AETHERPHON, global theremin family

Well, as Ray pointed out... last.fm is keeping stats and not actually  
copying content and as such, I'm ok with that.

One of the reasons I posted to this list was to get more information  
before jumping to conclusions -- and so I appreciate the feedback.


Rupert wrote:
> imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, unless
> you are a musician, in which case,  theft is the
> sincerest form of flattery.
>
> none of MY music is up there.
>
> you gotta lotta nerve complaining!

Yeah, I was letting off some steam.  We all have our "hot buttons".   
The word "exposure" does it for me.

Over the years, I have played for pay and gratis -- in the situations  
where I played "gratis" the folks that asked me were sincere and the  
music or event was interesting such that I wanted to be involved in  
it.  In general, when someone pushes the "you'll get exposure" button  
-- it is usually an event where you don't get paid, the music is just  
background, and the audience isn't there for the music, even remotely.  
  They might put up a "don't shoot the piano player" sign, though. :)

> well, none of your stuff is there now, i hope you are
> happy.

I am generally happy.  My health is good and my family is well.  My  
kids talk to me.  Thus, my complaints, as your comment suggests,  are  
over small issues.

>
> now, who do i have to bribe to get my stuff up there?
>

You can open a free account with them and upload content.  So, don't  
think you need to bribe anyone.  Apparently you need to download their  
software and agree to their terms.

> the bottom line is that 99 percent of musicians will
> never make money and will never get known.

I have been fortunate to make money from musical activity over the  
last 36 years.  I do not live off my music income now however it  
provides an excellent second income stream.

> the
> internet and sites like the one you are complaining
> about, are giving musicians a chance to be heard, and
> if someone should chance uppn your work, you may end
> up with a fan, a customer or a gig. not likely, but
> far more likely than relying on your own means of
> publicity and promotion.

Most of my website traffic comes from the communities in which I am an  
active participant: thereminworld, electro-music, and some mailing  
lists.  I also get numerous hits from google searches.

Most of the folks hitting the large commercial websites appear to be  
looking for conventional musical styles.  However, people who seek out  
Theremin music and synthesizer music are managing to find me and  
others one way or another.

I decided to fund my own website so that I can control the content and  
provide a calm experience -- free of popups, etc. -- for those who  
visit.  When I manage to create cd's, I plan to offer them for sale  
via my website in the same low-key manner.

> the quality of your work, and giving your work
> listeners, is far more important than the revenue
> which it may generate for you, especially in your
> case. (uh, that's a compliment).

I take it as a compliment.  And you are correct, it IS all about the music.

> final word:
>
> your art is worth more than your wallet.

Well, thanks.  Though, when I pull up to the self-service pump, my  
wallet's contents are more useful than my music.  :)

Again, my apologies for hitting the panic button earlier... and my  
thanks for the information and feedback.

-- Kevin