Root for us! Go team the Matches! Don proudly the colors teal and red, and sing in unison our proud birth dirge:
(to the tune of one hand clapping)
Hip
Hip
Replacement
thank you.
Please DO get in heated arguments over multiple rounds of piss beer with "the Boys" regarding our superiority to their favorite bands.
--Serious transition--
To trace for you the train of thought, we just had a band meeting. Can't figure out how the hell to sell records. Sports teams sell more seats in a stadium in one night than we've sold of our record Decomposer in 8 months. Bands have first week sales five times our cumulative efforts. I'm afraid our cd is slipping into the shadows of obscurity before it ever had a chance to really see daylight. And in the big-bill driven whirlwind world of hype and promo and PR, all I can really hope is that you might tell a friend about our band. Call me old fashioned. I will tip my cap.
(to the tune of one hand clapping)
Hip
Hip
Replacement
thank you.
Please DO get in heated arguments over multiple rounds of piss beer with "the Boys" regarding our superiority to their favorite bands.
--Serious transition--
To trace for you the train of thought, we just had a band meeting. Can't figure out how the hell to sell records. Sports teams sell more seats in a stadium in one night than we've sold of our record Decomposer in 8 months. Bands have first week sales five times our cumulative efforts. I'm afraid our cd is slipping into the shadows of obscurity before it ever had a chance to really see daylight. And in the big-bill driven whirlwind world of hype and promo and PR, all I can really hope is that you might tell a friend about our band. Call me old fashioned. I will tip my cap.
114 Comments :
I proudly support the matches and continue to bring more and more people with me to your shows in Orlando. I'm here to help.
I have and always will promote your band. I do so to the point that by the time I leave a party, bar, gathering, etc. every single person in that place knows who the matches are.
teal: my favorite. the world should be teal. as for this album? i bought, i loved, i still love.
but one person doesn’t often make an impact... would i now?
everyone i know loves the album.
i can't imagine why it's not selling..
1. play as much as possible to the biggest crowds you can.
2. "sell out". seriously, you can't have "indie" cred and make top radio play. Less Than Jake toured with Bon Jovi for god's sake!
3. Hit up radio stations to play your songs. provide your fans with the means to easily do so as well (i.e phone numbers for stations and what single(s) you actually have out)
4. ask websites, papers, rags and stations to review your album. offer to do interviews
5. try to headline a tour at larger clubs
6. change up the songs on your myspace and regular songs. give people a chance to hear some "other" stuff and decide to buy the album.
7. try to get featured on iTunes and Zune Marketplace. make sure your albums can be purchased from both places
8. call up local record stores and ask them to play your record in the stores (remember High Fidelity..."I will now sell 5 copies...", that could be you!)
9. update thematches.com. stale content doesn't bring back anyone but the hardest core fan, and you already have our support and $
10. you worked with some sweet and high profile producers for Decomposer. ask them to give you a shout out, talk you up, take you on tour, etc
11. always have cd's for sale in your car or bag--you never know when someone will want to buy your album.
12. do small in-store performances to help promote the album. it is ok if you don't get paid for those gigs.
13. keep on making great music!
This is how I promote The Matches: My infatuation with your band is so great that I talk non-stop about you to anyone who will listen. This is pretty much unintentional, but never the less, it is promotion. What I have realized is, I can talk about you for days on end, explaining how your albums changed my life, but some people are too intellectually challenged to listen to anything but the pussycat dolls. But with your talent, you most likely will not be flying under the radar for long, with or without a change in promotion tactics.
this romance said...
but one person doesn’t often make an impact... would i now?
I laughed and said...
you're not believing what politicians and teachers have been feeding you for years- that you do have an effect on the world! I'm not a believer, in any sense of the word, but I am, in every sense, a hoper.
Modest Mouse says,
"This plane is definately crashing
This boat is obviously sinking
This building's totally burning down"
I say,
"People live through that on TV all the time."
note:
azlyrics.com misspelled Modest Mouse's quote, making all of us look the fool.
and user "ddv"...
thanks for the 12-step program.
"Hi, my name is Shawn, and I'm a hope-aholic."
"Hi, Shawn." The room recites back.
i hate to hear that.. me and my friend Rachel were having a conversation the other day about how proud we are to be fans of the Matches. i have a local radio show on a tuesday and i always play as much Matches as possible, and if you ever do a headline tour in the UK i can guarentee i'd be at every date.
good luck!
That blog was very sad to me. I LOVE YOU GUYS!! I always have and will continue to share your music with everyone that I meet. Keep your spirits up and can't wait to see you this summer at Warped Tour!
I've been spreading the word about you a ridiculous amount around London and I think you deserve so much more recognition than you guys seem to be getting. You were so safe when you played with Motion City and I bought your album like I promised as soon as I found it.
Tour the UK and I will be bringing a hoarde of adoring fans. Don't you worry. It's happening, albeit gradually.
i havent said enough good things about you guys, your all i talk about and all i know how to talk about! i talk as many people as i know into buying your cd and seeing your show! i love you guys with all my heart and hope you keep on rockin'!
Since i bought decomposer i'm listening to it almost everyday :) and it goes on whenever i don't know what to listen to.
I painted some lyrics from papercut skin, clumsy heart and you (don't) know me a few weeks ago and i love it :)
Please come over to the UK soon. . i will buy like 10 more albums so there is permantly one in every music player around me :) and i know all my friends will buy one.
