http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#3d6c7a21-d9ed-493b-9d57-8dbd63e6febf Well after reading everyones very well thought out and constructive responses... First, I did not go to see Bassnectar. I live an hour outside the city and its not worth 2 hours driving to get a ticket at 22 bucks. What does that leave me... internet aka ticketmaster livenation blah blah The bottom line and it seems consistent across the board, artists have basically become slaves to the promoters, ticket people, and venues. Who ends up eating it? (the extra costs because of unecessary 'middle-men' of the music industry) well the fan of course, which ultimately degrades your fan base. .absolutely you could apply my comments to nearly any artist. Why do I pick on Bassnectar? Well because as an artist lets face it he is quite vocal about his beliefs. IMO, he holds himself to a 'higher standard' of etiquette if you will...or at least this is the impression I get from him. Well, I have to say practice what you preach. In other words, i have higher expectations of him because of what he says, and what he does. I'm going to hold him to his opinions he asserts. In this case, it has become clear to me, that while Bassnectar is an incredibly talented artist, he, like others, seem to have fallen prey to the music industry. I guess I just hoped he had more grit than that. I remember the time (and it wasn't long ago, a few years) when i could catch an artist at a venue for 12 bucks... supply and demand...simple economics. Price is too high, i dont buy. All i'm saying is dude really ought to consider some renegotiation with his promoters... That's my 2 cents. Sun, 10 May 2009 17:45:17 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#3d6c7a21-d9ed-493b-9d57-8dbd63e6febf Reality Bender 2009-05-10T17:45:17Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#150ecc2a-a54c-46ff-b996-0bc796f94b64 > What I won't due however is support any venture with Clear Channel. Thanks. I'd like to add that Live Nation is a spin off from Clear Channel, and as such, they own the venues and and a number of artist recording contracts (e.g. Madonna and Jay-Z). The goal of spinning off Live Nation was to remove the encumbrance of broadcast regulations from ticket promotions. Ticketmaster and Live Nation have proposed a merger in February that will further corner the market in tickets at large venues. Not only does this eliminate the only possible competitor to behemoth Ticketmaster's ticket sales, but they will enshrine exclusive ticketing agreements at these venues that performing acts cannot avoid or negotiate to their benefit. If the merger gains regulatory approval, it will be despite strong evidence that they wish to avoid competing with each other. Please boycott Ticketmaster and Live Nation, and end the choke-hold they have on ticket buyers, venues, and performing acts. Mon, 04 May 2009 20:44:12 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#150ecc2a-a54c-46ff-b996-0bc796f94b64 Big Mike 2009-05-04T20:44:12Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#adbfc566-664b-40d0-8edd-1b5062f2f075 Correct me if I am wrong but as a once upon a time promoter myself in the Midwest area isn't ticket master Clear Channel. Were I am from they own most the venues and clubs anyways, one might even feel that they have a monopoly of sorts on the market we call entertainment. I don't mind paying 25 to 30 dollars a ticket for a rave if I get to listen to music all night and they know what there doing so things that should be taking care such as running free water and bathrooms are available. What I won't due however is support any venture with Clear Channel. Promoters don't make much money off anything they due. They shouldn't have to lose money but it's not a very rewarding job financially. Artiest are equally screwed by this as usually there is some unwritten contract between them and a certain promoter in any town. Now as a band member I realize that you usually lose out to. Touring costs money. I think if you want to change things you must be aware of all this and boycott appropriately but you must also be willing to cover the cost of shows that are going against this system. Clear Channel will be dicks and they can afford to book things over the top of your events and do it at costs much lower then normal. Sure they lose money but in the long run they put you out of business if you don't work with them and then they just hike there ticket sales back up again. It's the same thing all over and there are other choices. Maybe Bass Nectar could of had there show at On Air in the Portland area. I think that the Crystal Ballroom is the largest venue however and the same group of people also run most of the other the venues. I don't dislike the promoters of the Crystal Ballroom and there other venues, they never screw the artist, they always get to have there shows without any problems from the cops, ect. But even the cops are working for the business interests of the city and the cost of being an independent promoter is staggering. So as I read this thread and I read what people are pissed about I just add my thoughts to it and ask what are we really mad about? How are you going to help to change the market in your local town or city? Mon, 