Today is “Day Against DRM” , and in celebration I project that I have been helping bootstrap went live today, DrmFree.org. DrmFree.org is a federated search engine that can help you find music to purchase or download for free that does not use DRM. The basic principle is simple, if consumers are educated and shown that they have a choice, we believe they will choose to purchase music that is free of DRM. For more info check out the about page.
| This is old news for most, but I just came across it this evening and feel compelled to post something about it. | |
| NikeSB (skateboarding) in a recent ad campaign for their east coast tour had some rather curious looking artwork: | |
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| Looks a little like this: | |
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There has been tons of bantering online about this; legal aspects, wether or not Dischord should attempt to sue Nike, and Nike’s apology. I have my opinion which is based purely on my principles and respect for Dischord Records. Someone at Nike screwed up. Most likely in one of two ways.
Regardless of the circumstances I found the imitation insulting. The first time I heard Minor Threat I was probably 13, this band among a few others changed my perspective on music and life in general. Those of you that know me have probably heard me say this about a ton of things, but “it had a serious impact on my life and who I am today”. It turned me on to a world of people that were not satisfied with the available paths for music and self expression so they did something about it. They created (and still create) music they like and built the vehicles to distribute it to people. Keep in mind that this was happening before the proliferation of internet access. Dischord records has been around for 25 years and is still independent. Fugazi will only play all ages venues and charges very little for their shows, it was always $5 I don’t know if its gone up.
For a company that would sue anyone for anything that even hints a silent fart of imitating their logo or artwork, I find it tasteless that NikeSB would choose to exploit an icon and ethos that has earned respect for so many years, standing behind two things Nike would never
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I had totally forgotten about this show until my roomate reminded me on my way out the door in the morning. I contemplated not going, but luckily I stuck to my guns and went. Graceland, a
venue I have never been crazy about has at least expanded the bar area making it alot easier to get beer. They also added a bar way in the corner on the left of the stage (with no bathrooms close by ).
Waiting in line was quite interesting having never been to Hank III show before. It was an ecletic collection of people ranging from Cowboy Hats and southern style ties, to punk rockers brandishing
sub-humans patches and dreads.
Scott Biram’s set had already started by the time we made it out of the rain, he fucking rocks. If you were to take Rev. Gary Davis, RL Burnside, Model T
Ford, Tom Waits, a little white trash, and a bottle of Old Grandad, put them in the blender and stuff it in a little white guy from austin with a John Deer meshback you have Scott Biram. He played acoustic with some distortion through a
tiny amplifier, and stomped his foot the entire time. This is one of those rare occasions where you have a really big headliner, yet people were crowded up to the front of the stage to see the opening
act. In fact I talked to quite a few people who came primarily to see Scott. Needless to say, I left with both of his CDs that were for sale. I require that you go to his site now and listen to the Truckdriver mp3. The other pleasent suprise I encountered was a couple of tracks on one his CDs that he recorded with the Weary Boys (another worthy austin based band) whom I had the pleasure of seeing this past Sunday at the 9lb Hammer in Georgetown.
Hank III whom I have never seen before and only mildly listened to put on an awesome show. The first hour and half or so set was all Country, real country
not the shit you see on TNN. He paid respects to many greats including but not limited to Cash and Waylon. He also raised the crowd in a chant of “FUCK CURB RECORDS”, the record company that he has
been stuck in a contract with, and has tried really hard to cramp his music, refusing to let him do things his way. Following his rocking country set, he came out with AssJack his hardcore/thrash/metal
band which consisted of the same bass player (switched from stand up to electric) a different drummer and additional singer who hails from Hank’s “Favorite hardcore band” but their name escapes me. I
was pleased to see Hank III with a Misfits sticker proudly displayed on his guitar, they did play a Misfits song and a G.G. Allin song.
So all in all, great time. Thanks to Ben and Stuart for dragging me out. Hi to Amy the UW student who randomly came up to give me a hug and kiss, and hi to Holly at the
Lobo (post show bar stop) for commenting on my cuteness and planting one on my cheek.
