What People Have Been Saying About
Hello! -One of the saddest things about the music biz is that truly original and talented artists are not supported by whatever label they sign with unless they SELL a lot of records. I've seen so many wonderful bands break up due to this FACT. If that doesn't happen, the precursor is the lack of support kills them before they really get off the ground! I'm willing to bet that a lot of ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES would disappear if a band started to become popular and make some $$$! I don't mean to sound cynical, but as a musician/songwriter, I have been through the same kind of thing, and believe me, success and recognition from "The entertainment establishment" is what we ALL want, whether we admit it or not! (Ask Roger Manning if he'd rather have a successful band and be recognized,or be a sideman for Beck!). Actually, I am interested in getting in touch with Eric Dover, and finding out what he is doing musically now. I also was hoping to get in touch with Roger. I live in the Orange County, CA area, and am trying to make some "connections" as a bass player, vocalist, etc...Networking, etc. Thanks for this website-it's nice to see info on Imperial Drag, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, etc.. Peaceful Regards, "Fretless"
(yeah, yeah, it's been a while) in response to the previous message, the label has to support the band *first* to get the records sold. in the case of Imperial Drag *in* *particular* their promotions department, which was The Work Group, distributed by Sony, shortly after the record was released in the states split up. The Work Group separated its staff to support a new "boutique" label called 550.(also distributed by Sony) so, the people who were originally assigned to promote the Imperial Drag record got yanked to go and promote some new band on this new label, 550. and new people were assigned to promote the Dragsters. People who weren't there from the beginning, didn't get it, or didn't believe in the band at all. (follow?)it's not the band's fault (any band) for not selling records. the bands aren't supposed to sell the records, that what the business is for. all the bands have to do is have talent. (IDEALLY, i won't go into the hundreds of talentless hacks that are out there) Imperial Drag had the talent, they just didn't have a strong support system. and, yes, that does contribute to certain personal differences within any band (not going to be specific 'bout that one, huh Dragaholics!) anyone who likes any bands that have ever had anything to do with polygram or universal will see the same thing start to happen there. unless their favaorite is a platinum seller. the record business is a volitile cut throat business. there are SO many little things that can happen that can sink a band before they even get a chance. and it's a crap shoot, all the way around. you can bust yer b*lls playing gigs for 10 years and finally get signed and be huge, or get nothing. you can be copletely formulated and contrived like the spice girls (sorry to those LOST fans that made it here...what's up with THAT?!) you can be a pet project to a petophile (sp?) and be any of the new rash of young teenage girls at the top of the charts. there are many many changes happening right now that the average fan/consumer is completely unaware of. bands have to work harder to get their music heard. they have to seek out new channels, the internet, MP3, etc, etc. check the links of your favorite band's site every once in a while. there are gems out there! if the consumer would utilize the tools they have before them and not allow themselves to be spoon fed the crap that is pumped through commercial (and at this point college) radio and MTV. i think the average Imperial Drag fan is smarter than your average bear, so i'm probably preaching to the choir (am i getting preachy?) but tell all your friends. use internet radio, pursue MP3's, try to get to music every other way besides radio and MTV, make the industry change to suit YOU! I'm just sayin'. i'll get down from my soapbox now. love ya Dragsters!!!
MARS NEEDS WOMEN
Eric - hi honey, how lame of me to post a message and never check back to see if you replied! I'm gonna phone you but I only have your # at home so email will do for now. So happy you went to Sparks! So sad we didn't see each other! I was talking with Stevie D. about you last night, he says he sees you occasionally at barbecues. I ran into Jay on the street near my house last year, that was how Rob Kelly came to phone me. How wonderful to see him, miss the Sunhouse. Hope all's well with you! I work at Castle Rock Entertainment, also am writing the endless Sparks book. Funny last night, Jason played th El Rey and I heard his whole set in my apt. (I live right behind the theatre.) Caught his show a couple of months ago, we had a pleasant chat, also saw the Rick Parker there. Squeak with you soon, email me if you can - xo Amelia
P.S. to Eric Skodis - just reading up on recent emails re: Brian Keats playing drums with Jason - it's pretty funny that you and Brian were the ones I phoned when Ron and Russell needed a new drummer. The girl I eventually recommended works w/me here at the Rock...who would've suspected when we were playing 'Indiscreet' over and over and over...-xo, Amelia
ICKY -Your drumming kicks ass! Have you representation? I am a bass player in search of others to jam or form something with, but alas, I am new to the coast and in sleepy, boring Orange County! I just wanted to let you know I understand the artistic and creative process, and the frustration it can bring. I wish you the best of luck and success. I hope to see you and perhaps some of the other "alumni" at Jason's Troubadour show on 5/6/99. I am very psyched! Take care! peaceful regards, "Fretless"
Hi Brittney. You are so cool. I just love Baby one more time. I play it a lot!!!!! I think you are the best siner in the worid!!!
Hehehe people suck.... hehehe later id livz
ICKY -I totally missed your response to my message -it posted on my birthday(this computer, as you may have guessed, is at my place of work)-I was "off" on 4/7/99, and...Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to "check in". I AGREE -the business (record company) has the responsibility to promote and support it's acts. Look at all the bands who have made, disributed, and sold (out of the back of the van) their own CD's(Big Head Todd comes to mind-my friend Joe Rathbone is doing that back east, AND@ Amazon.com). But it made me feel very sad when you said that you (ID) were reassigned to a new group of people who weren't there in the beginning (like being shipped off to a new school where you don't know anyone..)-I am rather idealistic, and I know this is not the business for that kind of mindset! That's probably one big reason that I haven't been personally successful "in the biz" (so far). Hope this message finds you well and in good spirits -sorry if I brought up or opened any "old wounds". Not to leave anyone out-hope you are ALL doing well. Peaceful regards, "FRETLESS"
Hello Dragsters, i have found yet another artist for us to die for... this is the best thing since Jason Falkner(perhaps better?) His name is Tal Bachman, he's Canadian and he's absolutely AMAZING!! You must all pick up his C.D. its self titled, buy it now.....That is all...for now.... ID ROX
What up?
What Up?
yeah, isn't Tal Bachman's dad someone we should know?
Wow!!!!!!!! Martian spy girl......your musical knowledge amazes all of us indeed all hail martian spy girl.....Randy Bachman expert... sorry guys...bad week ID ROX later....
Sounds to me like IDLUV has some issue's to work through you know Dr.Ruth say anger is a sign of sexual frustration
Icky! Stop beating around the bush! I have no idea what this "Mars" stuff is all about! You're confusing me and I'm on antihistamines, which make me very sleepy and not-so-perceptive. Clear it up, Icky! Adam
And what's up with this Brittney Spears/Spice Girls shit?! What the hell is going on? This is the Imperial Drag board, not untalented-with-big-fake-breasts board! WAAAAAH! I'm irritated!
Sorry. I should go take a nap.
