Most of us grew up in a world where we listened to radio, or watched MTV – and if we liked a song, we went out and bought the record / tape / cd. If a musician or group had some good songs, they could get a recording deal. If the recordings had real potential for sales, they would get distribution, and they could make a living.

That way of doing things seems to be over…

The dying breath of the “old” music industry has left us artists with no where to turn to, but life on the road. Touring for a living, in order to build a fan base. In my case, as a family man, who has other marketable skills (I am a landscape contractor) this is not an option that I have even considered. I can do all the shows that I want (and I have done many over the years), and there will never be an A&R person showing up to watch and listen – and I would never get a major label deal (even if I wanted one).

So as artists, we establish communities, such as Oxen Media, in order to promote our art. What is the goal? Certainly not money…
While most of us would love to make a living from our works, we understand that this is not likely to happen. We do this for the love of doing it, and to share our work with others who may enjoy it.

What is the benefit for the visitor / fan?
The works featured on this site are not intended as commodity, or capital. This is evident. No executives have scrutinized our work, and enforced unwanted changes upon it, in order to make it more suitable for mass consumption. We are not driving BMW’s or banging groupies, although most of us would like to. We have day jobs to pay the bills. We do this at night, when we are exhausted, and probably should be getting sleep. These works of art are honest and unfiltered.
I am not a political scientist, but to me – this is democracy.
People sharing with people the best way that they know how.

thanks for your time,
Robert
aka Erik, or Bob.