I attended a concert the other night which I really enjoyed from one of my favorite artists: Death Grips. They are an indie Hip Hop/electronic group with a lot of punk and violent overtones. What's interesting about the group is their tendency to resist the mainstream.
As an example, they are signed to epic records, a well known record label, even though they are a more independent underground group, with most of their fanbase comprising of young people on the internet. However, they do not enjoy their contract with epic. Their third album release kept getting pushed back further and further even though the album was ready and as a result, released their third album, No Love Deep Web, for free as a digital download. Epic was not contacted about the leak. The album cover was a low res picture of an erect penis with the album title written on it.
The whole thing is interesting because it's easy to wonder what both sides were expecting. Why did Epic sign a group known for fighting the system and expect them to roll over when they wanted to delay their third album? Why did Death Grips sign with Epic only to renege on them in a very childish manner that would put them in costly litigation indefinitely?
At the concert though, it was very clear that Death Grips was not affected by releasing their album for free. They performed a good show and there was an excellent turn out. Death Grips is still touring around the world so clearly, as counterculture figures, they are doing something right. Going against Epic legitimized them in an underground subculture based on resistance.
Despite the harsh litigation that Death Grips is sure to receive, I would not be surprised if they are still deeply in the black once the dust settles. They chose their fans over their contractual responsibility, and consequently further word will spread of their rebellious act, as noticed by the excellent turn out at the concert you were at. The money they will make will surely even out the litigation (at least on could assume depending on how long they will be touring), and they still will have the respect of their fans, unlike bands such as Green Day or the like.
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