Money made from CD sales no longer measures how far a band has come. Instead, most young musicians see success as their music being heard by as many people as possible.
It's important for people to know that what we're doing is more important to us than making money
said Chris Lute, who drums for Whale Zombie, plays guitar in Valleyboys and sings in both bands. If you want to check the music out and not pay a ton of money that's cool with us.
Whale Zombie recently released an album on cassette that sells for $5. If, however, someone wants the album and doesn't have the full asking price, the band is willing to negotiate, Lute said.
With physical music and live shows it's important to be flexible
Lute said. You don't want to turn people away from anything.
Whale Zombie is just one of several local bands that will modify its prices. Mind Fish sometimes lowers the price of its CD, which typically sells for $10, said lead singer and guitarist Dean Tartaglia.
If I know kids have been coming out to our shows
I'll do it for cheaper
Tartaglia said. And if I know they honestly don't have that much money on them
I'm not going to say no.
For most bands, selling CDs is still one of the easiest ways to share their music with more people.
When people purchase an album, they often burn a copy for some of their friends or play it for people they know, Tartaglia said.
If someone buys your album
on average it's like you're giving it out to two people
Tartaglia said.
John Jagos, who plays under the moniker Brothertiger, said he hopes to build a base of listeners who are familiar with his work.
I'm not too huge
and I'm not really known
so it's to the point where I just want my music out there
