Thanks for letting me rattle on about something I care about. Happy to share my experiences. :)

I was signed to a fairly prominent indie label in the early 00's, so I definitely agree that some degree of short term exposure is afforded if the label has some weight behind it. That said, despite a few sold out London shows, a couple of radio sessions on XFM and a festival appearance in Greece (which, by the way,…

The only way to get out of the grey is for someone who has posting privileges on Jez to "follow" you. It is done on the whims of individuals. There is no formula or surefire way to be ungreyed.

The labels will continue to trot out pop pabulum, but touring will probably remain the main source of revenue.

The music business is struggling, and the few labels that want true classic ass-kicking metal don't have the money to keep artists recording.

Really? I live in Texas and I have never heard of this. But then I eschew the big box stores as much as I can. :)

Hey, I'm a musician and will happily share my unsolicited opinion.

This looks like the most awful work outing ever.

The phrase "music biz" still makes me cringe after all these years.

I don't know why, but the name "Windhand" makes me giggle.

"Legally obligated"?

I'm not sure about that. Some stores will do it out of good will, but the store can always cancel orders online (something that happens quite frequently if the mistake is spotted before shipping) or refuse to sell product if it's an obvious mistake. A price sticker isn't a legally binding contract.…

Things that also "ooze confidence":

Elisabeth van Lawick van Pabst-Koch

McAuliffe isn't just "kind of a sleaze." He is an unfettered, corrupt jackoff benefiting from the oligarchy of party politics. The fact that a guy who has never held any kind of elected office, and whose political relevance died during the Bush administration, can be pushed up to the VA governor's office is a damning…

I am endlessly amused by people who get really worked up when someone posts such an innocuous story. Why does it have to mean anything? Why does it make you so angry?

I like to think that even the most amoral thief wouldn't touch a holy artifact like Half Life 3. It would be like looking directly the Ark of the Covenant.