Date:    Wed, 13 May 1998 13:18:13 -0400
From:    Rich Holtzman <rich@4AD.COM>
Subject: 4AD in the US
 
there are many reasons why 4AD is not releasing these records immediately
in the US.  And these reasons are multi-tiered
 
first off 4AD can dist anything we like in the US through ADA, however
releasing a record in the US can be very expensive and prohibitive to label
of our size.  If you think 4AD is making money hand over fist then you
really have the wrong impression. We would like to license a number of our
artists to major labels who can help with the investment in the band.  For
Instance, it is extremely expensive to tour the US, especially when the
band is from overseas.  A band could easily run up a deficet of $60,000 on
20-30 day tour.  Yes, very expensive.  We would love for everyone to have
the opportunity to buy records at the cheapest prices, but that is not
always possible.  I am attempting to facilitate a way to buy imports
cheaper in the US through a particualr outlet, but there are laws and other
situations that I am running into.
 
The reason we release these records is because we love them, and while some
of them might not have the biggest commercial potential, we think they all
can be successful.  It is important that the records are released without
incurring too much debt, for if we do it puts added pressure on the label
as well as the artist.  Hoefully you agree, that's why so many of you buy
so many of our records.  And that is why we try to give you as much as
possible, extra promos in mailorder, 2-track hope blister CDs, etc. etc.
rich
 
Date:    Thu, 14 May 1998 00:48:48 EDT
From:    Spiked hydrogen talent <aleppo@EDEN.RUTGERS.EDU>
Subject: Re: 4AD in the US
 
 
just to add to what rich said, i think that it's no big tragedy that we in
the US have to pay import prices for some of 4ad releases.. i mean, half
of us are obsessed maniacs that want the 4ad UK versions anyway, so yeah,
a domestic price may mean i get the cd cheaper and quicker, but i know
ill eventually buy the UK release cause they're almost always aesthetically
more pleazing... i guess im just saying we should cut poor 4ad some slack.
like my boyfriend is always telling me when i take him to shop at wal-mart:
"you get what you pay for..." and with 4ad we pay a little more for something
we know is quality...
jsut my $.02
 
-=robn

Date:    Thu, 14 May 1998 12:58:25 EDT
From:    thomas m weibrecht <tweibrecht@JUNO.COM>
Subject: Re: 4AD in the US
 
 
while all this is certainly good to know for those of us not in the
business, as a consumer, and a person who enjoys good music, its kinda
beside the point...the bottom line is, if i cant readily purchase it, i
sure as hell cant listen to it, let alone impress anyone else with
it...and if i cant find it, im gonna buy something else...so the question
is, why cant the product be distributed like other indie labels? look at
fax, em:t, warp, realworld and thrill jockey as examples...small runs,
but readily available, even if it is at limited locations...each one of
these labels let me know whats coming out, when its coming out and i
always know exactly where to get it...usually its an email or phone call
away...why then, is this not the case with 4ad?
 
tom w