Posts Tagged 'Teknologi – Technology'

Demos incoming

As a record company, there is a phenomenon we have to deal with. Suddenly artists start sending demos. This is quite strange, since we used to be the ones sending the demos. Now, at the other end, we try to get the time to listen and write to everyone. It feels important to be able to give some kind of relevant feedbakc to people sending. mostly we have received websites and myspace sites, which is very efficient and gives a good view of the bands style. Some has sent CD:s, which in turn is a great way for us to take home or listen in the car.

Generally the recording quality is incredible. I mean, gosh, I sat with a cassette 4-track when I started… It seems that musicians knows how to handle a studio and how to twist the knobs for great sound. However, the songs; meaning melodies, groove, spirit and dynamics, are not as good. I feel that there is a lot of technology and very little magic involved in the music. Some exeptions though… We will see what happens.

Two japanese bands, one english and some swedish bands has sent the demos. Of course we are not a usual record company, so we require more than just someone who wants to get onto Itunes… We want people who become part of the team, to work with us in marketing, networking and creativity.

Music has nothing to do with identity anymore

Music has nothing to do with identity anymore – is that true? We have been discussing that for a couple of weeks, after an article in the magazine Bon. Music is supposed to have lost its unique role as an identity marker during the last few years. Some say that fashion is the new way of displaying and creating an individual identity. Others say art, and others still, say technology has taken that role. A cool MP3-player or an extremely flat computer shows who you are. Is that true?

Music used to be the ultimate expression of ones identity, but the decline may be true. It is too accessible and too shallow nowadays. I suppose that creating identity through artefacts has to do with exclusivity, not too easy access and pricing.

Some ideas of my own: Some will still think of music as their arena of identity. But also litterature of course. Where you go to amuse yourself on saturday nights is also a great indicator, because it shows who you want to be and who you get along with. I dont belive in technology, it is also too shallow and easy to access. Maybe fashion, but I am not sure. Art definately.


Gramtone

My name is Pelle Filipsson, and I run Gramtone. This is a new kind of record company collectively owned by a music cooperative of 20 people/6 bands. We are based around a beautiful studio building in the centre of Norrköping, Sweden. The manifesto Mu07 is the basis of our business. Read more at www.grammofon.com

My function at Gramtone could be described as "music publisher". I also work with web and IT in education, trying to follow the innovations on the web and the discussions regarding that issue.