It definitely helps because i bought decomposer after seeing you over here last year!
you are seriously too good and a favourite band :)
I am always trying to find new ways to support the band. I am a complete and total hermit and never leave the house, so I can't really support you guys here in my town, but I do everything I can to get everyone I know online to listen to you and buy your album. I even find ways to force people I don't know to listen to you. Everyone I know loves Decomposer, even my one friend who doesn't even like music that much loves you guys.
I really honestly wish that I could do more. but with my extreme hatred and fear of actual human beings, I can't really do much. And I'm sorry that the CD is doing so poorly. :(
Whats wrong with being a hope-aholic?
The way i see it, it's better to live for something than nothing at all.
As for your album, im extremely surprised that the sales haven't been high.
But everyone knows the reason why, not many people buy albums anymore.
Doesn't everyone seem to be compulsively downloading songs [may i add: ilegally] these days?
Personally, I'm a proud owner of this album, and I'm also proud to say I don't go a day without listening to The Matches.
And, if it means anything, though I haven't been a long time fan after I saw you open for plus 44 I fell in love and I'm constantly talking about you.
I brought four friends to your show at the El Mocambo, and two of them bought your latest record. I always play your latest album in my car, and I'm hurding more people to come to warped. [Can't wait by the way.]
I'll do my best to encourage many more people to buy your album. [Wouldn't be a regrett]
oh snap. i'm sorry to hear the cd isn't doing as well as it should be. i don't know why, it's by far seriously my favorite album...in the universe. i'm certainly your biggest fan in my area of CT. so i'm doing my part that way to some extent? awesome! although CT is very small. but anyway i am slightly glad you aren't on mtv, that would just...ah. i don't even know. BUT cheer up sir. i'm excited to see you guys at warped NJ.
Simple solution, sell your soul to the devil. It worked for Robert Johnson. He sold his soul for his talent. It worked out pretty well for him, ignoring the fact that he died at 27.
I personally don't see why it would not be selling. I saw you guys last year when you were with Motion City, and I was just at your concert last Wednesday. I also plan on being at Warped Tour in Cleveland supporting you guys.
Dont feel disheartened, I'm holding firm to the faith that good music will win out in the end.
Your music means so much to a lot of people, and yeah that means nothing to the men in the suits but I hope it means a lot to you.
I think that fantastic bowler hat (as seen in your improvised dance routine, which made my day)could be the answer to all your problems, total crowd pleaser, especially over here in England.
SJ xxx
hmmm. decomposer not doing well surprised me too.
i think updating thematches.com is a must though.
shawn, your hope and faith in your fans has always been one of my favorite things about you. I trully believe that this album will do something amazing for you, and I'm using all my contacts and word of mouth to get everyone humming songs and buying albums.
Sadly, buying cds is a dying art these days. I remember going into the record store and picking up my favorite artists albums and what joy it brought me, but most people perfer to go to their favorite p2p and download it for free.
i think its actually pretty ridiculous that it isnt selling. i think its one of the most creative albums i have ever heard and i think its actually my favorite album that i own. i've listened to it a billion times, and i dont think i will ever get sick of it. you guys are truly talented and i've been spreading the word ever since i got the album.
shawn,
the cd is great. i love it. there is no reason that it shouldn't be selling billions, if not trillions. some people just don't understand good music =)
apparently the ladies love the matches! wow, Shawn and I must be the only guys out and about today! :)
i'm happy to help out as best i can. i do marketing by profession (that really big software company that doesn't make ipod), so i'd like to think i know a thing or two...
ddv
Hi Shawn,
I just found out about this blog of yours and was super excited i have more of a chance hear about what you have to say. Anyways about your albums not selling, when I first heard about your band (and as i do with alot of new bands I discover and love) I downloaded them first and then later bought your first album and your second one twice, one for a gift to a friend. I understand that getting songs for free is a popular idea and i think that is what alot of your fans do. i believe that if you really love a band you should definalty support them by buying thier cds ecspecally if they are not huge yet. There is a dying need for more people like me who care about music as much as I do to support thier fav bands. I will buy more of your albums in the future but there needs to be more people who do that. I am sorry that illegal downloading is so popular these days. Good luck trying to beat it. I always tell people about the band and tell them to buy a record if they really love it.
Love Always,
Alex
ps. If you would, please respond and let me know if you guys are playing Warped Tour in Detroit this summer?
Hi Shawn,
I just found out about this blog of yours and was super excited i have more of a chance hear about what you have to say. Anyways about your albums not selling, when I first heard about your band (and as i do with alot of new bands I discover and love) I downloaded them first and then later bought your first album and your second one twice, one for a gift to a friend. I understand that getting songs for free is a popular idea and i think that is what alot of your fans do. i believe that if you really love a band you should definalty support them by buying thier cds ecspecally if they are not huge yet. There is a dying need for more people like me who care about music as much as I do to support thier fav bands. I will buy more of your albums in the future but there needs to be more people who do that. I am sorry that illegal downloading is so popular these days. Good luck trying to beat it. I always tell people about the band and tell them to buy a record if they really love it.
Love Always,
Alex
ps. If you would, please respond and let me know if you guys are playing Warped Tour in Detroit this summer?
