On the way to work, I wanted to listen to something I hadn’t listened to in years.
Just to see how I react to it now.
I popped in Survival of the Fattest, a Fat Wreck Chords compilation that I remember buying for $4 over 10 years ago.
17 songs for $4.
I only knew about NOFX at the time, but that compilation introduced me to the Fat Wreck roster. I became a fan of Strung Out, Good Riddance, Propagandhi, No Use For a Name, and more just because of that $4 compilation.
I bought many a Fat Wreck releases and went to many a show because of that $4 compilation.
Cheap can be good.
I’ve seen compilations priced at normal album prices and I pass every time. I don’t know all the artists yet and I’m not ready to spend $14.99 on them. What if they suck??
On the other hand, if a comp goes for $3-$4 bucks and I know some of the artists, but not all, I’ll take the risk. What’s $4 ?
If you have a scene going on in your own city, why not pool your money together and release scene compilations. Sell them for cheap, or give em away.
The goal is to get the music heard. If you make a fan, there are ways to make money after.
Underrated Fat Wreck band: Bracket
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHO7LRr-Fc]Take Control of Your Music
Hoover
2 Comments
Yeah man,
Compilations were and still are a sweet way to introduce new music to people. The low price point is so key though. Especially in today’s world.
Listening to that comp brought me back to me being 14-15. It’s crazy how music triggers memories.
-Hoover
That is right on point! I live in Omaha and theres been a handful of times where Omaha and Lincoln bands will put out compilations together, almost always to great success. $4 is nothing and most people will find some new bands to check out further.
On another note, that Survival of the Fattest comp was one of my favorites as a teen.