, is now available for pre-order. Release comes in July, the exact date depending on format and where you live.It seems the delay has been, in part, because the band sought a different business model than its predecessor (and ongoing sibling) band, CIRCA:. While CIRCA: self-released material, but have had to largely abandoned live work, Yoso are aiming at a bigger market, with a CD released through a regular record company (Frontiers Records, who also have Asia on their books), and a tour planned.
As such, this is an appropriate time to direct you to this entry from the fantastic Information is Beautiful blog. It illustrates how a band might get ~80% of the sale price of a self-released CD, but a mere 3-10% on a standard retail CD. And forget being an artist and making money from Spotify or Last.fm plays!
So why not always self-release? Because a record label and selling through mainstream retailers means you can reach a much bigger market. But you need at least 8 times as many sales to make the same amount of money. Thus, the difficult decision for a band like Yoso.
I suspect there may be an element of pride involved, too. Some artists might be reluctant to abandon the "record label" business model to avoid the loss of (perceived) prestige... regardless of the potential monetary benefits of selling direct to the fans.
ReplyDeleteLet's face it, after the number of tribute records Sherwood's released (Beatles, Zep, Floyd etc.) this latest vehicle - and certainty Circa: & Yoso's elongated 'Yes-medley' live set-list - seems to be in a similar vein: but aimed at whom, precisely?
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly not 'Prog'; if indeed that tag carries any credible currency nowadays, outside of those wishing to bathe in the penumbra of other bands' former 1970s' glories. Hang on a minute! It can't be a Yes-tribute band, as what passes for Yes nowadays are in fact their own tribute band. Who said irony was dead?
For me, Sherwood is cemented firmly in the radio-friendly, West Coast/AOR shtick - and he's quite welcome to it.
Keep up the good work Henry - nice to read impartial views on what was once (Yes) a worthwhile project.