A local indie music mag comes into circulation in my local scene. It features some really interesting bands, and a few others that are the taste of the zines owner. Bands donate tracks to and a comp cd is attached to the mag every month. Soon the owner of the mag starts getting advertising involved and tours the country with bands. There is a door charge to each gig which includes a copy of the mag/cd. The bands don't get paid and they pay for most of their expenses while on the road. (sometimes having to crash at random houses) All advertising for the gigs promenantly focuses on the mag with the bands getting the fine print.

Now to me this is the industry working backwards! The bands are being pimped by the mag. The magazzine is getting all the promotion and growth in status, each time it rolls round the country (once a month) while the bands get to give away their music for free, play for free and promote this magazzine. the magazzine is constantly touring, while the bands change every month. Surely this is not the way to champion local music?


The owner of the magazzine and a lot of supporters of the indie scene (including some really f**king great bands) think it's a great supportive platform and is giving independant bands the chance to tour gaining exposure to more people.

perhaps i'm wrong? i love and support the wealth of talented bands we have in this country, but i think this is expoliting them.

any thoughts?
charlie

Sounds like total bullshit to me.

i heard that pay for play is bad