New Fortus Interview: "I?m hoping to finish up the next Guns n Roses album soon"

[jarmo]

but it has been said here before that it's not a big deal that this lineup hasn't released anything because no one buys albums anymore.  I don't subscribe to that theory.

I can sort of see where that "idea" might come from.
The same place where somebody could say it's no big deal there's no new music videos out because there's no MTV to play them.

Maybe a new release or a new music video doesn't have the same impact they had in the past, so maybe that's why it might be less of a "big deal" to some people.

Who knows....



/jarmo

[draguns]

If Axl says tracks are done, then it's great.

You could always fall back on the label holding things up, which may or may not be true.  Who knows?  Given the success of the AFD release (yes, I bought a copy) you?d think that the label understands there?s still a market for GnR music.  That sounds reasonable...or the industry could still be out ta get him.

As I stated earlier. We don't know. But we can assume Axl doesn't want to have a similar experience that he had with Chinese again.
There might be some arm wrestling going on before you get to an agreement. We don't know.


Yes, there is a market for new GN'R music. Of course. We all know that. But this is where the mighty dollar comes into the picture. If a fan doesn't buy what's being released, (s)he's not helping. A lot of fans didn't buy the DVD/Blu-ray. Why is that? Because they can see it anyway?

Years ago you had to get the VHS if you wanted to watch a concert film. Now with the Internet, you can always say "I saw most of it for free and decided not to buy it since I'm not gonna watch it often anyway".
Same with records.

Sometimes it's a bit weird to relate. I can understand not having money and so on. Some of us were around when kids used to tape other kids' records so they could get a copy. It's somewhat ironic to read comments saying people wish GN'R would put out something, and then some of those same people still don't seem too keen to spend the money on it when they do....




/jarmo

I bought the Tokyo video back in the day. I watched it a lot back then since I had time and was in high school. This time I decided not to buy the Appetite for Democracy. I just don't have the time like I did back then to watch it. I think this is an issue for the majority of the GNR fan base - hard core or casual.  Much like Slash/Aerosmith, GNR's fan base has gotten older. You can't schedule a concert in the middle of the work week like how Slash & Aerosmith did for their Prudential concert (tickets are now on Groupon, which means they are having a hard time to sell). Ditto with GNR for releasing a DVD. Majority of their fan base are now parents and/or work long hours.

I really do think that just an audio version of the concert would have sold much better. I would have bought it. Better yet, a new album would rock out more than a DVD. Just saying.

I think that each band and music artist needs to focus on who is in their age range for their music and as a result what type of product they need to sell to make money and get their music out there.

[D-GenerationX]

I agree that albums don't sell as well as they used to...but that condition affects the entire industry, not just Guns n Roses.  The fact that albums don't sell as well as they used to doesn't preclude other bands from releasing albums.  But yet it's used by some here as a reason why GnR isn't releasing an album.

Times change...remember when music videos were a big deal?  (yes, I am showing my age).  Back in the day, the only way you heard songs were over the radio, MTV, or you bought the CD.  Now, there are many, many ways to listen to entire albums for a fraction of the cost, or sometimes for free.

That's just the way it is now, and I'm not aware of any other bands blaming the current state of affairs as the reason why they are not releasing new material.  The only place I see that being used as an excuse is here.

Would not change a word.

Tremendous.

[D-GenerationX]

I know you didn't say it...but it has been said here before that it's not a big deal that this lineup hasn't released anything because no one buys albums anymore.  I don't subscribe to that theory.

Nor should you.  Because its ridiculous.

Bands release stuff every week of every year.  From the indie newbie to the biggest of the big.  How are they doing it?  Because that's the job.  Artists write, record, and release music.

But we talk like its splitting the atom.  Or have these macro discussions about "the industry". 

Yet out of the entire industry, its only Guns N' Roses that are on to the state secret its "not 1991 anymore."  Everyone else, they keep putting out products, all without the knowledge that the business is not the same as it was over 20 years ago.  Bless their hearts.   But, blessed with that knowledge, GNR doesn't fall into that trap.  They show how they've adapted by doing....nothing.  Those clever bastards.

Look, its excuse making, plain and simple.  Why do we talk about these things?  Because it shifts blame.  And avoids the awful truth of talking about the reality that our favorite band is one poorly run operation.  One we follow like a now hapless sports team that won a title when we were kids, but has now drifted into near irrelevance due to consistent mismanagement and countless missed opportunities and overall inaction.

But we're fans until we die, so we aren't going anywhere.

Finally, and this is key...the answer to any of this is not "oh, so you know what goes on behind the scenes, smartguy??"  That's just more of the same of what I'm talking about.  Misdirection to avoid having to acknowledge the current state of affairs objectively.

[jarmo]

I bought the Tokyo video back in the day. I watched it a lot back then since I had time and was in high school. This time I decided not to buy the Appetite for Democracy. I just don't have the time like I did back then to watch it. I think this is an issue for the majority of the GNR fan base - hard core or casual.   

Ok, you don't have time. Got it.

I get that most casual fans wouldn't buy it. Maybe they would if they stumbled across it and thought it looked cool, or if they were at the show.

