An interesting battle has erupted between ska/punk outfit Streetlight Manifesto and their record label Victory Records.
The band were looking to release a series of albums under the project “99 Songs Of Revolution” with part one recently released – a covers album. Their label, Victory Records has released the first single through iTunes without consultation with the band. Vocalist/guitarist/songwriter/leader Tomas Kalnoky posted this response on the band’s website.
“If you want to support Streetlight Manifesto by buying a CD, shirt, hoodie, poster, etc etc, PLEASE do not buy anything from Victory Records or their website. Use our online store or come out to a show and support the band by buying merch there. We cannot condone or agree with the actions or ethics of our record label, nor do we want to support them financially through revenue made under the guise of helping Streetlight. Hey douchebag lawyers: This is not libel or slander. We’re just letting our fans know how best to support the band if they should choose to do so by buying stuff. That is all.
As a bonus, let’s play “GUESS THAT QUOTE”!!!1! Here it is:
“I absolutely believe that allowing people to cherry-pick the tracks they want from each album cannibalizes full-length album sales and is ultimately detrimental to the artists who created the music. It is important for people to experience the entire album. Not just a track(s).”
You probably guessed it, so we’ll just go ahead and give you your prize: Another full, high quality mp3 from our new record! Apparently, Victory chose this as our first “single” for us, which we found out by seeing it iTunes. Awesome! Thanks guys!~”
The quote comes from an interview with Victory records boss Tony Brummel in 2006. Victory records have seen a lot of its loyal bands leave the label in recent times as the company moves from an independent to a more corporate, commercial label. Victory records is yet to respond.
The free mp3 ‘Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard’ can be found here.
