The Beggars Group: OOP

(But you said "current manifestations," Scott! Otherwise I'd be predictable and say 4AD.)

too pure has a lot of new signings, including the rogers sisters, young people, and old pals stereolab. come to think of it, 4ad and beggars have a lot of new acts these days, too. while obv. biased, recent stuff on these labels that i like include celebration, the double, early man (yes, i do like them and no, i don't think it's strange they're on matador - remember unsane?). also ilx fave and former poster j0hn d@rn!3ll3 is on 4ad, so be nice.

*cuts up lips, jumps out window, plays in traffic*

http://users.ipfw.edu/kingsbury/IMAGES/CRASH.JPG

you wouldn't really, trust me.

mo'wax aint anything for beggars at the moment. last mowax release was unkle and that was released via island then g-u, (and then probably nike next)

totally depends who he is and what his current status is. the problem with 4AD is that many artists get misty-eyed about it's kudos which sometimes blinds them to the harsh business realities of entering into a partnership.

if your friend is a new signing, get him to do a headcount on the number of staffers in beggars london press office. got it? good. now, count up the number of labels that are promoting new material via that central hub press office. for extra fun, then count up the number of active artists on each of those labels - misleading i know b/c not all of them are releasing at the same time, but it gives you an idea of what i'm talking about.

it's not the staffer's fault. they're good people with a stupid workload. it's not really beggar's fault either, they've had to rationalise and centralise everything to stay afloat.

is it a 'dream' situation? ummmmm. no. unless you're jack white it's actually a pretty hideous bottleneck.

Find me the "dream situation" and I'll buy you a boat. It's the same as it ever was; prioritization is in effect, some artists get it and some don't. It's a drag but that's the music industry for you.

I can tell you point blank there are many, many folks other than Jack White who are done right by Beggars' press people. I'm speaking from personal experience.

Er...yeah...right, 'Nope'.....because Devendra, MIA, Blonde Redhead, TVOTR, the National, Interpol and Basement Jaxx really suffered from a lack of exposure didn't they?

In fact looking at rosters across the industry it becomes clear that prioritization at BG is a lot less ruthless than anywhere else-unless you'd care to cite an example? No? Thought you might not.

And anyway, are they really staying afloat? Nuymber One albums, multi platinum sales, phenomenal back catalogue? Bet a lotta labels wish they were "clinging on" in that style.

these sorts of observations always come out wrong from someone who's been on the receiving end of it. i mean, how could anyone not take it personally? i was trying to honestly address a question from the perspective of rosy spec'd musos who 'dream' of being on this or that label.

but thankyou for your thoughts on prioritization, Gary. you obviously know your onions and i don't dispute anything that you're saying, i also appreciate the humanity of your tone.