04 May 2009 20:08:13 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#adbfc566-664b-40d0-8edd-1b5062f2f075 $item.owner.firstName 2009-05-04T20:08:13Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d589da7b-1bcd-4b4d-ac13-61731f73cfd3 The only time I usually see him now is on the playa or some other outdoor festie. So yes I totally agree. Mon, 04 May 2009 19:56:53 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d589da7b-1bcd-4b4d-ac13-61731f73cfd3 Kløne 2009-05-04T19:56:53Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#2ff96e6d-395b-42d9-b485-86b5348ea9cc check him out at an outdoor festie! no complaints there! Mon, 04 May 2009 19:50:59 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#2ff96e6d-395b-42d9-b485-86b5348ea9cc Chlorophil 2009-05-04T19:50:59Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d15764df-26b9-446d-85a8-dc34d595e4fe I'd also like to add that I don't think bassnectar wants it to be so expensive to see him. I think it's usually the promoters and venues fault. At the same time (as an former underground promoter) I also know how pricey throwing an event can be. But somebody has to lose. Mon, 04 May 2009 06:11:29 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d15764df-26b9-446d-85a8-dc34d595e4fe Kløne 2009-05-04T06:11:29Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#db43febe-65ac-4c7b-876b-d49644ceeb7b $20 holy shit! I haven't seen an event in the Bay Area with Bassnectar in years for under $50 before "convenience" fees. I just gave up on seeing people like him a long time ago simply because I'm not rich. Mon, 04 May 2009 06:07:45 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#db43febe-65ac-4c7b-876b-d49644ceeb7b Kløne 2009-05-04T06:07:45Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#5250060f-3e31-42dd-8d10-dd3356210bf3 Y'all are awesome. We always advise that you shop around for tickets and buy from venue box office if at all possible. I wish I had some sort of ninjasuperstar plan to lay out to change the world of ticketing, but I don't. Thanks for the feedback, we're feeling this problem, too. And thanks for constructive suggestions, we always hope to hear as much feedback as we can. (moremoremore!! :) ) Mon, 04 May 2009 01:44:23 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#5250060f-3e31-42dd-8d10-dd3356210bf3 Lia 2009-05-04T01:44:23Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#fc82f9c1-1da7-434c-a2e4-b4dd66a57d22 Not at all...my counter-point is that it's not necessary to say that Lorin is trying to "bankrupt his fans" or call him an "asshole". I think everyone here shares the same disdain for Ticketmaster and Live Nation, but perhaps calling the artist names or implying that he is exploiting his fans isn't the most constructive (or accurate) way to get your point across. My other point was that as artists become more successful and popular, there are challenges that come with that type of growth, such as playing in more expensive venues. If you don't like that, try throwing your own underground parties/shows. I know several people who do exactly that. I'm sure there's plenty of other alternatives that people more creative than I am could suggest, but if you don't like the direction something is headed, do something about it. I suppose venting your frustration on an internet forum is a start, but it can be done without disparaging someone's character. I agree that tickets over $25 are expensive for most acts. But allow me to play Devil's Advocate again: While I don't think Ticketmaster should get paid, or be involved in the transaction at all (as they add no obvious value), I feel that the artists should get paid, like anyone else who works. Historically, a musician could make a living if they could sell records, but those days are gone due to the ease sharing music digitally. The primary way many musicians earn a living nowadays (besides a second or third job) is performing live. After the venue, the promoters, the opening acts, the management team, and all the other various expenses are paid, then what's left goes to the artist. What is that worth? Should an "above-average" artist earn an "above-average" income? What about all the people involved in the process of putting on the show , like promoters and roadies? Larger productions involve more people. Should they get paid enough to earn a living? There's a lot more that goes into the price of the ticket than just a "greedy artist". Sat, 02 May 2009 02:30:23 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#fc82f9c1-1da7-434c-a2e4-b4dd66a57d22 Pr3st0n 2009-05-02T02:30:23Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#b5fcdad5-a190-4705-b283-8e3fc739ca49 > Perhaps your argument could have been conveyed in a more constructive manner? Sometimes people need to be heard. It can really be that simple. Your message can be construed as an attempt to quiet a critic. If someone had responded to one of Lorin's calls for activism against President Bush, one could have hardly called it constructive to tell that individual "to find a country and be your own president." When the choices of others affect you adversely, stand up, be heard, and don't sit down without redress. I think that's at the heart of all of Lo's messages. Sat, 02 May 2009 00:35:23 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#b5fcdad5-a190-4705-b283-8e3fc739ca49 Big Mike 2009-05-02T00:35:23Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d3592b94-583d-4a6c-8ba8-7c6f7ce9bf1d I trust you don't mean that folks shouldn't express their concerns as these have here! As someone who's known Lorin since before he was Bassnectar, I know he'd welcome them. Sat, 02 May 2009 00:20:31 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#d3592b94-583d-4a6c-8ba8-7c6f7ce9bf1d Boxing Day Santa! 