Reinvent Retail

I realize that we haven’t really mentioned what exactly our company *does* but we’re still in development phase and don’t want to make any promises that we can’t keep. I’ll summarize as “tools for independent retailers.” A lot of other (internet) entrepreneurs I’ve spoken with hold the mentality that retail is basically dead and the future of music is… blah blah blah.

I don’t disagree that their are great things being done in the field. (I Think Music is a good example) I’ve been cleaning out my old bookmarks and found this gem from Stereogum which was published just after the Oink takedown. It does have good justification about American copyright law being messed up, and offers a digital solution that no record label would ever go for.

Most avid consumers like to support people who create things they like. Duh! But it seems like a lot of people are giving up on getting people to their local record store as a path to purchase. Here’s an example: RATATAT is a band I’ve liked since their first release. (our college radio station booked them on their first tour) Their third album has a July 8 release date, but has leaked online. I can buy their 7″ single direct from their label for $3 plus who know how much shipping, or buy their record for $12 with a free digital download and have to wait 6 weeks. Or I could go to my local record store in 6 weeks and buy it there, but I’ll probably be sick of the record by then. I’m not supporting a “crazy” ONLY BUY LOCAL philosophy, I’m saying that the store is adding value to the good.

Its easy to make fun of (or disregard) Two Princes, by the Spin Doctors, but the song has meaning to me because it recalls endless summer pool parties, not having a care in the world, and the girl I had a crush on who loved that song every time she heard it on the radio. My partner Matt sent me this (funny?) article from Fast Company about buying local. I’m an advocate of buying retail or buying from somebody who can ADD VALUE to the experience of enjoying a record.

I’ll shut up now and leave you with this wonderful song that I never would have heard of without a record store owner in my life.