The man who discovered Oasis and formed the Pop Tones label in 1999 wants out.  He doesn't see the point of owning a label because there's no money to be made since the cost of promoting a band via conventional means is too high. I agree. Big label band promotion often resembles a shotgun being sprayed at a crowd and hoping that something will stick. Viral marketing via social networks is nothing new; just look at the success stories on Myspace. However, complete ownership of large scale promotion & production to by a band themselves hasn't been done yet. I'm not talking about established mega-bands here like U2, but unknown acts, who get a following and then take it to the next level themselves. All bands that get to this stage, end up signing a deal.  

Is it possible in the future? I think so but the social networks needs to become a lot larger and the features on these sites that promote viral sharing need to be a lot more efficient. What do I mean with efficiency? Discoverability. Most social networking sites still make it too difficult for you to find new music that you might like.  

The internet will become the main distribution channel in 10 years time, therefore lowering the cost of distribution to potentially a negligible amount, another prerequisite.

So what's the secret sauce for 'Band 2.0' ?

1. Launch video on Youtube, Xbox Live (theoretical), Apple TV (theoretical), Joost (theoretical)

2. Work with Last.fm or myspace for gig dates, recommendation engines and fan cultivation

3. Sell album on iTunes (no label)

4. A good tune :)

5. A good stunt

6. Hire friends with business skills.

Friday's Line up

Saturday's line-up

Sunday's line-up

My picks:

Bjork, Dave Clarke, Arcade Fire, Gus Gus, AIM, Aliens, The Klaxons, The High Wire, Freq Nasty, The Who, Beirut, The Horrors, Gruff Rhys, Stanton Warriors and several large helpings of Somerset pear cider. :)

I can't wait. :)

Recently I received an email from Johnny Marr's publicist, letting me know that the great man was working on a new project. Apart from joining Modest Mouse, he's been busy designing a Johnny Marr sneaker for PF Flyers (a sub-brand of New Balance). On July 10, a 108 pairs will be released at $80 with all proceeds going to charity. Another 108 pairs will go on sale in the UK at £40 each with proceeds going to charity as well.

The shoes look fucking cool.

Get in there.

"Don't hate the media. Be the media"' - Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys)

1. Justice - Genesis
2. Von Sudenfed - Can't Get Enough
3. 1990s - Cult Status
4. Dinosaur Jr - Crumble
5. Battles - Race Out
6. Elliott Smith - High Times
7. The Aliens - Setting Sun
8. The Clientele - Bookshop Casanova
9. Esiotrot - Emily Scott
10. Cajun Dance Party - The Next Untouchable
11. Love of Diagrams - Pace or the Patience
12. The Pigeon Detectives - Take Her Back
13. Muggabears - Now I've got a Sword
14. Charlotte Gainsbourg - The Songs That We Sing
15. Pop Levi - Sugar Assault Me
16. Junior Boys - FM (Marsen Jules Remix)
17. Dan Deacon - The Crystal Cat
18. Lambchop - This Corrosion (Sisters of Mercy)