So, how many bands are actually authoring THEIR OWN songs?

[Starfleet_Rambo]

I'm not saying that's why it was created, I'm just saying that's kinda how it started out, as in when I first saw the news I was like "oh sweet, actual bands will be releasing their own music as DLC" and then it ended up having few bands actually doing this themselves. I guess I did a ****ty job of wording it lol

It doesn't matter how you worded it. It was pointless regardless.

The DLC HMX releases is done by them and not the bands, so what's the problem with these bands coming out in RBN having people make the charts?

If bands charted songs on their own for RBN, this thing wouldn't produce many songs like it is now.

[GeneralGilliam]

It doesn't matter how you worded it. It was pointless regardless.

The DLC HMX releases is done by them and not the bands, so what's the problem with these bands coming out in RBN having people make the charts?

If bands charted songs on their own for RBN, this thing wouldn't produce many songs like it is now.

Look, all I'm saying is if I have 2 songs I want to buy, and only enough MSP for 1, I'd rather buy the one that was made by the band themselves to support them for going the extra mile and getting involved first hand with the RBN.

[jawillroy]

I like the sentiment (naturally!) but the distinction's actually pretty fine. I don't have details to back this up, but I suspect that a lot of the Author/Artist relationships are pretty indie-friendly, and direct - I'm thinking Kristin Hersh, just off the top of my head, and the Zack Wilson stuff. I'd say supporting artists like that comes close to the spirit of what you're talking about.

[Markleford]

If bands charted songs on their own for RBN, this thing wouldn't produce many songs like it is now.

Actually, it may be moreso the overlap between how many bands have members that actually *play* the game. It's rarer than some people might think.

I just so happen to love the game *and* do session drums and production for James William Roy. We'd previously wanted to put out an EP, but didn't have much cash to throw around at the time, so when RBN was announced it seemed a good alternative to build some interest.

And *then* your band has to happen to have a technically proficient member that can handle the charting. For some bands, the most technical they get is to fiddle with knobs on their amps. But for some, like my pals in Scratching the Itch and You Shriek, they already have a large electronic component to their music, so charting in a MIDI sequencer is second nature. I used to be a music software developer, so there was negligible learning curve for me.

So statistically speaking, you're quite right: finding a band member that loves RB and has the technical chops (or willingness to learn) is kind of a rare thing!

Of course, HMX doesn't really care where the charting comes from: I'm sure they figured some bands would have that DIY sweet-spot, or have a friend in their network that has the chops, or that they'd capitalize on the inevitable formation of 3rd party authors. It's all good, right?

Look, all I'm saying is if I have 2 songs I want to buy, and only enough MSP for 1, I'd rather buy the one that was made by the band themselves to support them for going the extra mile and getting involved first hand with the RBN.

I don't think this is a particular motivator for me, but I guess it's of note that of 5 RBN tracks I've bought thus far, all of them are from self-charters: Go Team-DIY!

- m

[buster42]

I think I remember the MC Frontalot song (Goth Girls) being authored by mc_frontalot. So I'm guessing that he authored the song himself.

[Markleford]

I think I remember the MC Frontalot song (Goth Girls) being authored by mc_frontalot. So I'm guessing that he authored the song himself.

Actually, by his bassist, Blak Lotus.

- m

[buster42]

Actually, by his bassist, Blak Lotus.

- m

Oh. Still a member of the band, though >_>

[Scratching The Itch]

Charting my own material has been a challenge, sometimes a hit to the ego, but overall awesome. Many of the indie charters are also doing work for other artists as well, either individually or as part of a group (hi Markleford, You Shriek, and RockGamer!).

It's been a great ride so far getting STI music in front of so many new people. I know that for the most part, us unknowns are not selling anywhere near the numbers as, say, KMFDM or Bang Camaro, but hey - you gotta start somewhere!

Thanks to everyone who has been using RBN to discover great new music. I'm right there, discovering it with you.

[madcapmatt]

Didn't I read on here that one of the members of Evile (the guitarist?) was charting his album, right?

[The Frisk]

Didn't I read on here that one of the members of Evile (the guitarist?) was charting his album, right?

Yeah. One of the members was interviewed by HMX Thrasher in the podcast, and he mentioned he was doing the album himself.