Keep the hopes high...for hope is the breeding ground of blossoming dreams.
melissa traylor
I will always be an avid supporter of The Matches. I own both albums and love your work. Music is an art form and yours, my dear man, is wonderful!
myspace.com/melissatraylor
this is expensive...but you could re-release it with a live dvd. i know its your performance that got me to buy your ep in the first place. this was at Thursday in the square in Buffalo, NY. years ago. I've been promoting ever since. or..just put out a dvd in general. your show has definitely evolved sine the show must go off.
I have already bought your lovely album... twice... gave one as a gift... if I must do it again, I shall... <3
When I was a freshman my friend saw you play with the starting line.
The next day, she made me listen to E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals, and I haven't stopped listening since.
I also haven't stopped urging people to give The Matches a listen...
and I've yet to meet someone who didn't like what they heard.
One person can spread the word to another, and that person can spread it to someone else....
and after a while, the spreading of words adds up, you know.
:D
i loved your guys new album.
i try my best to promote promote promote... few people know about you in my small city of champaign, but i'm trying my best to change that. many of my friends have grown to love you guys. good luck, hope you can sell some more albums..
(one thing that defintely sucks is no store in or around my city actually sold your new record.. maybe that's a reason for lower sales, cause they weren't available everywhere)
It's possible that I have friends, acquaintances and/or family members that haven't heard of you fellows.
Possible, but highly unlikely.
I'll just have to make some new ones.
this romance said...
but one person doesn’t often make an impact...
Clearly, you haven't chatted with the great Stan Lee recently. One person CAN make a difference.
If they happen to be Spider-man.
I have introduced your lovely music to my best friend (who is, in fact, of the male sex- hooray for making another male fan!). He is now as obsessed as I am. And, what's more, he has spread the Matches love on to his girlfriend. We plan to convert more of our friends into Matches fans in the very near future.
I'll get a third job to raise money solely for purchasing Decomposer. Record sales will be at an all time high. Although, I will then be forced to sell bootleg copies out of my trunk to shady characters on the street for a nominal fee to save me from the grips of bankruptcy.
You guys are beautiful in every sense of the word and I can't stop telling people about your awesome music...I tell people all the time about how your shows (especially your local ones) are the best shows I ever go to because you connect with your fans...you talk to them after the shows...and your entertaining to watch and listen to...and to "this romance"'s comment...it amke take baby steps but everyone has a chance to make a difference...one little spark can start a fire...
p.s. Shawn I heart the blog
sell more records?
hmmm. you could always
endorse some shitty product,
record a song for a movie on disney
channel, or beg to be thrust
upon impressionable minds
by the means of MTV.
it's worked in the past.
Or you could disregard that
utterly blatant sarcasm.
And sell more merch.
I bet half the kids commenting
this blog would buy Matches underwear, for Chrissake.
Get creative. I can't imagine
it'll be that hard for you.
looks like the next time I see you I might have to re-gift that lucky quarter..
Ohh this crazy "Music business"
Someone needs to fight the fight (presumably what I am still in business school for) and get your songs in tv shows, commercials and movies.
The fans and the label/ marketers should be fighting radio stations to play Matches songs
.. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't someone being paid to smother the earth with 'The Matches?'
It's so hard now for the smaller bands since everyone seems to have justified stealing music. I admit...I myself am guilty of the occasional download, but it's usually only that one kind of crappy song you get stuck in your head from the constant radio play.
I wish I had advice as to what to do about it. You guys are amazing and I've bought both your albums. (i actually had to buy E.Von Dahl twice cause the 1st one broke) I've seen you twice in the past 6 months and can't wait to see you again at warped tour. All I can say is keep trying, stay amazing and all will work out.
I took my friend to one of your shows.
she is now a fan.
and bought a CD at the show.
jdshfasdf.
=]
I think I may just have to go to my local record store and buy every single Matches album...then pass it around to crazy people I meet on the streets! I think I'll go do that now!
I may not be George Saunders, but you guys are on my iPod. We fans will try to do our part. Your music has made a difference to me. It is my sincere hope that what we do makes a difference to you and can bring your music to others.
Perhaps a bit overdramatic. Always a fine line between support and creeping ppl out i suppose
I have a plan..
My friends and I will call the radio station everyday(more than once if need be)requesting your songs until they play them.
(In hopes that everyone in town will be listening to that station at that moment, hear your song, want more, and go buy the album)
??maybe it will help??
Meanwhile, I will keep telling everyone I come in contact with about your music.
..I wont stop until your bigger than The Beatles :)
You guys are the most unique/talented thing since...ever. You deserve so much more recognition than what your getting.
I can honestly admit that I love your CD, and so do most my friends. The rest are country people- not much to be done there...
I really hope things work out for the Matches. I've seen you live and you're amazing. I can't imagine if you guys ever stopped playing.
every one of my friends has had to endure countless rants about the genius of the matches. i'll continue to spread the word with everyone i meet
i've personally bought 15 copies, as gifts for every holiday :)
we're going to make you more than local boys soon enough<3
I love that y'all picked my two favorite colors for the matches' colors... don't tell me that had nothing to do with it, just let me think that ;-) I play your songs on the radio every day, promote the album and whatnot... interested in an interview? ;-) i don't know why it's not selling either.
