03.14.2001 - Panel Discussion
Ray Davies (The Kinks)
 Bright and early Thursday morning, a
few hundred music fans crowded into the ballroom to listen to Ray Davies of The Kinks talk
about music and his view of the industry's direction.
Ray talked about his "fantasy" records, the ones
he might have made if he had been able to, or if he had not hit fame so early.
One of his major points was the real need for artists and
business types to work together. He expressed his belief that it is hypocritical to
demonize the people who can help artists make money. Just as many artists are
arrogant and unrealistic as business types are greedy. It is in the cooperation and
mutual respect that the real success lies.
His take on Napster was one of mixed emotions. While
it can help starting artists reach a broader market, it was the music rights that
paid the bills for Davies in the early days.
Davies also expressed a belief that the industry must be
more creative in finding a balance between free distribution of new music and artist
compensation.
And this year's SXSW show floor was proof that the changes
of which Davies spoke are here and now. The latest trend in the music industry is the push
for putting tools in the hands of artist so they may have greater control over their own
destinies.
Rick & Richard at SXSW
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