2009-05-02T00:20:31Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#f54e1a51-5dc5-45c7-9125-7e43e2826b7e A couple of things to consider: If you go to McMennamin's and buy a ticket from the Crystal Ballroom, it's about $22 bucks. There are only a few venues in Portland that can handle the size of the crowd Bassnectar draws now, and support the sound system, visuals and logistics it requires (would you rather endure a cavity search at the Roseland?). I suppose it comes with playing music that is so widely embraced. This limits your options on where you can throw shows, and besides, the Crystal is a great venue for a show. Unfortunately, organizations like Ticketmaster have contracts to distribute tickets with these larger venues. Does Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Clearchannel etc., etc., blow? Of course they do, and they definitely rip us off, but I think your frustration is misdirected by claiming Lorin is "comfortable with bankrupting his fans" and implying he's an "asshole". Not only is that dramatic, but it's also way off-base and disrespectful. Perhaps your argument could have been conveyed in a more constructive manner? Also, there's two other artists performing that need to receive payment for their performances. One issue Lorin does promote is "activism", which is essentially doing something (besides complaining) to affect change when you don't feel somethings is right. You have several options here; off the top of my head, you could complain on the internet in a disparaging way, not go to the show in protest of the high fees, or throw your own shows at some other venue that can accommodate the size of the crowd Bassnectar shows draw. Fri, 01 May 2009 22:54:48 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#f54e1a51-5dc5-45c7-9125-7e43e2826b7e Pr3st0n 2009-05-01T22:54:48Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#115df9b5-2bc0-41d3-a42d-305ac5b916da I feel you. I tried to buy tix for Bassnectar's May 16 show in Santa Cruz, and InHouseTickets.com says the ticket is $19. Fair enough. Then they add $3.25 "Convenience Fee". If that wasn't convenient enough, they add a "$2 print at home fee". WTF? That added up to $24.25, plus a $1.00 Santa Cruz Entertainment Tax. So I figgered I'd just blow off the ticket agency and buy directly from the Catalyst. Once there, the fees they charged were $19 for the ticket, plus $2.50 Convenience Fee for a total of $21.50 + $1.00 Santa Cruz Entertainment Tax. It was hardly convenient to drive to town for tickets. I will probably never buy tickets from Ticketmaster again, your situation sounds much more painful. We need to boycott Live Nation which has captured all the best venues for large entertainment, and Ticketmaster which is their hand-maiden. Fri, 01 May 2009 21:34:07 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#115df9b5-2bc0-41d3-a42d-305ac5b916da Big Mike 2009-05-01T21:34:07Z http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#de8d0bd4-04e6-4d14-a0cd-f701b636170f Ok, so i'm not one to normally nitpick on people..but check it out... I just wanted to say that the pricing structure for seeing Bassnectar (and many other artists) is getting reckless and prohibitive. I just went to purchase a ticket for Bassnectar at the crystal ballroom in Portland. The ticket price is 20 bucks, fine. Ticketmaster, charges 60% of the cost of the ticket in “convenience fees” and “processing fees” Topping the final price out at something like 33 dollars!!!! . The irony of that phrase “Convenience fees” I don’t find getting charged more than half the cost of my ticket just to make the purchase “convenient” . I’m sure if Lorin had any idea his fans were getting DICKED this hard, he wouldn’t bother performing…33 bucks for a live performance…get real, I can buy 3-4 albums with that much. This practice is becoming standard. I guess middle - upper class folks rolling in dough is his 'target audience'. This kind of pricing makes me think that, especially with a rising jobless rate and faulting economy. Anyway, If I knew Lorin was comfortable with bankrupting his fans so they can see his performance I probably wouldn’t bother seeing him. What irony that he seems to have become the very thing he so staunchly criticizes - capitalistic swine gutting every consumer he can find…shame on Bassnectar’s booking team, and shame on ticketmaster. Evidently greed is the most important thing for this artist. I'm not saying the guys an asshole - he does plenty of good things too - but c'mon, who are you kidding. Hmm, bassnectar for a couple hours one night, or 6 meals...hmmm? Fri, 01 May 2009 19:09:58 GMT http://bassnectar.tribe.net/thread/f6e2792d-1af2-4214-8b16-e583f8c9f377#de8d0bd4-04e6-4d14-a0cd-f701b636170f Reality Bender 2009-05-01T19:09:58Z