Hey Shawn, sorry to hear things aren't going well. I always tell everyone I know about you guys, and all of my friends love your music. If you think it'll help, I'll be more than happy to feature you guys on Music Overload again. Just let me know. You guys are extremely talented, and there aren't many talented musicians around anymore. So it's ridiculous that the record's not selling, because it really is an amazing album.
All I can say is that you guys are amazing and with my talent for converting people to the music I like, I have managed to make 5 of my friends completely in love with Decomposer. Its such a shame when great music goes unappreciated but just because the Z100 crowd isn't listening to you guys doesn't mean you don't have very loyal and loving fans.
Hey Shawn i am really disappointed to here that... I go to all the L3 concert and you guys are always sold out!! you guys must doing good when you come home to play!!I have run out of people to tell, the bay area loves you guys and you will always have a support system here!!
Stephanie C.
See you june 9th
I've gotten at least 10 people into you guys over the past 2 years. Keep rocking, Decomposer is one of the best albums i've heard in a long time. Just the way that the whole thing is put together is so creative and original, which is rare now. The Matches must be one of the most underrated bands around right now, but the fan bass that you guys do have will always be loyal as hell. And I know that all it will do is expand from here. You deserve all the success you can get, just stay grounded man.
Fuck. I agree that more people seriously need to listen to Decomposer... it's personally one of best albums I've bought in a looong time. (if that makes you feel any better.) I love you guys and support you 100%, so keep writing, playing shows, and show every other person who hasn't heard of you dudes yet what they're missing.
Ive been listening to you guys, and coming to all your shows for about 5 years now, and it still boggles my mind on how you still arent as popular as you should be. i consider you guys the most underrated band possible, and i to this day dont understand why, your shows are awesome, your lyrics are awesome, and at every show i see you talkin it up with every fan there! Keep your hopes high, and just know that you may not be on the radio, but you do have a whole lot of #1 fans :]
Hello Shawn. *wave* :D
I met you some years ago at a warped tour, I think it was your birthday and you played with Matchbook Romance because one of the members had a toothache? You probably don't remember me because there were a lot of people you talked to. *shrug*
Either way, I love the way the music you produce has progressed and changed. The new record Decomposer has inspired me artistically and mentally, and it's messages are just as profound as the ones in E. Von Dahl Killed the locals. I think that once people really start to catch onto The Matches you'll make it, for now your band is still in that stage with a good fanbase, but the majority of people that don't really go searching for their music, but find it on MTV or Fuse haven't found you. And let's face it, those are the people that turn albums platinum.
Perhaps a new video is in order? I've heard you've got something with stop-motion going for Salty Eyes. :]
Every person I ever run into hears about you. When people say 'what are you doing this weekend', I say 'driving to tucson to see The Matches'. Anyone who doesn't see the talent and sheer genius you guys are offering to the world are complete morons. I understand that people have genres and types of music that they like; The Matches is great in that they span across genres and styles and appeal to every mood and style that I am hankering for.
I read somewhere in here that one person doesn't make an impact- but if I get two people to listen to the band and they get two people, and so on down the line, the world will be taken over, all pay-it-forward style. My boyfriend introduced me to the band after he met them when they came into his Guitar Center, and now I am preaching the good word. Everyone -can- make a difference.
Shawn, I've been telling people about the Matches non-stop since I first heard you in 2003. I'm doing the best I can. I just hope it helps somehow.
Also, I write for a webzine, and will be using my powers there to promote you guys in any way I can (more than I usually do, anyways).
It's extremely unfortunate to hear Decomposer hasn't been selling.
What's more unfortunate is that I have spoken nonstop about you guys beyond belief to all of my friends...and none of them caught on.
It's disappointing that a band that has had such an impact to me(however cliche that sounds) couldn't have the same effect on my friends. But I guess they are too busy with their country and rap or whatever to give you guys a fair enough chance.
Back on point, I can't stress enough how much your music has affected me. And you'll always have a fan with me.
I'm hoping to see you in either California or Washington on Warped Tour. But as far as I know, you'll be in Washington when I'm in California and in California when I'm in Washington. But I'm determined to see you before the year's end. So hopefully I'll be able to see you on Warped Tour. :]
Much love and I hope(for I too am a "hope-aholic") that you keep up with the great music and have happy and fulfilling lives.
-Caitlin
PS: I would definitely buy Matches underwear :]
holy freaking comments. You're quite the popular man my friend. Just yesterday there were no comments to be had.
But anyway, keep pushing Shawn. It's a rough life and quite frankly, the music business sucks. It's unfair in a lot of ways, but one day it will happen for you guys. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a band that comes out and a month later is on magazine covers.
Never forget that you are in an amazing band. Not only are you in an amazing band, you're in an amazing band that doesn't have to sound like Fall Out Boy to be so. You've never exactly had the "main stream" sound, but you've always had a solid fan bass that seemed more like friends than just fans. It's already grown quite a bit. I know or around 7 or 8 kids in my school who love you guys. That's a huge upgrade from the 1 I knew a year ago. Who by the way, I introduced to you.
You can follow all of "ddv's" advice, except the sell out part. Selling out would require you to lose what fans love about you, the uniqueness of the band. I guess it depends on the person, but if you're going to make it to the top with out REAL fans, then it's not really worth making it to the top. I'm not sure really how to explain it, but if you're curious I'll try later.
