Newsletter July 2007

Every time we add something new, you'll see a linked guide to it here, with our archive of past Newsletters.

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July/August 2007

Hello Stereo Society aficionado.

We’re turning off a few lights around here. The independent online label doesn’t work (at least in our version of it). It isn’t possible to remain financially independent and self-sufficient while creating and delivering music away from the mainstream.

In Mike Thorne’s production experience up to his retirement from hired-gun commercial activity in 1994, working on the edge of acceptable had two possibilities: totally down and totally up. A fresh new, unconventional style might either be lost without trace or go all the way and define a genre. The old way of selling music was far from perfect, and the business was often flat-out sleazy and unpleasant, but it provided a framework and a clear growth path for unconventional music which made the hairs on your forearms raise.

As an example, Tainted Love wouldn’t be made by a powerful company today. Back in 1981, it was backed by Phonogram in London. A one-off single went all the way to being top of the charts in 17 territories and establishing the record time for a single in the Billboard Hot 100. Watch for a more analytical essay online in a few months’ time.

But it’s not doom and gloom around here.

All our CDs will continue to be available, with fulfillment now through the CD Baby site. Our site, which now extends to over 1100 pages, will continue to be accessible, along with all downloads, although updates and newsletters will be less frequent. After a pause, there will be new projects. We’ll let you know.

Also, our contact pages stay open for business. You can E mail us or any of our artists from there.

Just to demonstrate that we haven't quit, at least in the Frivolous Department, check out new additions to Thorne's The Contessa's Party online section. As we have to observe, parties always need rules of behavior, such as no blowguns or grenades, let alone bonking or climbing pyramids. Given the resulting social sanity, the stylish ladies in attendance are able to relax and get on with appropriate posing.