Free? Newbury band Chasing Vegas give away music online!
There is no such thing as a free lunch* and while in the best traditions of rock 'n' roll I was treated to a generous dinner at Studio Thai in Newbury when I met half of West Berkshire rebel rockers Chasing Vegas, that has led to this article - which is about something truly free - the latest album from Chasing Vegas!
I kid you not. There is a stonking 11-track album from these indulgently tarnished glam rockers Chasing Vegas being given away on the Newbury band's website. They have become my anthem for the summer and if you've been anywhere near my car in West Berkshire over the last few weeks you will already be familiar with the music of Chasing Vegas.
The band was formed in April 2007 by Sam Wright (lead vocals and guitar), who says the band is 'born of solid Rock'n'Roll and classic rock music, amalgamated with a modern skewed view of the world.' Certainly when I've seen Chasing Vegas perform live they are having a blast and put on a racous show!
Joining Sam Wright in the band is Pete Shorney (aka the frequently unsafe for work @PeacockPete for those on Twitter) who is on vocals and guitar, Dave Marshall on bass and backing vocals and Ben Smith on drums.
As their website says: "Chasing Vegas' decadent, overdressed freak show shatters the mould and gives you so much more. Over several years of band names and line up changes, Chasing Vegas has emerged; bright, bawdy, and partying into the night. With strong, original songs and a few old and new favourites, Chasing Vegas' audience is growing from strength to strength."
You have to see the band live, but until then, why not check out the tracks they are generously giving away for free online. And yes, they are free with no login, sign up or anything! Although honestly, you want to subscribe to the Chasing Vegas Facebook page or if you prefer check them out on MySpace. You can also follow @ChasingVegas on Twitter.
However, why free? We get how it works on this blog where it can be great public relations and how such abundance leads to relationships that lead to clients, but is they what motivated the band? Chatting to Pete Shorney he explained how they came to offer their album for free online. "When you're starting out as a band you have a series of choices. What do we charge for, and what do we do for free? There's no right or wrong answer, but when it comes down to exposure, nothing beats playing songs in your car or on your iPod. That's where we see a way of getting our stuff out there.
"We do enjoy playing gigs immensely, but it is hard work, and that should be paid for (there are of course exceptions like the Reading Twestival!). With the album, Midnight Circus, we've found a sound, we have a coherent product, and we love it. That is our payment if you like. It's the foundation for something. Instead of bits and pieces and demos, this is it, this is what Chasing Vegas is about. We've made an album that we would buy. It was personally funded, with the lion's share put in by Sam and his wife, Melissa. We worked hard to get our money's worth, and got great results with a lot of work, honesty and help from our producer/engineer - Mr Jordan Fish at Studio 91 at New Greenham Park.
"But we need to get it out there. We want to hear our stuff blaring out of car stereos this summer. We want Midnight Circus to be a soundtrack to people's walk to work and parties. It should be – our stuff is made for that. These 11 tracks are a springboard for people that don't know us to get used to us. It's also a bit of a thank you for people that have been supporting us already. It's s a way of saying that we appreciate your support, this is what we have been working up to, and this is really for you. There was a reason to stick with us - we're pretty good at what we do!"
So fab! It is a freebie based on abundance! It represents terrific customer service, so take a few minutes to download Midnight Circus and I defy you not to crank up the volume and enjoy - and by all means let us know in the comments what you think!
*Of course there is such a thing as a free breakfast at the Newbury Business Group, but that's another story!