Just don't give up on it, things will happen. But make sure you also take time to rest and regroup becuase losing your minds may not be the best thing. If you're worn out, take a month off or whatever. Don't burn yourselves out. It could ruin the band and your friendship, you know? Which is another thing about selling out, if you start to hate the music you make, it's not going to be fun anymore and that's obviously not good.
That was way too long. Sorry.
Shawn, that post shook me and really depressed me. You guys are such a quality band, your music is creative and catchy, and your live shows are fantastic. You are also so humble and accessible, I was amazed at what I saw of you guys in Sydney. It got to me that the rest of the world don't know this, and that there is a possibility that it may not continue.
I know that the majority of the people commenting here are doing so because they are already fans of the band, so I'm assuming we've all already purchased the albums/merch/tickets to shows.
*Stands up and recites* "I solemnly swear to try to spread the love wherever possible" *sits down*
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I usually hate when people say this but, you changed my life. And people don't usually affect me easily in that way. Seriously, you guys are great, and I'm sure you hear that enough, but one more couldn't hurt I suppose.
i love you guys i defiantly will spread the word of your awesomeness!
I listen to your cd just about everyday. It's amazing and keeps getting better with each listen. I make my friends listen to you all the time and anyone who hasn't heard of you guys are then forced to listen. They all love you. I'm sure with time you'll get everyone else to listen. Just keep being one of the most original, amazing bands around.
Shawn,
As I was reading the comments to this blog my parents stood up and began cheering that their favorite contestant is "safe" on American Idol.
Ah, America.
So, you're strung out on hope and stoned on the injustice of the modern Music industry?
Fuck.
Once again, I wish there was more I could give my favorite band than my minimum wage job allows (a chain link scarf perhaps...remember me?)
I assure you that, due to the inconsideration of my peers combined with the lovely limewire, your album sales do not accuratly reflect the amount of people who own (and, thus, worship) Decomposer.
But I'm sure you've realize this, and let's be honest: It doesn't exactly help the money situation.
I'll be spreading the word, as always.
Here's hoping you never learn to kick that nasty hope habit,
Kat
Don't lose faith, you'll make it. Everyone starts out small, some of us grow faster than others, but those of us that grow slowly learn so much more, and stay around a lot longer.
I've only been to two concert, one when I was like 18, and a recent one because you were so close to meh, (Green Street, in Greensboro) and you all rocked. Keep it up mates!
so i'm going to be perfectly honest. i wasn't a fan when i first saw you guys yellowcard. i've listened to your songs recently tho and also got the chance to meet you guys at bamboozle...surprised me that you guys unlike a lot of other bands out there aren't complete DBs. plus have you seen my myspace(myspace.com/maryelizabeth)...my main pic makes me smile, like everyday...i shall continue to spread the word despite my first ignorant view of your amazing music. you guys are like no other.
*with yellowcard...typo. my bad. :]
I don't think "selling out" is a way to go about things. Is it just me or have you already come leaps and bounds from EVDKTL?! Or am I just imagining all of this? I will give you 1 million dollars will that help you out? Okay I take that back I can't promise that. As much as I hope all the fortunes in the world for you guys I can't honestly say that I want to see the matches playing with fall out broS! I like the smaller venues, it's more intimate. It might not be very fun for you guys, but who here reading this can honestly say they want to attend a concert with lots of 12 year olds? I don't, sorry but I won't. I would still support you guys but it would be a little bit of a dissapointment. This is an issue that I guess lots of bands are having lately. Some people see it as a good thing to sell out to play poppier punkier music. Then some people see it as dumbing yourself down and therefore dumbing down music to how shitty it already is. Hmmmmm. contemplation.
ehhh that was me above.
I honestly thought the album would've been doing amazingly.
I bought it the day it came out and it was the only thing to which I listened for a good solid week. It was quite frankly the best album that I'd heard all year.
I find you (your band and you individually) to be utterly amazing. I can't even explain with words just how fantastic I think you are.
The fact that the Matches is a band with integrity amazes me even more. And by that I mean that, it appears to me, you guys don't shamelessly endorse things, you aren't plastered all over MTV (that makes me inexpicably happy), and, simply put, the Matches is different. Unlike most bands, you guys are unique. And I love it. A lot.
Oh, and selling out?
I didn't know anyone aimed to sell out... I always thought that was kind of... compromising... for money... and kind of something that people deny once they do.
Mm... wow. Yay for lack of eloquence on my part.
nessity said in one sentence what i tried saying in about ten but jsut ended up rambling myself.
You intentionally chose epitaph so you could have creative freedom. And you have that. Yet you aren't plastered everywhere and haven't "sold out". And I'm sure at first that sounded good... is it not translating so well now?
I don't know. I love you guys and admire your stance on your music/image/etc. I wish there was more I could do.
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Hey Shawn! I'm sorry that your cd sells have been down. I saw you guys at the Epitaph Tour in Austin, Texas. I didn't know very much about The Matches but you guys won me over instantly when I saw how much you love your fans. Everyone from the band came out and talked to just about everyone in line and I could tell it meant so much to you guys to try talk to everyone you could. It's really amazing because I was there to see Escape The Fate but after I met and saw your band perform I have to say that you guys stole the show for me. Another thing that I noticed was that you guys are genuine. Your not stuck up like many of the other bands out there. You guys made my night and I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you. I'll have VIP passes at Warped Tour in Houston this years so hopefully I will get to meet you guys again. Don't worry about your sales. Many more people are going to see you perform at Warped so I'm sure your sales will increase! Take Care!
