Bandstocks

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than witnessing the use of the internet to challenge long standing, historically-exclusive control(s) over the distribution of goods and information- especially as it concerns culture. I have recently learnt about 'Bandstocks', a UK-based website that allows 'fans' (who have to be UK residents) to invest in a musician's prospective new album.

The logic behind Bandstocks is that fans can now invest in the creation of forthcoming albums (by essentially fronting upstart capital required to make an album). This enables musicians to bypass their contractual obligation to record labels- many of which, and I'm referring to the major labels here, have been historically usurious and, instead, be totally supported by their fans. Bandstocks value to fans is that fans can now experience a potential return on their 'fanship' and musicians experience greater freedom and better lending rates.

While I'm unlearned with regards to the mechanics of Bandstocks (and am merely judging Bandstocks on the freshness of its idea), I'm pretty impressed. I like that fans can invest in an album and profit from recommending it- it's so unbelievably viral! The major labels have never rewarded fans for their loyalty or rewarded their 'word of mouth-ness' which has often been instrumental in making certain records major sellers. Bandstocks, on premise alone, seems to correct this. So, it will be interesting to see how Bandstocks challenges music's landscape in the future. To learn more about Bandstocks click here. Enjoy, Ben Pobjoy