Self-Publishing

Posted by Daniel Stout on Thu 13 Mar 2003 at 11:04 PM

I was reading tonight about Natalie Merchant’s new album due out in June. (article here.) Apparently she’s releasing it on her own label, having parted ways with Elektra.

It’s encouraging that she’s embracing self-publishing, but it also indicates the state of the music industry and in my mind mirrors the world of book publishers. Both industries are at the end (one hopes) of massive consolidations — there’s little more left to consolidate. But the economics of these conglomerates tilts toward massive payoffs. Instead of supporting a bevy of artists, the balance has shifted in favor of a very few artists selling incredible numbers.

I use the term artists lightly. Most of the top acts fall under the umbrella terms “performers” or “entertainers.” Little artistry or musicianship is involved.

But as the major labels have killed off a whole generation of artists, a few puckish souls have embraced self-publication. Ultimately, that’s a good thing. As more artists are ignored by the labels, the artists will find other means of expressing themselves.

I’d like to see these conglomerates get their asses kicked. They are the antithesis of artistic personal expression. So that’s my message tonight — support musicians and writers going out on a limb and self-publishing. Someone like Natalie Merchant has sold enough records in the past that she doesn’t have to worry as much, but there are many regional writers and musicians that deserve an audience — people creating innovative, fresh works.

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