I have, and will alyways be, a believer in your music. I've been going to your shows for the past 4 and a half years and have spread the word to anyone who'll listen. When people ask who you are, i say, "they're the last great punk rock band," and it's the truth. People, of course, don't believe me, but I know I've made fans of at least 20 people. Oh, and I try and request your music as much as I can on Live105, hopefully that helps.
And it doesn't matter that I'm abosoluted shit-faced right now, and watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at 1am. It doesn't matter. Please don't lose hope. All those MFers out there will be . . . i forgot what I was saying. Oh, yeah! They'll be sorry they missed out on your sophomore album someday and then you can tell them all, "F you MFers!" and s[pit on their faces and they'll just laugh and never wash their faces again just so they can say that Shawn from the matches spit on their face! And then we can sit back with a few beers and laugh at how silly we all used to be thinking that the future used to look so . . . hopeless.
Hopefully this comment won't discredit my last one...
That's too bad about The Matches' poor record sale. Next concert I will buy ten cd's and give them to my family and friends as presents. What more could they ask for?! Good luck!
I'll keep spreading the word to people. "Have you ever listened to my third favorite band, The Matches??"
“Fate places the heaviest burden on those who God knows can carry its weight.”
One of the things that always keeps me (somewhat, God forbid I ever totally am) sane is that timeless saying "Everything happens for a reason", whether or not that's just my mind trying to trick myself, it works.
But if it helps at all I let everyone, that deserves to know, how great The Matches are.
I thought you'd like this, but you've probly seen it before...
“He lives the poetry that he cannot write. The others write the poetry that they dare not realise.” Oscar Wilde
Call me old fashioned, but we love you the way you are.
:)
I' m in the middle of teaching a class and some things popped in to my head, leaving me with no time but to tell you that "some things popped into my head" oh and they don't involve the 12 steps or the evil "D" word. I was so completely confused as to why people who not buy your album that I actually went and talked to people that I had told about you to figure it out. Now if you could only sell records like you could get people to sign up for blogger accounts simply based on the fact that you have one...you'd be set haha.
Shawn,
I am sure you guys will become more popular with time. You have already grown so much since I first seen you in Aug. of 2003 in Dallas, you know that I support you guys in anyway I can I travel hundreds of miles for you(such as Nashville), even if I do not get my tattoo at the end of the trip!(haha)
I think if you guys put out video a little faster people would be reminded what a great band you are and they would have to go buy your album. People have ADD and need the new videos to remember how great of a band you are.
You will always have mine and Kristy's support and I will try to do everything I can to get more people to check you out. I will see you at Warped Tour. Oh and I think that the white hat could help out, and maybe less clothes on Jon(I am just kidding).
Love you guys
Mandy (Amanda Maraschino)
Shawn,
I am sure you guys will become more popular with time. You have already grown so much since I first seen you in Aug. of 2003 in Dallas, you know that I support you guys in anyway I can I travel hundreds of miles for you (such as Nashville, Kansas and so on), even if I do not get my tattoo at the end of the trip!(haha)
I think if you guys put out video a little faster people would be reminded what a great band you are and they would have to go buy your album. People have ADD and need the new videos to remember how great of a band you are.
You will always have mine and Kristy’s support and I will try to do everything I can to get more people to check you out. I will see you at Warped Tour. Oh and I think that the white hat could help out, and maybe less clothes on Jon (I am just kidding).
Love you guys
Mandy (Amanda Maraschino)
The Matches is the best band in the world.
I`ve told all my friends about you guys ever since you opened for Yellowcard in Montreal back in 2003.
WE LOVE YOu you deservce to sell more records than anyone else :_)
My grammer before was not very good I am sorry.
I rant about you to anyone who will listen.
I tell them to go buy your music on iTunes, and tell them the great parts of both albums.
I think poeple are too stupid to reconize fantastic music.
I bought an iTunes giftcard just to hear two songs you guys had on their, and wrote a report on the The Matches for English.
Well, now it's my goal to wear the Matches T-shirt as much as possible and buy Cds for everyone.
My mum & I saw you guys at the Basement last Wednesday in Columbus, & we thought you were amazing.
There's absolutely no reason why you guys should not be famous. =D
We've been trying to promote you to the best of our ability. [telling everyone we know to buy your albums, telling radio stations to play your songs, etc.]
good luck, boys, you'll make it eventually!
hey...
you cant compare youself to those big bands out there.
just because they're getting played more often and selling more cds then you are doesnt mean that you're not good as good as them
it just means that you have to take some time to expand your fan base and grow a little.
which you are evidently doing with decomposer.
and you already seem to have lots of supportive fans (as i can tell by all the comments above) who are trying to promote you guys.
"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." --Louisa May Alcott.
I feel I understand some of where you're coming from: it's frustrating, disheartening, etc etc to put your all towards a goal and feel like still it eludes you. However, you're making great music, traveling the world, and doing what you love (or so one would hope). At 20 I'm working towards a major I'm not particularly interested in, saving for retirement and feeling generally older than my years, and songs like Little Maggots stir me enough to dust off discounted dreams. In the event that that's cold comfort, The Matches' bumper sticker is the only one that adorns my car, and I'll buy and share your music until it stops coming...