Anyway. you mention hardcore fans. I think most people who post on fan sites dedicated to the band would be labeled as such by outsiders. Don't you think?
So when hardcore fans who spend many (working?) hours of the week on the Internet say they don't have time to watch a concert and therefore can't spend the money on it, it's interesting.

I hope somebody gets it for you for the holidays and you got a few hours to spare. It's a great package to have for all fans.


At least you don't need to rewind it once you're done.  


I think if the hardcore fans got their way, there'd be a box set out and you wouldn't have time to listen to all of it in one sitting.


/jarmo

[GNR2014]

I thought that the DVD was selling good?
Wasn't it #1 for 2 weeks in a row, and now still in the Top 3 after 4 weeks?

[D-GenerationX]

Anyway. you mention hardcore fans. I think most people who post on fan sites dedicated to the band would be labeled as such by outsiders. Don't you think?
So when hardcore fans who spend many (working?) hours of the week on the Internet say they don't have time to watch a concert and therefore can't spend the money on it, it's interesting.

How is that interesting?  What does that even mean?

Interesting how?

[westcoast_junkie]

It's probably interesting because most fans wanna check out new official releases. It's all on youtube, check out the thread for it, and a member with the name of a vodka brand has posted the link.

When it comes to a new album: the Gunners seems eager to get to this, and that's a solid
basis. That's so solid that it's gonna get over any obstacles. I bet on a new album before X-mas 

[jarmo]

Anyway. you mention hardcore fans. I think most people who post on fan sites dedicated to the band would be labeled as such by outsiders. Don't you think?
So when hardcore fans who spend many (working?) hours of the week on the Internet say they don't have time to watch a concert and therefore can't spend the money on it, it's interesting.

How is that interesting?  What does that even mean?

Interesting how?

Like a clown?

It's interesting because you assume hardcore fans are the ones who still buy their favorite band's releases.
I guess times have changed to the point where the hardcore fans are sometimes as casual as the so called casual fans?

Not saying it's wrong. People "grow up". I get it, get different priorities in life etc etc.




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Anyway. you mention hardcore fans. I think most people who post on fan sites dedicated to the band would be labeled as such by outsiders. Don't you think?
So when hardcore fans who spend many (working?) hours of the week on the Internet say they don't have time to watch a concert and therefore can't spend the money on it, it's interesting.

How is that interesting?  What does that even mean?

Interesting how?

Like a clown?

It's interesting because you assume hardcore fans are the ones who still buy their favorite band's releases.
I guess times have changed to the point where the hardcore fans are sometimes as casual as the so called casual fans?

Not saying it's wrong. People "grow up". I get it, get different priorities in life etc etc.

"like a clown".  Hahahaha.  Nice.

I saw this more as a stopgap sort of release.  A tide over.

That remix album could have been the same thing, but it needed to come out before now, I think.

[jarmo]

To me personally, this makes me think. It's not as easy as hardcore and casual fans. There's obviously casual hardcore fans as well... Posting on a fan forum doesn't necessarily make you hardcore in the sense that you're prepared to buy every release by your favorite band, but it does mean you're prepared to spend some of your time (possibly at work/school) to check out what's up with your favorite band.

It's pretty interesting.

Makes you wonder whether or not these same fans would be prepared to buy something like a remix collection or a re-issue of a previously released album. Personally I'd buy both.




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Makes you wonder whether or not these same fans would be prepared to buy something like a remix collection or a re-issue of a previously released album. Personally I'd buy both.

I'm going to buy just about any audio release sight unseen.

But like a lot of things in life, timing is important.  A re-mix album of CD songs is an easier sell in say, 2010 than 2014.  As I said earlier, it would be seen as a tide over until the next album.

But, to wait 6 whole years (or more) and then have your first offering be simply re-mixes of songs you recorded as many as 12 years ago?  You'd have to be prepared that people are going to roll their eyes at best, and tear you apart at worst.  I think they've missed their window on the re-mix thing, unless its a supplement or bonus disc with an honest to god new album.

[Axl4Prez2004]

Makes you wonder whether or not these same fans would be prepared to buy something like a remix collection or a re-issue of a previously released album. Personally I'd buy both.

I'm going to buy just about any audio release sight unseen.

But like a lot of things in life, timing is important.  A re-mix album of CD songs is an easier sell in say, 2010 than 2014.  As I said earlier, it would be seen as a tide over until the next album.

But, to wait 6 whole years (or more) and then have your first offering be simply re-mixes of songs you recorded as many as 12 years ago?  You'd have to be prepared that people are going to roll their eyes at best, and tear you apart at worst.  I think they've missed their window on the re-mix thing, unless its a supplement or bonus disc with an honest to god new album.

D-GenerationX, I agree that the re-mix thing would be best marketed as a supplement or bonus disc/download...or, as a complimentary gift to concert-goers.

If I'm GNR, I'd just set up the next album with a conditional payment system.
Ya want the new album?  Put yer money down.  A limited # are randomly signed by the band and all who put their order in have an equal shot at acquiring the signed copies...kinda like Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. 
Once we reach x million orders, voila, release time!
 

