Even the music industry is aware of its unsustainable business model; the RIAA & co. is just trying to squeeze money out of the old system as long as possible. Luckily, indie artists are experimenting all the time, trying out new deals that don’t alienate and criminalize their biggest fans.

Josh Freese, a drummer whose been playing for offbeat bands since the 70s—Devo, Offspring, Nine Inch Nails—released his second solo album this week and demonstrated the limitless possibilities for those willing to be creative.

Fans can get a single for free, download the whole album for $7, or get a CD/DVD for $15. Those are the conventional offers, obviously. But from there, the packages get extra special. For $50, fans get autographed discs and tees, and a thank you phone call. Freese is sold out of the $250 package, which includes signed drumsticks and lunch with Freese at the Cheesecake Factory, providing the fan will be in the LA area.

There are $500, 1000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000 and $75,000 packages. The big one wins the signed memorabilia, a 5-song record about their life, one of Freese’s drumsets, a shrooms cruise of Hollywood in a Lamborghini that belongs to a guy from Tool, and Freese will be their personal cabana boy.

Now that’s innovation. No suits needed.

Posted on Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Permalink