Feb 8
In our position, I can categorically state, that it's different. Sure, we have been checking itunes charts like the power's about to go off, like any normal human being would, but the expectation is entirely different. It seems much more fun being in this band at times like this. That's not to say our expectations are low - not at all - but we enter a lot more of the unknown than most bands do, almost on a weekly basis. I struggle to think, on a musical scale, of an act that is much more independent than The Boxer Rebellion. And that is something we are incredibly proud of. It definitely gives us many opportunities where we can stand back, look at what we've done, take the proverbial sip of water and feel good about ourselves. It also means, pretty much that our work is never done.
I'm sure not a single person reading this doesn't know that our album came out in the UK yesterday. And for those that have bought it, we thank you, and hope very much that you enjoy it. You may also know, if you did buy it, that you have bought into something that represents the very essence of independence, which in turn is something, in these changing musical times, that can help every motivated and talented artist out there. Nearly 2 years ago we released our second album, Union. You probably already have it. You might remember that it was denied a chart entry on the grounds of it not being released physically, and the industry suffered (and eventually changed) as a result. The only thing that has changed here is we are in a position to release on cd as well simultaneously, but our independence fiercely remains (Absentee Recordings, if you didn't know, is our own label).
This morning we received the news that after our first day of sales, we sit at number 36 in the overall album charts. Not a massive milestone you might think if you were Kasabian, but this is obviously different. Even if it's short-lived, this IS a milestone, not only for The Boxer Rebellion, but for our army of friends, family, and fans, and also lovers of music everywhere. And it's also a victory that enables independent artists to compete and, most importantly, create and release albums on their own terms. Today is a victory for ALL artists who work tirelessly to see creative expression recognised and enjoyed - within an archaic, impotent and prohibitive mainframe - for the purpose of enriching the lives of others.
If you want to see this milestone outlive more than a day or so, then become part of what we're doing. Provide everyone you know with information about this - not just the album itself but what it stands for. Blog about it, post wherever you can, tweet about it (and retweet about it!) - there are so many ways that you can help sustain a charting for this record beyond a few hours, and I won't insult you by going on any further. Suffice to say, if we are your band, and this is your thing, then now is the time to do something. Thank you.
Piers.
New album. Big effort.
So after all that has come before, here we are in album release week. You might wonder a lot what that's like. Well, if you're on a major, I'd imagine there's a lot of pressure. Money is often thrown here there and everywhere to make that album stick. Somewhere. And if it doesn't? Well, you don't have to be Isaac Newton to work out what happens to most bands.In our position, I can categorically state, that it's different. Sure, we have been checking itunes charts like the power's about to go off, like any normal human being would, but the expectation is entirely different. It seems much more fun being in this band at times like this. That's not to say our expectations are low - not at all - but we enter a lot more of the unknown than most bands do, almost on a weekly basis. I struggle to think, on a musical scale, of an act that is much more independent than The Boxer Rebellion. And that is something we are incredibly proud of. It definitely gives us many opportunities where we can stand back, look at what we've done, take the proverbial sip of water and feel good about ourselves. It also means, pretty much that our work is never done.
I'm sure not a single person reading this doesn't know that our album came out in the UK yesterday. And for those that have bought it, we thank you, and hope very much that you enjoy it. You may also know, if you did buy it, that you have bought into something that represents the very essence of independence, which in turn is something, in these changing musical times, that can help every motivated and talented artist out there. Nearly 2 years ago we released our second album, Union. You probably already have it. You might remember that it was denied a chart entry on the grounds of it not being released physically, and the industry suffered (and eventually changed) as a result. The only thing that has changed here is we are in a position to release on cd as well simultaneously, but our independence fiercely remains (Absentee Recordings, if you didn't know, is our own label).
This morning we received the news that after our first day of sales, we sit at number 36 in the overall album charts. Not a massive milestone you might think if you were Kasabian, but this is obviously different. Even if it's short-lived, this IS a milestone, not only for The Boxer Rebellion, but for our army of friends, family, and fans, and also lovers of music everywhere. And it's also a victory that enables independent artists to compete and, most importantly, create and release albums on their own terms. Today is a victory for ALL artists who work tirelessly to see creative expression recognised and enjoyed - within an archaic, impotent and prohibitive mainframe - for the purpose of enriching the lives of others.
If you want to see this milestone outlive more than a day or so, then become part of what we're doing. Provide everyone you know with information about this - not just the album itself but what it stands for. Blog about it, post wherever you can, tweet about it (and retweet about it!) - there are so many ways that you can help sustain a charting for this record beyond a few hours, and I won't insult you by going on any further. Suffice to say, if we are your band, and this is your thing, then now is the time to do something. Thank you.
Piers.
