LiveDownloads: A "Win-Win" Stituation

            As a devote fan of the “jam-band” scene, live music is my favorite form of music.  However, it is not every day you get to go to a concert.  So how can you temporarily satisfy this need for live music without going to a show?  The answer is quite simple, record the live music. 

            The trend first began in the late 90s when Phish started releasing a series of live shows as albums that were sold in stores.  The success of these albums caused the band to start recording and releasing the soundboards of each show, available for download on the internet.  Now basically every band on the scene takes part in the new trend.  Bands like Phish, String Cheese Incident, Furthur, Umphrey’s McGee, moe., STS9, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Lotus have made this a staple as part of their act.  In going to their shows, you not only get to enjoy it while you are there, but you know that when you get home the next day you will be able to relive it for only a $10 purchase.

            Not only is this a great way to market the band’s music, but it also brings in extra revenue for an extremely minimal expense.  The band is going to put on the show anyway and the proper recording equipment would only be a one-time investment.  It truly is a win-win situation for the band and the fan.  As a fan, I buy almost every recording of shows I have seen as it is fun for me to relive the night.  Also, I feel this keeps me continually wanting to go to the next show.

            I personally think this idea of recording and releasing live shows is something that all bands should follow.  Music goers love to relive their concert experience and this is the best possible way to do so.  It is a very inexpensive way to produce extra revenue for the band, as well as keep the consumer happy.

            What are your thoughts on this idea?  Even if you aren’t a fan of this style of music, wouldn’t you like to have a copy of your favorite band live in concert that you attended?  In case you are interested, here is a link to the LiveDownloads website.

In Response to Nikki's Post on 2/25

        I would like to first start by stating that I am in full agreement with you.  The United States is so far behind in alternative energy use it is not even funny.  We all know the benefits that can be achieved with wind power as a source of alternative energy, yet we have made minimal effort to take advantage of it.  Yes, the shoreline off the coast of Nantucket is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, but I think it is time we stop being so selfish and take advantage of the wind resources in that area.  If these wind turbines could potentially produce 75% of the power needs of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket as you have mentioned, we would have to insane not to build them.  Not only are these turbines a completely clean and sustainable source of energy, but also over time they would completely pay for themselves.  The original investment for the wind farm I’m sure is close to a billion dollars, but after years of use the amount of energy produced will eventually exceed the initial investment when compared to petroleum costs.  Also, I think that these wind turbines are amazing architectural achievements that we should be proud of.  We seem to have a terrible perception that beauty is always aesthetic, but in today’s world we must look past the “eye-sore” of these turbines and look at the environmental beauty they possess.  We have had plenty of time to enjoy these beautiful views, but it is now time we look towards our future and sustainability of this planet.  We need to not be so selfish and think of all the benefits that would come with the wind farm.