Anti Flag on a Major

Baz · 26th April 2005, 10:09 AM

the said it would never happen, i fuckin knew it would, make of this what you will -

April 26th, 2005 | Dear Friends...
Posted by Anti-Flag

Dear Friends and Family,

We have important news to share with you. We are currently writing and planning to record our next full-length album to be released on RCA Records in early 2006. Our relationship with the incredible people at Fat Wreck stays intact and we cannot thank them enough for their continued friendship and support.

To be frank, shit talkers will talk shit because that’s what they do… WE DO NOT GIVE A FUCK! We started this band to be heard, NOT to be controlled by petty people who want to tear down everything we attempt, instead of creating something of their own. We started this band to say what we want to say, the way we want to say it, for all to hear!

New label or not, Anti-Flag will continue to operate in that manner. We will continue to speak out against sexism, racism, and homophobia, as well as punk-scene elitism and superficial assholes. We will continue to stand against the mindlessness and dangers of patriotism, nationalism, militarism, fascism, and morally bankrupt neo-conservatives.

To those of you who consider yourself a part of our community, we understand that our decision may cause you concern or piss you off. We deeply respect you and do not want to discount your concerns. We want you to know that we are confident in our choice and completely committed to the principles that we have backed over the last 10+ years.

It’s past time to pick a side and take a stand! Years ago we chose the side of equality and justice and with this we re-affirm that choice. There are bigger battles to be fought than what text is on the back cover of an album.

Love-Peace-Unity-Respect, Anti-Flag

------------------------------

bullshit

fightfightfight · 26th April 2005, 10:27 AM

labelmates with avril now.

Baz · 26th April 2005, 10:51 AM

is it just me or do you think that this is the stupidest thing they could`ve done? obviously not from a financial point of view. but from the view that everything they say they have fought for over the past 10 years will now seem meaningless and all respect will be lost from a massive majority of their old and current fanbase. Fat was a big enough label for them, they must be making a fair bit already as Justin has his own label and has done for a while. why chuck in the respect you have earned for a few extra quid?

and the whole `we now have the chance to get our message out to a lot more people` argument is just bullshit. if you make a good record, people will buy it regardless of how well its promoted and marketed.

I like how they're going to be speaking out against punk elitists just as much as homophobia and sexism etc, they're going to have to with the panning they're going to be getting.

so much for "undeground network, alternative communication" huh?

going to a major is`nt a massive deal, a lot of bands end up there. i dont particularly like or listen to Anti Flag anymore but this will make me and a lot of other question the validity of thier ethics.

paul engage · 26th April 2005, 11:12 AM

hah.. I thought they always were on a major.. ah well.. they sounded like they were anyway..

Baz · 26th April 2005, 11:18 AM

yeah, they have been pretty dire for a while now. i just never bought into the pre packaged slogans n shit.

Keerin · 26th April 2005, 02:17 PM

rage against the machine.

never liked anti flag anyway. always thought they were boring.

My First Kev · 26th April 2005, 04:47 PM

i hate the fact that they are flipant enough to say "text on the back cover" is why people are pissed off at them. I think singing to a major signals much more of a change than that.

i'll keep a close eye on Anti-Flag before i make any harsh judegments but with them doing this after such a long period of time on indie labels i have to be a little cynical.

worriedsheep · 26th April 2005, 08:30 PM

Turncoats

Tommy Sports · 26th April 2005, 09:10 PM

i hate large faceless record companys as much as the next person, but surely using up as much of a major corporations money as possible to make the best album you can and have it heard by a bigger audience is better than bankrupting an indie label because they cant meet the demand.
you can kick and scream as much as you want but at the end of the day if it wasnt for 'sellout' bands thered be an infinite amount of great music going unlistened too.
anti flag are shit anyway.

xdavidx · 26th April 2005, 09:14 PM

good songwriting doesn't cost a penny, what's the point in reaching a wider audience if your message is null and void?

and anti-flag are shit anyway.

Kierkegaard · 26th April 2005, 09:33 PM

I guess the consensus on the forum is quite rightly against Anti-Flag's decision, but if there's anyone thinking of standing up for it then consider this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anti-Flag

We will continue to stand against the mindlessness and dangers of patriotism, nationalism, militarism, fascism, and morally bankrupt neo-conservatives.

I'd encourage these guys to do their research on where a lot of major label money goes into - RCA is a subsidiary of BMG, which is a media off-shot of the Pargesa Group; this in turn makes the label a "sister" company of Hutchinson Worldwide and Barry Controls, who are involved in supplying ring mounts and shock/vibration isolators for US fighter jets. The coffers from the CDs will be going, via the hands of "morally bankrupt neo-conservatives", into the funding of "militarism". Well done, Anti-Flag.

Anti-Flag were never the best band to listen to if you wanted really challenging politics, but at least in the past they used to deal with pertinent issues in a stead-fast and sincere manner. To be honest, I saw this coming - the last album was pretty poor musically and politically, and it seems like they're becoming yet another way for RCA to raid disaffected kids wallets and funnel the cash into another Republican election campaign in 2008.

The Pumpkin · 26th April 2005, 09:52 PM

i heard about this a while ago, or at least rumours of it. ive never liked anti flag in particular, a couple good songs.

