness to let (and encourage) their fans to record bootlegs at live shows. Of course, they label was vehemently against bootlegs and tried everything in its power to discourage the practice. Barlow argued that in the world of art – music, painting, dance, etc. – the value of a work of art increases the more played/seen/recognized the work is. Hence, the value of the Mona Lisa (and the Dead catalog). In other words, in the digital age, we can see the Mona Lisa anytime we want, but still, thousands flock to Paris every year to have a look at the original. Same is true with music as evidenced by the Dead.

Also, look at the iTunes revolution. If you give customers an inexpensive way to abide by the law, lots and lots of them will. That said, the greed (perceived and actual) by the record companies is reulting in a generation of kids who think stealing music is ethically ok since they are “sticking it to the man”. Change the perceptions, solve the problem… and maybe even make some dough!

By: Trey Green

Trey Green — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:38:17 +0000

So, what do you suggest? Although not even at any recognizable fraction of your level, I could benefit from your experience and insight, which means many others could as well, so I suggest that you start an agency consulting firm. Step one would be getting paid on the side for consulting in your free time, which would take very little time; you’d simply review contracts with labels and offer feedback. “OK Go approved.” Or even develop a standard OK Go record company contract that you sell. Step two would be forming your own label and having a tremendous advantage over what is currently out there. Step three would be signing me, obviously, because without this suggestion, you would still be out, being superstars touring five continents and playing shows instead of being stuck in an office in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

By: screamvision

screamvision — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:55:23 +0000

“It cannot be beyond the wit of the server owners to record embedded streams as well.”

I agree with oggbad. I’m no computer whiz, but is that impossible?

By: Renata

Renata — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:55:45 +0000

The Internet is a great way to keep in touch with what is new, and I great way of discovering new music, however, label companies, are following the trend of Film/TV companies. Their content is restricted to their area, ie, the USA. But no only that, EMI is not the only restricting their material. WB has released a statement that will take all their artists content from streaming radios. This means that many artists that don’t have the support and the money behind like great, and massively recognized artist, may never have a chance of being hear.

Not only that, but for instance, iTunes don’t allow buying music if you leave in other Country that is not the USA. UK, and a few others countries have their own store, and they can buy, but for the majority, this is not possible. So it’s with Amazon. I can buy the physical CD, but I can’t buy MP3. I believe that many people around the world with these limitations would be more than pleased to buy and recognize the artist, and bring profit to the label companies, but with these restrictions that grow more and more with everyday, people will continue to support piracy, and many artist will not have a chance to reach potential new fans throughout the world, because they will never have a chance to be heard.