Good reminder from Ben Weinman of Dillinger Escape Plan in the article linked below about DIY, creativity, and responsible business:
Not only are good art and good business not incompatible, they are in fact nurtured from the same creative spirit.
To understand Weinman’s artistic and business approach, we must consider that Weinman grew up in New Jersey in the late ‘80s and witnessed the burgeoning hardcore scenes of New York and D.C. There, he learned about the business ethics and ideals that were a necessity in hardcore — do-it-yourself (DIY) — because no one will do it for you.
It was from the hardcore scene that record labels such as Dischord Records (started by Minor Threat’s Ian MacKaye) and Touch and Go Records (founded by the Meatmen’s Tesco Vee) sprung up to demonstrate that creative music and innovative business practices could go hand in hand.
As an example, Dischord Records was known for refusing to charge more than $10 for a record and $5 for a show, all while insisting on all-ages shows to make sure that young hardcore kids could attend. They also would not advertise in traditional outlets such as magazines, because many of those magazines ran cigarette and alcohol advertising that violated the straight edge ethic of MacKaye.
Kevin Hoskins 