'To be frank, shit talkers will talk shit because that’s what they do… '- describing themselves perhaps?

neilcoalesce · 27th April 2005, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

is it just me or do you think that this is the stupidest thing they could`ve done? obviously not from a financial point of view.

EVEN from a financial point of view. They'll be on less royalties on a major than they would have been on Fat (unless they've got a VERY good lawyer). It's always sad when a band moves to a major from an indie - it just sends out the message than indies are just a training ground. Judgement reserved until I hear the new album. RCA? FFS? Aye, they did a great job with Cave In didn't they...

Remember this - funny (and true)
http://www.negativland.com/albini.html

26th April 2005, 10:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Baz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Dundee Posts: 4,781 Band: 15 Minutes	Anti Flag on a Major the said it would never happen, i fuckin knew it would, make of this what you will - April 26th, 2005 \| Dear Friends... Posted by Anti-Flag Dear Friends and Family, We have important news to share with you. We are currently writing and planning to record our next full-length album to be released on RCA Records in early 2006. Our relationship with the incredible people at Fat Wreck stays intact and we cannot thank them enough for their continued friendship and support. To be frank, shit talkers will talk shit because that’s what they do… WE DO NOT GIVE A FUCK! We started this band to be heard, NOT to be controlled by petty people who want to tear down everything we attempt, instead of creating something of their own. We started this band to say what we want to say, the way we want to say it, for all to hear! New label or not, Anti-Flag will continue to operate in that manner. We will continue to speak out against sexism, racism, and homophobia, as well as punk-scene elitism and superficial assholes. We will continue to stand against the mindlessness and dangers of patriotism, nationalism, militarism, fascism, and morally bankrupt neo-conservatives. To those of you who consider yourself a part of our community, we understand that our decision may cause you concern or piss you off. We deeply respect you and do not want to discount your concerns. We want you to know that we are confident in our choice and completely committed to the principles that we have backed over the last 10+ years. It’s past time to pick a side and take a stand! Years ago we chose the side of equality and justice and with this we re-affirm that choice. There are bigger battles to be fought than what text is on the back cover of an album. Love-Peace-Unity-Respect, Anti-Flag ------------------------------ bullshit

26th April 2005, 10:51 AM	#3 (permalink)
Baz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Dundee Posts: 4,781 Band: 15 Minutes	is it just me or do you think that this is the stupidest thing they could`ve done? obviously not from a financial point of view. but from the view that everything they say they have fought for over the past 10 years will now seem meaningless and all respect will be lost from a massive majority of their old and current fanbase. Fat was a big enough label for them, they must be making a fair bit already as Justin has his own label and has done for a while. why chuck in the respect you have earned for a few extra quid? and the whole `we now have the chance to get our message out to a lot more people` argument is just bullshit. if you make a good record, people will buy it regardless of how well its promoted and marketed. I like how they're going to be speaking out against punk elitists just as much as homophobia and sexism etc, they're going to have to with the panning they're going to be getting. so much for "undeground network, alternative communication" huh? going to a major is`nt a massive deal, a lot of bands end up there. i dont particularly like or listen to Anti Flag anymore but this will make me and a lot of other question the validity of thier ethics. Last edited by Baz : 26th April 2005 at 11:17 AM.

26th April 2005, 02:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
Keerin UGS Site Writer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: probably work Posts: 6,634 Band: Welcome Home, Explorer; Vulsellum; Altruist	rage against the machine. never liked anti flag anyway. always thought they were boring. __________________ Welcome Home, Explorer \|Vulsellum\|Scum Killer http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...6/scan0002.jpg

26th April 2005, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
fightfightfight Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Falkirk Posts: 1,737 Band: The Fight Back	labelmates with avril now.

26th April 2005, 11:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
paul engage Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 1,972	hah.. I thought they always were on a major.. ah well.. they sounded like they were anyway..

26th April 2005, 11:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Baz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Dundee Posts: 4,781 Band: 15 Minutes	yeah, they have been pretty dire for a while now. i just never bought into the pre packaged slogans n shit.

26th April 2005, 04:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
My First Kev Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posts: 1,960	i hate the fact that they are flipant enough to say "text on the back cover" is why people are pissed off at them. I think singing to a major signals much more of a change than that. i'll keep a close eye on Anti-Flag before i make any harsh judegments but with them doing this after such a long period of time on indie labels i have to be a little cynical.

26th April 2005, 08:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
worriedsheep Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Leven Posts: 344	Turncoats

26th April 2005, 09:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tommy Sports Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3,667 Band: Juliet Kilo	i hate large faceless record companys as much as the next person, but surely using up as much of a major corporations money as possible to make the best album you can and have it heard by a bigger audience is better than bankrupting an indie label because they cant meet the demand. you can kick and scream as much as you want but at the end of the day if it wasnt for 'sellout' bands thered be an infinite amount of great music going unlistened too. anti flag are shit anyway.

26th April 2005, 09:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
xdavidx Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Glasgow. Posts: 6,998 Band: Spitelicker, LOLsquad.	good songwriting doesn't cost a penny, what's the point in reaching a wider audience if your message is null and void? and anti-flag are shit anyway.

26th April 2005, 09:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
The Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: id like to be in Camden Town Posts: 3,325 Band: Spengler	i heard about this a while ago, or at least rumours of it. ive never liked anti flag in particular, a couple good songs. 'To be frank, shit talkers will talk shit because that’s what they do… '- describing themselves perhaps?