New Video and Big News!
Chicago Punk Rock & Roll Band Walks Away from Disinclined Major Record Label
Dear friends, fans, peers, industry folks, and Roy Orbison:
Double high-fives in the air to all from AM Taxi. We’re thrilled to announce some really exciting news: we left our record label! We no longer “work” with Virgin/EMI. Things weren’t going the way we wanted, which is to say by the end, things weren’t going anywhere at all. We got sick of waiting, so we split. Adios. Adieu. Sayonara. We want to be more in touch with the people that are buying our records, and we want to be able to give away free music & videos.
Big changes went down at Virgin/EMI; people got fired, hired, replaced, and relocated. This caused things at the label to come to a stand still just as we started gaining some real momentum. After extensive touring and the release of our debut record, everything really began to come together. We wanted to keep working, but we couldn’t get a straight answer from anyone at the label. It quickly became obvious that they were too afraid of losing their job to make a move and support us. We also knew there were some people over there who just didn‘t get it. They didn’t care, and they certainly weren’t helping us or making things any easier. This went on for over two months before we finally said “fuck it” and let our lawyer go to town. Fortunately, we walked away owning all our masters, videos, and art.
All of this is to be expected in this fun business and believe me, it was expected from day one: we thought the record title said it all (We Don‘t Stand a Chance). You just gotta move on, and that’s what we’re doing. We tour the US all this month with the legendary Saw Doctors from Ireland. Some stops include Slim's in San Francisco; the House of Blues Boston; The Vic Theatre in Chicago and two nights at New York City’s Irving Plaza. We’ll also be frequently putting out free music and videos starting with this appropriate cover: here’s our version of the Sex Pistols' classic ,“EMI” recorded by Andy Gerber at Million Yen. The video was directed by Nathan Cox. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV4-jPg5V8I
We don’t know what lies ahead, but we do know that there are some really incredible people all over this country that have been kind, open and generous to us. We will continue to play music as long as they continue to listen.
Thanks for coming this far with us. See you on the road this month!
XOXO.
AM TAXI
6 comments:
Adam, Jason, Chris, Johnny, and Luke: You know that you ALWAYS have the support of my sons and I here in Minnesota!!! ANYTHING that you guys need that we can do to help you in any way possible, please just holler!!! Plus, you also always have a free place to stay here as well - so, please take us up on that anytime you're in MN!!! We can't wait for AM Taxi to return to the Twin Cities!!! They say everything happens for a reason, and you guys are all so talented, you will be fine with or without a label!!! Keep making great music, and we will keep promoting it for you!!! We love you guys!!! Hugs, Jackie, Chris, and Andy (you haven't met Andy yet, but he sure wants to meet you all)!!!
dude yall have major balls!!!!! if i was in your position i would have totally chickened out :D but anyway, i wish you guys luck on the tour, and hope you find a more understanding lable. i would try fearless records. not only do they have bad ass artist but they have a variety, so they must do something right!
bye :)
Congrats on the move guys. WDSAC, is one of the single best debuts I have ever heard, and I was among the fortunate to catch your set w/ The Saw Doctors @ The Vic. I had never seen you before and I was blown away by your energy, your songs, and how dynamic you were on stage in a support slot, which is never easy. You rocked it. Hard.
Your Virgin story is sadly spot-on. I know. I worked at a major label for almost 15 years and decided to leave after they rejected Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot ... Oh gee ... I named the label there didn't I ? Oops ...
I am happily retired from that business after having a lot of fun, and making a lot of memories. The truth is that they, the majors, will tell you to your face that it's about the music , and it's not. It's ALL about money and perceived power. You were smart to get out. Remember what Joe said: "he who fucks nuns will later join the church" .
See you at the next All Ages gig in Chicago. I'm over 21, but I want my teenage son...who LOVES WDSAC to see you.
Safe travels ,
Patrick
Congratulations guys! Thats a huge step for you and it feels like in the right direction! I absolutely love your music and whenI finally got to see you guys at Warped last summer was amazing! You guys are better live then anything else! I hope to hear a new record soon and some nation wide touring! Seattle please! :) I'll keep supporting you and will always support you no matter what your desicions are and i know yoou'll always be doing it for the music and nothing else which is just amazing! I wish all the luck and best to you! See you soon! (hopefully)
AnnaTheresa
Seattle
Saw you open for the Saw Doctors at House of Blues in LA and have been hooked ever since. Glad you survived your escape from 'the machine' and look forward to hearing MORE MORE MORE!
Not sure posting this much details about your business is in good form. Mainly because your fans don't give a shit about it. Just tell us when new music/videos come out and where we can see you play. I don't think your any cooler for "walking away from your label".
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