Fair to fans:
Record companies have grossly overcharged music fans - especially since the introduction of the audio CD - resulting in the universal culture of copying and sharing albums for free by music fans. Who can blame them?
Now, much of the industry is cutting prices, but it's too little too late. We are music fans too, and believe in making music available as cheaply as we possibly can, while still making enough income to sustain the music-making process.
Fair to musicians:
The record companies' history of unfair treatment of musicians is well known. Artists traditionally receive a tiny percentage of profits, and they are the lucky ones! Many artists have never received a penny in royalties, due to a culture of sharp practice and downright fraud in the industry. most members of Here and Now and Gong, for example, have never had a penny from Charly Records, despite estimated total sales of more than half a million albums.
Sustainability for the Earth:
We believe in treading lightly on the Earth. Working from home, using green electricity and light recycleable packaging all help with ecology ...and economy. And we are always on the lookout for even greener solutions.
Sustainability for music:
By organising our own CD sales via the internet, we can keep prices low, thereby encouraging loyalty from our customers. We know how many albums are sold, and can distribute all net income directly to the artists.
We Need You!
You music fans are our esteemed patrons - it is through your support that we can survive as musicians, and we appeal to you to continue to support our goal of Fair Trade Music. Every CD you buy, puts food directly on the tables of us musicians, and means we can sustain our musical output.
Blessings, love and eternal gratitude, fellow music lovers,
Free Love Records
More to be added here from time to time including 'where the money goes' pie-charts - comparisons of traditional CD income breakdown versus 'Fair Trade Music' income breakdown. And new Fair Trade Music initiatives. Any thoughts, comments, ideas? - Please click here to email us.