I don't think I'll ever understand the music business. I actually found out about the Matches by watching Mtv2 or something & they aired the Chain Me Free video about a year ago, give or take 6 months cuz school's caused the past few years to blur.
I actually tell all of my friends about new bands I like, esp you guys. I don't even know how many of them I've asked to go with me to concerts & I've given them my copy of Decomposer to listen to to further encourage them to come with. I'm very sad to see you guys haven't hit it big just yet, but I have faith that it will happen sooner or later. You have amazing talents & your music is incredible. The best way to really get the sales up to get radio air play. Or try to tour with more well-established bands. but, I'm sure you guys already know that.
Just keep on keeping on and do what you do best. That's all you really can do. and release more cds & music videos for the singles :-)
I shamelessly promote the matches everywhere i go. to friends....family...strangers i meet. and vote for your video every week!! =) So long as you have a dedicated fanbase of crazy crazy kiddos who absolutely adore you.....do you really care about sales?
wow im so sorry. u guys totally deserve 2 be popular. way more than the academy is... not only is your music better but you guys r all more dedicated. im sorry. i love you all. dont stop making music ever
-chris conte
a HUGE fan
I play your music all the time in my office and wear your t-shirt everywhere. Very proud to be a matches fan.
-Dude with turban and beard you see flippin out at shows
(if there's anything you need, its a dude with a turban and beard promoting your band)
Im responsible for your entire Sutho Shire fanbase, and oh, i can take all the credit..
I alone have fed your band for a matter of weeks.
You really are the swellest of the swell.
I'm amongst friends (thanks all). Here's what I'm thinking.. I don't much care about trends (which is not to say that I don't happen to enjoy certain things which are, at some time, trendy)-- I'm just not too concerned with the quantity of people who are onboard. If you like our music, chances are that your mind works similar to mine, and really, what's your payoff for spending your time and breath making us more popular? I wonder this, honestly. You've already got the music. You've got the intimate shows. It could seem like a catch22-- by promoting us, you may lose us to the vacuuous pop culture, and the 12 year olds against the barricade. And then we start writing ambiguously religious anthems a la U2. Ahem,.. Gross.
But! and So! (mind you I despise pity, and I really really squirm exposing this side of musician me) We'll likely be able to spend half as much as Decomposer's budget on our new CD, (which we're working on this month!) and the promotion budget will be considerably less than Decomposer's, because justifiably, the record company budget is based on sales. Luckily, I can animate and draw, so we can still be ambitious with our videos and art, and we have friends with studios and big hearts and alot of hope too, so we get it done. One day soon though perhaps we'll be able to pay back a loan, pay back a favor, and eat out of our own refrigerators. Haha. No pity posts.
Oh! I want to ask-- does anyone work for/have friend/relative who is an editor of a magazine, or run a book site that might be interested in writing/running a story or mention on the author George Saunders and our song based on one of his stories?
The payoff is the great feeling you get when someone really likes the music you share with them. It's like a way of connecting with someone. We love your music and we want to share it with everyone we can. Your right about the catch 22 thing but I don't fear that we would loose you to the "pop culture" if you guys got really popular. That really doesn't mean anything to me. I know you will always put out great music and I'm going to listen and support you guys regardless of what other people think.
..I scrolled up and forgot what I wanted to say.. shit. My memory sucks. I think it was actually something witty too.
Anyway, 12 year olds against the barricade, what a horrible thing. It drives me insane. Because firstly, even thought they're 12 and I'm about to be 18, I'm standing at a wopping 5'4 and still can't see over them.. and secondly, the sound of their screechy little voices crying out for attention from someone twice their age(not to make you sound old) is enough to make you cringe and rip shove whatever is nearest into your eardrums.
Are they aware that not only can you normally not hear them from stage, but that it's also illegal?
Can you say jail bait?
Now, to a completely differant matter, you don't like U2?
I'd just like conformation that I'm not the only person in the world who does not see what is so amazing about them.
Don't worry...you guys aren't dying off, seriously...you will see on Warp Tour how many of your fans are supporting you and being there for your set. Of course, I tell everyone about you guys, because you have be so sweet to me and so I tell everyone you have a really great sound and you truly love your fans. Well Shawn, it was so great to finally meet you..after being such a fan of yours for a few years so I was so happy to meet you in November and hang with you in February....remember when I first met you, my first words were "this is so crazy meeting you, it is like I'm in uforia or something"..haha...I'm such a dork! Well these were short but nice times and unfortunatly I won't be able to support you guys in concert for some time because I'm moving back east to Nova Scotia and won't be able to check you guys out unless you head out further east of Canada...maybe someday....well I'm really sad that I'll miss you guys here in Toronto in August but hopefully I'll see you guys "sometime" but if it isn't for a long time..I wish you all the best and I will be looking for the new videos coming out soon and keep my eyes open for any new album releases in the future.....Ok, I'm writing you a silly sob story here....I'll miss ya hun......and remember french toast is good for you!
I need to reread my posts better. Take off the "t" in thought..
Take out the "rip" before shove..
One day I'll be able to type right.
I work at an independently owned record store in Ottawa,Canada and I love to play your album at work. Expanding your northern fan base is all in a day's work for me.
Shawn -
I find it ironic that just a couple weeks ago I was reading your column in AP giving tips about how to promote a band, and now I am reading your blog in which you are venting frustrations about your band's lack of album sales. I don't really mean this as a criticism... just wanted to point that out.
