Bit Revolver

I was recently very impressed with the band O.A.R.’s approach to distributing their live performances, and then equally disappointed by Live Nation and Jones Beach’s choice to ruin the fun.

O.A.R.’s USB Wristbands

Last weekend’s O.A.R. concert at Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY was promoted along with the availability of a special USB wristband that would contain a recording of that very night’s show, along with the band’s new album and a few other goodies. The band’s official website states:

At select shows on The All Sides Tour, concert-goers will have the chance to bring home a live recording of that evening’s show along with a copy of the band’s new album, All Sides. The performances and the new album will be packaged together on a USB flash drive wristband and will be available at all venue merchandise locations.

The following quote from front man Marc Roberge illustrates the band’s fantastic attitude towards their live music, and ultimately their commitment to their fans:

For us, performing live is about sharing experiences. Technology is all about convenience and being able to offer our shows on a USB flash drive? That’s all about the memories. What a fantastic thing to be able to give back to our fans.

The official list of shows at which USB wristband recordings would be available includes “August 2^nd - Wantagh, NY - The Nikon at Jones Beach”.

For this author, music doesn’t get much better than a good live show — I enjoy going to concerts, and I collect recordings of all the shows I have attended. Being both a live music fan and avid technology enthusiast, I love to hear about stuff like this. $30 for a USB drive with a soundboard-quality live recording, a copy of the band’s album, and a bunch of photos? I’d reach for my wallet without a second thought.

Sorry, tonight’s show isn’t available

The staff at O.A.R.’s merchandise booth at the August 2^nd was very busy informing fans that a recording of the night’s show would not be available on the USB wristbands. They explained that the band was told upon arrival at the venue that they would not be permitted to record and sell that night’s performance. Instead, fans could choose wristbands from one of four recently recorded performances.

Let’s get this straight — the music business is losing money left and right these days. Young people are not interested in traditional media. Live performances are a top money-maker for any act. A band like O.A.R. puts a great idea to work — give the fans instant access to a high-quality recording of the very show they just enjoyed, and include the new album and a few extras in order to round out the package. Wait… is that? Yes, it is! A business model adapted to keep up with the changing pace of music in the digital age!

But someone in an office somewhere thought it would be a good idea to say no.

Fans get their recordings anyway, but keep their money

The Internet has done wonders for the live music-trading community — dedicated tapers bring advanced audio gear to shows, and their recordings are available online within days. So now, many fans will still obtain a copy of O.A.R.’s show at Jones Beach. The venue prohibits taping, but as of today recordings from more than one source are available for download. The sound will be good… not as good as a soundboard recording, but still very good. And it will be free.