elementary recordings

Our partners in digital distribution (Routenote), published an article recently about the investment major record labels make in both new artists and their already established stars.  It makes for startling reading and moreover shows what an uphill battle anyone making music independently has.  You can find the article here or just read on, as I have used their information below:

(information from IFPI, monetary values in American dollars)

1st example is a new artist/band: 

Advance: $200,000

Recording: $200,000

3 Videos: $200,000

Tour support: $100,000

Promotion/marketing: $300,000

TOTAL: $1,000,000

2nd example is an established artist/band:

Advance: $1,500,000

Recording: $400,000

3 Videos: $450,000

Promotion/marketing: $2,300,000

TOTAL: $4,650,000

What I find astonishing in the 2nd example is that more money is invested in the promotion than the recording and writing process (as the advance is presumably the money the artist needs to live on whilst composing!)  In fact there is only $50,000 difference between making the entire actual product and the advertising of it.

The 2011 Special Edition of alan neilson's album "bear_bare" is released June 6th on Bandcamp.

The new release features an extra free track, the full band version of "Birthday" and a 20 page PDF booklet featuring all the lyrics and chords, as well as photographs never seen before.

Click on the link below to buy.

elementary recordings was sad to learn of the passing of the mighty Gil Scott Heron this weekend.  I was lucky enough to see Gil live in 1997 at Ronnie Scotts in Birmingham (having been unable to see him in 1990 despite having tickets for his Hummingbird gig, as he was refused entry to the UK for being in possession that day and the gig was cancelled).  He has left a body of work which if you haven't heard any of it, I implore you to.  He was a stunning writer and performer, with an individual talent and a fascinating way of looking at the world:  start off with "H2OGate Blues".  We miss him massively already. 

So here we go around the sun for another year; heartening to know then that according to Dr Brian Cox, we are actually a part of that boiling globe of gases.  For a minute there I thought I was insignificant.

Mr Eg White always inspires me for another spin anyway, and although you are probably sick of me saying it, please listen to Eg and Alice's only album, it is really really very good.

With regards to elementary news, I have to say that I have spent the last 5 months emailing all sorts of wonderful people asking for assistance with the Soliloquy project, with little in the way of responses (yes I can get right to them).  Obviously the wonderful Dan Laidler contacted us and provided glorious words, and a couple of others spent a bit of time saying sorry they couldn't do it; but for the most part there was nothing but silence.  How rude.  It is a fact that the more famous you are, the less you actually have to do to be a human being.  I guess though it is always to do with furthering careers and never about art:  we are very small and insignificant here, but we are actually made of the same stuff... we are stardust.

For all you Mek heads out there itching to get hold of their new ep The Maastricht Circle, wait no longer.  It is available right now on Spotify and iTunes and direct from the band.  Go here for all the info.

The Maastricht Circle ep

alan neilson's collaboration album Soliloquy gathers speed as he records a new version of his brother's 1982 classic of the same name.  Go here to listen, track 3:

Soliloquy 

alan also amazed fans by coming out of retirement to play at Miles Perhower's Shabby Scene night at the famous Mitre pub in Stourbridge. 

He played four songs: Tense Universal Headache, Lines, Anarchy in the UK and Birthday, all electric and fully plugged in.

Also playing that night were the awesome Bearshark, The Gruber, Bukata and Miss Halliwell.  Thanks to those that braved sub-zero temperatures to be there.

PS - ace T-shirt Mr Jett (CUNT)

Alan Neilson and Miles Perhower of Miss Halliwell have collaborated on the track "My Brother Niall".  Listen here:

For your ears

It has already been described by members of the Observer as the "possible result of the offspring of William Burroughs and Gavin Bryars, if they were to be trapped in a lift for a 15 hour period".

Dr Jo Stapleton (doctor of musicology) said: "Harmonically it's great. Love the angular nature of your melodies" and of neilson: "your most interesting stuff musically - I can hear you pushing yourself harmonically".

The NME mumbled: "It sounds gay" - praise enough for us.

The BBC have still yet to reply to any of our emails, but I suppose they are far to busy making quality dance and business related programs to listen to their license fee payers.

On a different note, Is I Cinema put pen to paper and have joined elementary recordings.  Their debut 4 track ep "Is I Cinema, You Are Physics" will be out in time for Christmas.

I will state for the record here that we have been chasing Is I Cinema for over a year and fought off strong competition from bigger and richer record companies.  I am proud and touched that they have chosen us.  Welcome to E.REX.

So we are now approaching winter and after a summer of grey skies and wet weekends, we take stock of our lives.  We have been overwhelmed by the support from our followers, and words of kindness and physical hugs are what makes this all worthwhile, because as a business we are really shit.  But we are artists first, revolutionaries second and then a long way down the list of talents is business people.

No regrets.

Up and coming excitement is The Mekano Set's new EP; Ali Shaw vs alan_neilson's EP and a new album by wunderlich music.  These to be unveiled during the winter months of 2010 when the nights are darker and you always need to wear a coat.  Coats are great though aren't they?  Always a pocket to keep your portable cassette player and sweets.

Remember to keep up with all bands here, they are playing in your area every day if you want them to.  Physically they are also playing live in actual venues, so check their links for exact information.

elementary recordings is proud to be associated with them all.  You should to.

Firstly we here at elementary would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to Chris Sievey's family, after he died suddenly last week.  He has been an influence on everything I have done and it is a sad loss to the world of real artists.  Even though he died relatively unknown in the greater scheme of things, those in the know are fully aware of his genius and he will be sadly missed.... goodbye Frank and Little Frank, and thank you.

Secondly, we can positively confirm that our elementary artists are available for download on Amazon.  You can search for each artist by name or go to this link:

E.REX on Amazon

Caps' new album 'Star to Star' is on there now, and available to buy from 19 July 2010.  Make a note in your diaries, or whatever equivalent gadget you young people now use.