[jarmo]

Makes you wonder whether or not these same fans would be prepared to buy something like a remix collection or a re-issue of a previously released album. Personally I'd buy both.

I'm going to buy just about any audio release sight unseen.

But like a lot of things in life, timing is important.  A re-mix album of CD songs is an easier sell in say, 2010 than 2014.  As I said earlier, it would be seen as a tide over until the next album.

But, to wait 6 whole years (or more) and then have your first offering be simply re-mixes of songs you recorded as many as 12 years ago?  You'd have to be prepared that people are going to roll their eyes at best, and tear you apart at worst.  I think they've missed their window on the re-mix thing, unless its a supplement or bonus disc with an honest to god new album.

Easier to sell to who?

Bands put out unreleased mixes from years ago all the time. Or they just remix a previously released track to put out a new mix for a compilation. Same thing. It's an unreleased version of an previously released track.

What's the big deal when the original was released? Or when a previously unreleased song was recorded if you just bought the album and you never heard the song...





/jarmo

[Gavgnr]

Jarmo- do you think in your opinion that it would be a safe bet that we'd see the remix album before Chinese part 2?

Do you think that we might see a reissue of Chinese with correct booklet instead of a remix album? (Or both?)

[LIGuns]

A lot of fans didn't buy the DVD/Blu-ray. Why is that? Because they can watch it anyway.

I bought the Tokyo video back in the day. I watched it a lot back then since I had time and was in high school. This time I decided not to buy the Appetite for Democracy. I just don't have the time like I did back then to watch it.


Two great points..I have my fix of live footage from YouTube. Not just from that show but from others as well...In this case Youtube helps and hurts a band. It keeps them relevant to the fans,but hurts the sale of a product.
I also bought the UYI VHS (later on DVD) when life was "less complicated". Now with a family, job etc I don't have the time to thou roughly enjoy. Nearly 3 hour DVD. I love movies, yet haven't even bought a blue-ray. Looking forward to an audio release that I can enjoy on the go.

[GNR2014]

A lot of fans didn't buy the DVD/Blu-ray. Why is that? Because they can watch it anyway.

I bought the Tokyo video back in the day. I watched it a lot back then since I had time and was in high school. This time I decided not to buy the Appetite for Democracy. I just don't have the time like I did back then to watch it.


Two great points..I have my fix of live footage from YouTube. Not just from that show but from others as well...In this case Youtube helps and hurts a band. It keeps them relevant to the fans,but hurts the sale of a product.
I also bought the UYI VHS (later on DVD) when life was "less complicated". Now with a family, job etc I don't have the time to thou roughly enjoy. Nearly 3 hour DVD. I love movies, yet haven't even bought a blue-ray. Looking forward to an audio release that I can enjoy on the go.

I wonder if this organization does any market research at all...?

A quick perusal of the dozens of GNR forums including their official ones on Facebook, backplane, ParadiseCity.com and here will tell you that fans are clamoring for product "A," and instead, they are offered product "B." 

[draguns]

Anyway. you mention hardcore fans. I think most people who post on fan sites dedicated to the band would be labeled as such by outsiders. Don't you think?
So when hardcore fans who spend many (working?) hours of the week on the Internet say they don't have time to watch a concert and therefore can't spend the money on it, it's interesting.

How is that interesting?  What does that even mean?

Interesting how?

Like a clown?

It's interesting because you assume hardcore fans are the ones who still buy their favorite band's releases.
I guess times have changed to the point where the hardcore fans are sometimes as casual as the so called casual fans?

Not saying it's wrong. People "grow up". I get it, get different priorities in life etc etc.




/jarmo

When Slash came out with his "Live in Stoke", I only bought the album on iTunes. I didn't get the DVD. The hardcore fans will always be hardcore fans. It's just that priorities in your own life comes first especially when you are older. If Guns came out with an audio version of this, I would have bought it. Whoever did the marketing just didn't do a good job of assessing the fan base and which product would sell.  I keep hearing this saying and I believe it's true in business: Know your audience and customers.

[jarmo]

Jarmo- do you think in your opinion that it would be a safe bet that we'd see the remix album before Chinese part 2?

Do you think that we might see a reissue of Chinese with correct booklet instead of a remix album? (Or both?)

I really have no idea.

On one hand it would make sense to release the remixes before something completely new. On the other hands, everybody knows there's a bigger demand for the new studio album.


No idea how the remixes will be released. There's all kinds of interesting ways you could do that. As a companion bonus disc on a proper Chinese Democracy re-release, as a vinyl only (without distortion) set, EPs or packs of remixes....




/jarmo

[Gavgnr]

You're right about the greater demand for Chinese part 2, even though id love to hear the remixes.

For me, I'd love to see Guns concentrate their efforts on cd 2 and perhaps release the remixes as a digital option with the release of that album. Perhaps there could be a code inside the booklet of Chinese part 2 where you insert it online and pay a fee to get high quality downloads of the remixes plus the correct, Axl envisioned artwork that SHOULD have been released with Chinese as Axl himself wanted.