M4tr blog

Here is the link to the original article: Playlist 7 - The solution to illegal downloading?

During the Summer of 2009, Windows and ReverbNation created a strategic alliance that enabled independent musicians and artists to give away their music for free - but be paid by sponsorship of these songs. This was a radical ‘win win’ business proposal - the sponsor, Windows, were able to embed advertising into the graphic (cover artwork) of the downloadable mp3 and the artist was paid. The payment per download to the artist was low in comparison to iTunes, Amazon etc. but the value in exposure, reaching a larger market, was generous compensation. These participating artists have been given the opportunity to let their ‘Sponsored Song’ continue as a free download in a new archive as part of a new initiative called “Playlist 7”

“Playlist 7” is again a joint marketing venture between Windows and ReverbNation but this version of the same idea has a few twists. In principal it follows the same methodology, giving away a pool of free music to whoever is interested. Fans, friends and followers on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter of Windows have special access to a weekly pool of 50 new ‘Featured Artists’ to sample. Fans can download up to 7 of these songs free, and those downloads help decide which artists’ songs will be available for everyone to download the following week.

Reverbnation have without doubt the best tools and philosophy of all the music ‘fan site’ websites out there in webland and this partnership with Windows is a true contender to take over the crown in the download wars. This maybe embryonic but this could be the business model that knocks iTunes et al off the top of the ladder and enables the consumer to have free music. This strategy could be indirectly the solution to illegal downloading.

TW

This program is a shot in the arm for the independent artist and could maybe enable everybody to make an honest living!

The democracy of the Internet has again proven that there are alternatives to monopolies and that the day of the large record company is finally over.

Veronica Henry is better known as an author and TV script writer, her work is available all over the world and has been translated into several languages. The tracks on the player include,”Fallen Angel” and “Memories” which were recorded on domestic analogue recording equipment in the 1980’s and give a unique glimpse into a very creative and perhaps dark mind.

She was expelled from school and was asked to leave University - she spent too much time DJing in a Bristol nightclub, which was described by ‘The Face’ (a 1980’s glossy magazine) as one of the best venues outside London.

Don Campau interview on SystemCulture by This Window

* You also host a (fantastic) radio show (”No Pigeonholes”) how did you get started in this?

I started in non commercial radio in 1971. My friend, Geoff Alexander, had a radio show even when in high school and he brought me in for an interview and I became intrigued by this type of freeform expression. Soon afterward, Lorenzo W. Milam, bought this station ( KTAO in Los Gatos CA) and became a lifelong mentor influencing me ( and many others) with his vast knowledge of literature, music and personal relations. My KTAO experience ran from 1971-4 ( the station was sold), continued for a very short time at KUSP in Santa Cruz ( I was fired for being too esoteric) and then in 1978 my show at KKUP in Cupertino began. For a few years I did a program of avant garde, punk, jazz and ethnic music. Then in 1985 when I got enough home tapes, I started the “No Pigeonholes” format which continues today.

* Do you think the future of the Independent Artist is assured or do you think the best times have gone?

Well, I think “independent” means something different today. In the 70s and 80s it meant totally underground and almost unobtainable. One had to search it out at libraries, record stores and through rare mentions in small publications. There really was no such thing as independent rock bands then. Of course the landscape has changed dramatically now. Almost everyone calls themselves independent now. The distinction seems to be the fact that almost no band gets signed to a major label anymore. And major labels themselves are dinosaurs on the brink of extinction. I think Facebook, MySpace and all the other social networking sites have been a godsend for artists. It is easy to connect now. However, I have seen a trend of what I call “one way” communication these days. For example, I get quite a few emails now ( many times sent to dozens of other people) of “here’s my mp3s, play them on your show, no time to ask you how you are ( my words here)”. I can understand people trying to spread the word of their art but how about at least a small dose of civility and caring toward others?

Read more…

We have been having a few problems with our server - but we are back…..

We have decided to change the pricing of our CD’s, we have now added the shipping costs onto the final price, this means postage etc. is now £2.00 for all countries.

Live Bootleg(?) by Finish The Story Disc: £4.00

This disc is a record of the live gigs that Finish The Story did between 1981 and 1983. These tracks are the only known live recordings ever made. The quality is not brilliant but the performances are. Preview a video of a track here

1. Alone With A Picture In A Matchstick Frame
2. Chant Of The Boxed In Society
3. Dressed Up In White
4. Every Angry Word
5. The Righteous Talk Of Remembers
6. Empty Vessels (Make Most Sound)
7. The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp
8. Me Accusing Me
9. Contenders To Play
10. Playing At Life

Nicola Mumford: Vocals
Garry Smout: Keyboards
Peter Bright: Guitar and Bass

Tracks 1 and 2 recorded live 1981 (unknown venue)
Tracks 3 -10 recorded live 21.02.1983 (Exeter College Of Art)

It was a pleasant surprise to find This Window mentioned in a classic book about the history of music. Mick Mercer has compiled a remarkable directory of bands that have been inspired or are inspired by the post-punk Goth phenomena. This book contains discographies and web links (plus a load of other stuff).
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Music to Die For

…the postman arrived and I have sat here for the past hour or so thumbing through and reading the pages. It was a great relief to find out that I could still read the printed word - my dependence on visual and aural spoon fed pap via MySpace has been cured. The logical cataloguing of this tome is a truly important achievement and it is a relief to be able to find something (in alphabetical order) easily. The only warning I must give is - beware of the photographs, there are some ugly mugs in there. You have to get this book it is more than just a simple list, it is a Bible.…

This Window are number 20 on the ReverbNation Alternative charts UK. www.reverbnation.com/thiswi… and This Window are number 2 on the ReverbNation Alternative charts for South West UK. www.reverbnation.com/thiswi…

‘You Have The Power‘ by This Window is available, made possible by Microsoft. Get it now! It is a different mix to the one on iTunes.

Join This window on FaceBook

This Window are number 20 on the ReverbNation Alternative charts UK. www.reverbnation.com/thiswi… This Window are number 2 on the ReverbNation Alternative charts for South West UK. www.reverbnation.com/thiswi…

‘You Have The Power‘ by This Window is available, made possible by Microsoft. Get it now! It is a different mix to the one on iTunes.

Why not visit our label page M4tr Productions. With a little bit of luck there should be some interesting developments happening soon, with new releases coming out from different artists. (M4tr is a small UK independent, alternative, music label that was formed in 1985. The majority of the bands/artists featured are from Europe.)

…..a free download made possible by Microsoft is still available here via the link , it is a slightly different version to the one that is available from

We are still busy listening and visiting our friends in ReverbNation World - Please drop by and visit us. http://www.reverbnation.com/thiswindow

Click here to put our songs on your Facebook profile.

M4tr Productions expansion in the pipeline http://www.m4tr.co.uk