Alan McGee has spoken to ClashMusic about the state of the music industry, and changing attitudes amongst fans.
The music industry is always changing. Operating in a continual state of flux, the methods of recording and releasing music have changed irrevocably over the course of the past decade or so.
Alan McGee came out of the old school, a passionate music fan whose heart often ruled his head. The Creation records boss is now firmly outside the music industry, a fact he apparently enjoys.
Speaking to ClashMusic, then maverick industry figure outlined his thoughts on the changes within the industry. “I mean, bands don’t sell records anymore. No matter what the record companies tell you. Medium sized bands worldwide are only selling 30,000 records. Now these are real figures but I wont name and shame the bands” he said.
“Say a medium sized band that would do Brixton would sell like 30,000 records. But they get paid £25-30,000 a show. So they are making their living from playing live shows. It’s a completely different market now.”
Continuing, Alan McGee argued that music no longer has the same worth it once did. “If I wanted to set up a label and had five million, who the fuck is gonna buy the records?” he asked.
“I think bands still think there’s a Creation around that comes along and makes you big and the really sad thing is apart from maybe Domino I don’t think there is. But even Domino, and no offence against Lawrence, cause I love Lawrence but I think culturally record companies just don’t have the same impact that we did 20 years ago.”
“They’re not any less of a good record company, I think Domino are a fucking great record company but it just means less to people.”
Retreating from the music industry, Alan McGee occasionally DJs but prefers instead to live out in the Welsh countryside. “Everyone’s just into what they’re into” he explained. “I like Wales and the countryside and reading books and bringing up my kids but I’m 49.”
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