What sucks is a band becomes does become a 'fad' or 'trend' before good sales happen. And I'm sure, as a fan, no one wants you guys to become trendy.
I think the best thing for you guys to do is to have a fun time performing and meeting your fans this summer at Warped Tour. Do everything you can to promote Decomposer. When it comes down to it you just gotta have fun doing what you love to do. Music is obviously an important part of your life and you don't want spend the entire summer being frustrated. In the end everything will be set right.
i feel for you guys i truly do
but its true when i discovered you i told only a selected few and was shattered when more people found out about you.
i just wanted you all to myself with all the other dedicated fans because unlike people who do it for fads i.e the shitty 12 year olds
they dont really understand the greatness of your songs.
but after seeing you live at engadine i realised there was hardly any 12 year olds and i was soo happy.
but i am glad you realise that your fans love the intimate gigs the just chatting with you durring the support bands because many bands forget that when they make it big and leave us all behind. but you haven't and i have faith that you never will.
anyway i started "the matches aussie base" myspace because i thought you needed some more support down under. haha but seriously
love.
speaking as a fellow aussie ..(from the post above )
after reading this post last night and finding it quite upsetting after work today I went in search of your delightful album in the melbourne city , after going to two predominate cd stores and one claiming to specialise in 'alternative' music , I sadly came home empty handed .
There needs to be more gawd damn stock down here!!! (frustration directed at store owners)
especially if im going to buy the album for all my friends birthdays.
Looks like I'll be hitting up amazon .com with a bulk order
I found this blog to be quite humorous! Not because I have anything against you or The Matches in general, but because you just did an article in AP about how to expose your band in the music industry. I am an obsessive fan and will keep on harassing my friends and enemies to listen to you guys, and pull them along with me to every show you guys have in the area. But I think you need to take some of your own advice! Hope you didn't find any of this offensive or rude because it was not meant to be! Keep on being a hope-aholic because someday you will be rewarded!
not to brag but i've gotten at least 7 people i know to buy your albums and fall in love with them [the falling in love part was not forced, your music is just that great] i'll continue to support your band no matter what, sense your flipping awesome and all, you deserve it
Hey Shawn, just know that the people who have the album appreciate it for what it is. We're glad it's not a Big Mac. Keep spreading the word and don't stop playing to people who love you guys.
A side note: Weezer's pinkerton was considered a total flop, but due mostly to more recent success by the band, the album has come to be seen as their best and has sold 800,000 copies. Food for thought/hope.
If people can't wrap their minds around a band that isn't generic indie pop/new emo[ah I hate that word, it's completely lost any/all meaning] crap, that is their problem. They are missing out on one of the few bands that arn't disgustingly bland and cliche. P.S. Toronto loves you. Happy Warping this summer.
-Emdee-
So the budget is lower for the next time...
Your brain remains the same size (hope-ful-ly) - so come up with an inventive marketing plan for the new one and then create some kind of relational-treasure-map-like-link between the two discs that will force listeners to own both.
If it will work at all, it will be in the world you manifest...
Kathleen said...
..I scrolled up and forgot what I wanted to say.. shit. My memory sucks. I think it was actually something witty too.
Anyway, 12 year olds against the barricade, what a horrible thing. It drives me insane. Because firstly, even thought they're 12 and I'm about to be 18, I'm standing at a wopping 5'4 and still can't see over them.. and secondly, the sound of their screechy little voices crying out for attention from someone twice their age(not to make you sound old) is enough to make you cringe and rip shove whatever is nearest into your eardrums.
Are they aware that not only can you normally not hear them from stage, but that it's also illegal?
Can you say jail bait?
uhh
im 12..turning 13 soon
but i love the matches for their music
i dont have a screechy little voice and i dont cry out for their attention
anyyywayyyzzz
hii shawn =)
ive told heaps of my friends about yous and they lovee ur music.
im sure youll get BIG one day and youll sell a lot =D
oh and btw what katie said was on triple j a couple of days ago lol
have a good dayy =)
xx
CD sales are down everywhere. it is a major cause for concern. i'm a music industry major in college and we constantly hear about it.
i think the best way to sell your cd is by touring. in todays market live music attendence is increasing. i know for a fact you guys tour like crazy, so i think everything should be ok in the end.
come to the Electric Theater in St. George, Utah and I can guarantee you'll sell cds. i've told everyone about your band but no one here has it. come with the Higher next time they come!
I don't get it all that much. Everyone I've absolutely forced to listen to decomposer, has said "it's kind of boring". Which saddens me to some extent. The small percentage of me that it doesn't sadden is the part of me that doesn't want you to become huge and only do big Arena tours.
I saw you guys support motion city, must have been maybe a year ago (You were awesome may I add). But yeah, I appreciate your need to earn money, but if it does start to sell well and you guys get more popular, don't forget us guys who can't afford to travel to the bigger venues!
Garrrr my friend at summer camp had me look you guys up back in '07 when decomposer came out. but I was too musically involved with coheed and cambria and a billion other bands to really listen to the matches. now decomposer is my favorite album and the matches my favorite band for about two months.
I'm so pissed I didn't catch on before!!
Anyway, love you guys, your clever metaphors and lyrics, your original style, and your hopeful outlook on shit in the world! haha its all good.
~ Sarah
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